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

It combines refined vegetable oils, cheese, whey powder, added sugar and a natural‑flavouring blend, and the only listed additive is the acidity regulator E270 (lactic acid); the presence of multiple processed ingredients and the additive give it a NOVA 4 score.

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

The 52 g of fat per 100 ml, especially 5.3 g saturated fat, can increase calorie intake and raise LDL cholesterol, while 3.5 g of salt adds significant sodium; for diabetics the extra calories may impact blood‑glucose control and for hypertensive individuals the salt may raise blood pressure, so intake should be limited.

Is the milk present in this pesto a concern for people with lactose intolerance or milk allergy?

Yes; the product includes cheese (5 %), whey powder and natural flavourings that contain milk, and it is labelled with a milk allergen, making it unsuitable for anyone with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance.

Barilla • 90ml

Pesto

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto is a green sauce made by Barilla that falls under the "Fat and sauces" and "Dressings and sauces" groups in the French‑type food classification. Per 100 ml it delivers 52 g of fat (including 5.3 g saturated fat), 4.7 g protein, 2.9 g fiber, 4.2 g sugars and 3.5 g salt, earning a Nutri‑Score of E and a NOVA 4 rating, which signals an ultra‑processed product. While the blend provides basil flavor and vegetable‑derived oils, it also contains dairy (cheese, whey, milk powder) and added sugar, making it unsuitable for vegan or milk‑allergic consumers and contributing to its high saturated‑fat and salt load.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Energy Kcal517 kcal

Fat52 g

Saturated Fat5.3 g

Carbohydrates6 g

Sugars4.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sauce (per 100 g), this pesto contains about four times more fat (52 g vs 12 g), roughly double the saturated fat, but considerably less sugar (4.2 g vs 10.9 g) and salt (3.5 g vs 5.0 g).

Ingredients

Pflanzliche Öle (Olive, Sonnenblume), Basilikum 30%, Cashewkerne Pampero Reggiano g.U. Käse 5% (Milch), Molkepulver (Milch), Salz, Zucker, natives Olivenöl extra, Buttermilchpulver Mich Ballumedrakt, natürliche Aromen (Milch), Säureregulator: Milchsäure, Knoblauch. Kann Spuren von anderen Shalerrichten (Hartschalenobst) enthalten. Nach dem Öffnen gekühlt 5 Tage haltbar.

84%

35%

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