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

The product is considered ultra‑processed because it combines whole ingredients such as red peppers and cheese with several industrially transformed components, including processed cheeses, whey powder, and a refined sunflower oil, and it uses two listed additives: E1105, a coloring agent, and E270, lactic acid, which are typical of highly processed foods.

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

With 6 g of sugars per 100 g, the pesto contributes a modest amount of carbohydrate that can raise blood glucose if consumed in large portions, while its 2.7 g of salt per 100 g approaches the upper limit recommended for people managing hypertension, so both groups should limit their intake and consider portion control.

Is the ricotta cheese in this pesto a concern for people with milk allergy?

Yes, the ricotta cheese layer contains milk, whey and lactose, and the Grana Padano cheese also includes lysozyme derived from egg, so the product must be avoided by anyone allergic to milk or egg proteins.

Barilla • 190 g

Pesto alla Calabrese 190g

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto alla Calabrese is a 190 g jar of red pepper pesto made in Italy, marketed by Barilla and classified under the condiments and sauces category. The sauce provides 337 kcal per 100 g, with 32 g of fat, including 4 g of saturated fat, while delivering 3.3 g of protein and 1.2 g of fiber, and it contains 51.7 % of fruits, vegetables and legumes. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E, is placed in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group, lists milk and egg allergens, and includes the additives E1105 and E270.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal337 kcal

Fat32 g

Saturated Fat4 g

Carbohydrates8.3 g

Sugars6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar sauces, this pesto has far more fat (32 g vs 12 g) and calories (337 kcal vs 183 kcal), but considerably less sugar (6 g vs 11 g), lower salt (2.7 g vs 5.1 g), and higher protein (3.3 g vs 2.1 g).

Ingredients

Poivrons rouges 37%, huile de tournesol, fromage ricotta 14% (lactosérum (LAIT), LAIT), oignons, concentré de tomates, sel, sucre, lactosérum en poudre (LAIT), fromage Pecorino Romano AOP (LAIT de brebis), fromage Grana Padano AOP (LAIT, lysozyme d'OEUF), amidon de riz, correcteur d'acidité : acide lactique, piment 0,1%, origan, arôme naturel (LAIT).

84%

35%

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