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

The NOVA 4 label is applied because the pesto includes refined ingredients and several food‑grade additives: lactic acid (E270) as an acidifier, monosodium glutamate (E621) as a flavor enhancer, ascorbic acid (E300) as an antioxidant, and lysozyme (E1105) derived from egg white, all of which are typical of highly processed foods.

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

With only 2.8 g of sugar per 100 g, the pesto poses little risk for blood‑glucose spikes, but its 2.5 g of salt per 100 g is relatively high and can contribute to elevated blood pressure, so individuals managing hypertension should consume it sparingly.

Is the lysozyme (egg protein) in this pesto a concern for people with egg allergy?

Yes, lysozyme is extracted from egg white and is listed as an allergen; anyone with an egg allergy should avoid this pesto or choose an egg‑free alternative.

Di Vita, Pietro Castelli • 190 g e

Sauce Pesto Alla Genovese 190 G - CASTELLI

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Sauce Pesto Alla Genovese, sold in a 190 g glass‑metal jar, belongs to the Fat and sauces / Dressings and sauces groups of the PNNS classification. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is placed in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting its high fat (43 g per 100 g), moderate saturated fat (3.2 g), and notable salt (2.5 g) levels, while providing 3.2 g of fiber and 5.2 g of protein. The product also contains allergens such as egg (lysozyme), milk, tree nuts (cashew) and pine nuts, and includes additives like lactic acid (E270), monosodium glutamate (E621), vitamin C (E300) and lysozyme (E1105).

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal424 kcal

Fat43 g

Saturated Fat3.2 g

Carbohydrates4.1 g

Sugars2.8 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average pesto sauces, this pesto has about three times more fat (43 g vs 12 g) and double the protein (5.2 g vs 2.1 g), but far less sugar (2.8 g vs 10.9 g) and salt (2.5 g vs 5.0 g), resulting in a calorie content over twice the category norm.

Ingredients

Basilic 42 %, huile de tournesol, _noix de cajou_, _fromage_ _Grana Padano_ 5 %, * _fromage_ pecorino 5%, huile d'olive extra vierge 5%, pommes de terre, _pépins de pin_, ail, sel, acidifiant: acide lactique, exhausteur de gout: glutamate monosodique, arômes naturels, antioxydant: acide ascorbique. *contient: lysozyme (protéine naturel de l'_œuf_).

84%

35%

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