Why is Basil Pesto classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The sauce combines refined oils, multiple dairy powders, wheat flour and added stabilisers, which places it in the ultra‑processed category (NOVA 4). It lists two food‑additive codes: E270 (lactic acid) and E300 (ascorbic acid), plus natural flavourings.

How does the sugar and salt content in this pesto affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 9.3 g of sugar per 100 g, the product is moderate and can raise blood glucose if consumed in large amounts, requiring caution for diabetics. The salt level of 2.2 g per 100 g is lower than the average for sauces but still contributes significantly to daily sodium intake, so hypertensive individuals should limit portion size.

Based on its ingredients, is Basil Pesto suitable for strict diets like Vegan, Keto, Halal, or Gluten‑Free?

No. It contains whey powder, hard cheese, butter and skimmed milk powder, which disqualify it from vegan and many dairy‑free diets. Wheat flour introduces gluten, so it is not gluten‑free. The presence of dairy and possible animal‑derived processing means it may not meet halal standards. However, its high fat and low carbohydrate profile could fit a keto regimen if the dairy ingredients are acceptable.

La Famiglia Rana • 140 g

Basil Pesto

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Basil Pesto is a 140 g Italian sauce made with extra‑virgin olive oil, Genovese basil, wheat flour, dairy ingredients and pine nuts, packaged in a polypropylene pot with an aluminium lid. It falls under the “Fat and sauces” PNNS group, carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), delivering 576 kcal, 57 g fat (10 g saturated), 4.7 g protein and 2.2 g salt per 100 g, with moderate sugar (9.3 g). While the authentic basil and protein content are positives, the high fat, saturated fat and presence of dairy, gluten and additives make it unsuitable for many restricted diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal576 kcal

Fat57 g

Saturated Fat10 g

Carbohydrates10 g

Sugars9.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average pesto values, this pesto has dramatically higher fat (57 g vs 12 g) and saturated fat (10 g vs 2.1 g), over twice the calories (576 kcal vs 183 kcal), but lower sugar (9.3 g vs 10.95 g) and lower salt (2.2 g vs 5.02 g) per 100 g.

Ingredients

Extra virgin olive oil, Basilico Genovese DOP (**PDO Genovese Basil) 18%, sunflower oil, whey powder (from MILK), hard cheese (from MILK) 8%, WHEAT flour, butter (from MILK), salt, pine nuts 1.5%, natural flavourings, garlic 1%, skimmed MILK powder, acid: lactic acid, antioxidant: ascorbic acid. *PDO: Protected Designation of Origin. SHOVESE 0.0.P. ALLERGY ADVICE: for allergens, including CEREALS containing gluten, see ingredients in bold and capital letter. May contain EGGS, NUTS, FISH, CRUSTACEANS, MOLLUSCS, SOYBEANS, CELERY. USE BY: See foil lid. STORAGE: Keep refrigerated at +4/6°C. Once opened, ensure the lid is secured on the top of the pot, keep refrigerated and consume within 3 days 37078 14.0

84%

35%

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