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

Because it combines multiple processed ingredients, refined plant oils, added salt, sugar, flavourings and the acidity regulator lactic acid (E270), it meets the definition of an ultra-processed food, which places it in the NOVA 4 category.

How does the sugar and salt content in Pesto Genovese affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The pesto provides 5 g of sugar and 3.15 g of salt per 100 g; the modest sugar level is relatively low compared with many sauces, but the salt amount is high and can raise blood pressure, so diabetics should monitor carbohydrate intake and people with hypertension should limit portion size.

Is the cashew nuts ingredient a concern for people with nut allergies?

Yes; cashew nuts are listed among the ingredients and are a recognized tree‑nut allergen, so anyone with a cashew or tree‑nut allergy should avoid this pesto.

Barilla • 190 g (190 ml)

Pesto Genovese

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Barilla Pesto Genovese is a ready-to-use pesto that falls under the PNNS groups 'Fat and sauces' and 'Dressings and sauces', and it is labeled gluten-free, sustainable-farming and palm-oil-free. It carries a Nutri-Score of E and is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), reflecting its high saturated fat (5.3 g per 100 g) and salt (3.15 g per 100 g) content despite moderate sugar (5 g) and the presence of fresh basil and extra-virgin olive oil. The formulation includes milk, cheese, whey and cashew nuts, which make it unsuitable for vegans and pose allergen risks, while its lack of added palm oil and use of plant oils are positive sustainability attributes.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal492 kcal

Fat47 g

Saturated Fat5.3 g

Carbohydrates11 g

Sugars5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average pesto, this product contains about half the sugar (5 g vs 10.9 g), more than double the saturated fat (5.3 g vs 2.1 g) and roughly 40 % less salt (3.15 g vs 5.0 g) per 100 g.

Ingredients

Pflanzliche Öle (Olive, Sonnenblume), frisches Basilikum 30%, CASHEWKERNE, Parmigiano Reggiano g.U. Käse 5% (MILCH), Maisfaser, Molkepulver (MILCH), Salz, MILCHeiweiss, natives Olivenöl extra, Zucker, Basilikumextrakt, natürliche Aromen (MILCH), Säureregulator: Milchsäure, Knoblauch. Kann Spuren von anderen Schalenfrüchten (Hartschalenobst) enthalten. Allergenhinweise: Enthält: Milch und Milcherzeugnisse (einschließlich Lactose). Nüsse und Nusserzeugnisse. Kaschunuss und Kaschunusserzeugnisse.

84%

35%

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