Why is Sauce pesto au basilic et mozzarella Barilla classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is classified as ultra‑processed because the formulation combines refined sunflower oil, dairy concentrates, processed cheeses and several manufacturing steps, and it includes the acidity regulator E270 (lactic acid) as its only listed additive, which is typical for industrially prepared sauces.

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

With 4.6 g of sugar per 100 g, the sauce adds a moderate amount of carbohydrate that diabetics need to count, while its 2.9 g of salt per 100 g contributes a noticeable sodium load that can raise blood pressure, so both groups should limit portion sizes.

Is the buffalo mozzarella in this pesto a concern for people with a milk allergy?

Yes, the product contains buffalo‑milk mozzarella, cream, ricotta, whey powder and added milk proteins, all of which are derived from milk, making it unsuitable for anyone with a milk allergy; it also lists cashew nuts and may have traces of other nuts.

Barilla • 190 g

Sauce pesto au basilic et mozzarella Barilla 190g

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Sauce pesto au basilic et mozzarella Barilla is a 190 g jar of pesto sauce classified under the ‘Fat and sauces’ / ‘Dressings and sauces’ food group, made with sunflower oil, basil, authentic buffalo mozzarella, cream, ricotta, whey and a touch of cashew nuts. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is placed in NOVA 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product that is high in saturated fat (6.8 g/100 g) and calories (≈550 kcal/100 g) while its sugar level is relatively low (4.6 g/100 g). The sauce benefits from real mozzarella and basil for flavor, but the high saturated‑fat content, the presence of dairy and nut allergens and the addition of the acidity regulator E270 make it unsuitable for vegans, milk‑allergic consumers and those watching saturated‑fat intake.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal558 kcal

Fat55 g

Saturated Fat6.8 g

Carbohydrates12 g

Sugars4.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical pre‑packed pesto sauces, this Barilla pesto provides roughly 550 kcal per 100 g, about three times the category average of 183 kcal, contains only 4.6 g of sugar versus the average 10.9 g, but its saturated fat is 6.8 g compared with the average 2.1 g, while its salt (2.9 g) is slightly below the average 5 g.

Ingredients

Huile de tournesol, basilic 8,4%, “Mozzarella di Bufala Campana AOP” – fromage mozzarella de bufflonne 8% (LAIT de bufflonne), crème (LAIT), fibre de maïs, fromage ricotta (lactosérum (LAIT), LAIT), lactosérum en poudre (LAIT), sel, NOIX DE CAJOU, sucre, arômes naturels (LAIT), protéines de LAIT, amidon de riz, correcteur d'acidité : acide lactique. Peut contenir des traces d'autres FRUITS A COQUE.

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