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

It is deemed ultra‑processed because the formulation relies on refined sunflower oil, processed cheeses, whey and other dairy powders rather than whole foods, and the product includes food‑additive codes E270 (lactic acid) and E330 (citric acid) that serve as acidity regulators.

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

The sauce provides 4.9 g of sugar per 100 g, well below the average for sauces and unlikely to cause major blood‑glucose spikes, but its 3 g of salt per 100 g is relatively high and can contribute to increased blood pressure, so hypertensive individuals should limit consumption.

Is the presence of cashew nuts in this pesto a concern for people with nut allergies?

Yes, cashew nuts are listed as an ingredient and appear in the allergens section, so anyone with a tree‑nut allergy should avoid this product.

Barilla • 190 g

Pesto Basilico e Rucula

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto Basilico e Rucula is an Italian-made pesto sauce packaged in a clear glass jar with a metal lid and marketed as gluten‑free. It belongs to the Dressings and sauces group, carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), reflecting its high fat (44 g/100 g) and saturated fat (5 g/100 g) plus a notable salt level (3 g/100 g). While it offers plant flavors from basil, parsley and arugula and provides modest protein and fiber, the presence of dairy, nuts and added salts makes it unsuitable for low‑fat, low‑salt or allergen‑free diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal444 kcal

Fat44 g

Saturated Fat5 g

Carbohydrates6.7 g

Sugars4.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sauce (fat 12.05 g, saturated fat 2.15 g, sugar 10.94 g, salt 5.14 g per 100 g), this pesto contains dramatically more fat (44 g) and saturated fat (5 g), far less sugar (4.9 g) and lower salt (3 g), making it a high‑fat, low‑sugar option.

Ingredients

Sonnenblumenöl, Basilikum 21,6%, Petersilie 12,2%, Käse Pecorino Romano g.U., (Schafmilch),_Cashewkerne_, Rucola 3,1%, _Molkepulver_ (_Milch_), Ricotta-Käse (Molke, Milch), Salz, Säureregulator: Milchsäure und Citronensäure, Buttermilchpulver (Milch), Thymian, natürliche Aromen (Milch), Knoblauch.

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.