Why is classic pesto classified as NOVA 3 and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is labelled NOVA 3 because it is a processed culinary ingredient that includes added oils, cheeses, nuts and a small emulsifier; the only listed additive is E575 (glucono‑delta‑lactone), used as an acidity regulator.

How does the high fat and saturated‑fat content of this pesto affect a heart‑healthy diet?

With 37 g of total fat and 5.4 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the pesto contributes a large amount of calories and saturated fat, which can raise LDL cholesterol if consumed frequently; moderation and pairing with fiber‑rich foods are advised for heart‑healthy eating.

Is classic pesto suitable for vegan, keto, or gluten‑free diets?

The pesto is not vegan because it contains Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano cheeses, nor is it gluten‑free as trace gluten is present; however, its very low carbohydrate content (7.1 g) makes it compatible with a keto diet when portion sizes are controlled.

Filippo Berio • 350 g

classic pesto

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Filippo Berio Classic green pesto is a 350 g jar of Italian‑style sauce that combines basil, olive and sunflower oils, Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano cheeses, cashew and pine nuts, potato flakes and a small amount of sugar and salt. It belongs to the PNNS groups “Fat and sauces” and “Dressings and sauces”, carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified as NOVA 3, delivering 37 g of fat (including 5.4 g saturated), 2.7 g of salt, 2.1 g of sugars and 3.8 g of protein per 100 g. While the pesto is low in sugar and provides modest fibre, its high calorie and saturated‑fat load, together with the presence of multiple allergens such as milk, nuts, eggs, fish, gluten, sesame and sulphites, make it a less suitable choice for low‑fat or allergen‑free diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal381 kcal

Fat37 g

Saturated Fat5.4 g

Carbohydrates7.1 g

Sugars2.1 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average pesto values, this classic pesto contains far more fat (37 g vs 12 g) and calories (381 kcal vs 183 kcal) while providing significantly less sugar (2.1 g vs 10.9 g) and slightly lower salt (2.7 g vs 5.0 g).

Ingredients

Italian basil (36%), olive oil, sunflower oil, Grana Padano cheese PDO (milk, salt, rennet), cashew nuts, extra virgin olive oil, potato flakes, salt, sugar, Pecorino Romano cheese (Ewe's milk, salt, rennet), pine nuts, garlic, acidity regulator (glucono delta lactone). Allergy advice: for allergens see ingredients in bold and underlined. NON-VEGETARIAN CHEESE 01 Ca of Sal MAY CONTAIN: PEANUTS AND OTHER TREE Pro NUTS, EGGS, FISH, SOYA, WHEAT, CELERY, SESAME SEEDS, MUSTARD, SULPHITES AND FRAGMENTS OF NUT SHELL. Imported in UK by: Filippo Berio UK Ltd, Borehamwo Produced for: Filippo Berio via Montramito 1600-5 Best before: see lid

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.