Why is Pesto fresco senz'aglio classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The pesto is considered ultra‑processed because it includes refined ingredients such as whey powder, skimmed milk powder, cheese, butter, wheat flour and added stabilisers; the label lists two food additives, E270 (lactic acid) as an acidifier and E300 (ascorbic acid) as an antioxidant, which are typical of NOVA 4 products.

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

At 9.3 g of sugar per 100 g, the pesto can raise blood glucose levels and should be used sparingly by people managing diabetes. Its 2.2 g of salt contributes about 9 % of the recommended daily sodium intake, which may be significant for individuals with hypertension, although it is lower than the average salt level found in many commercial pestos.

Is the dairy content in this pesto a problem for lactose‑intolerant or vegan consumers?

Yes. The formulation contains whey powder, skimmed milk powder, grated cheese and butter, all of which provide lactose and are animal‑derived, so the product is unsuitable for both lactose‑intolerant individuals and anyone following a vegan diet.

Giovanni Rana • 140 g

Pesto fresco senz'aglio

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto fresco senz'aglio is an Italian fresh pesto without garlic that belongs to the Dressings and sauces (Fat and sauces) group. It delivers a very high fat content of 57 g per 100 g, saturated fat of 10 g, and salt of 2.2 g, earning a Nutri‑Score of E and a NOVA 4 classification for ultra‑processed foods. While it includes quality ingredients such as extra‑virgin olive oil, Genovese basil and pine nuts, it also contains dairy powders, butter, wheat flour and allergens like milk, gluten, celery, fish, molluscs and soy, making it unsuitable for several dietary restrictions.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal576 kcal

Fat57 g

Saturated Fat10 g

Carbohydrates10 g

Sugars9.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical pesto averages, this product contains dramatically higher fat (57 g vs 12 g) and saturated fat (10 g vs 2.1 g), while its sugar (9.3 g) and salt (2.2 g) levels are modestly lower than the category averages.

Ingredients

Olio extra vergine di oliva, olio di girasole, Basilico Genovese DOP* 18%, siero di LATTE in polvere, FORMAGGIO grattugiato 10%, farina di FRUMENTO, BURRO, sale, pinoli 1,5%, aromi naturali, LATTE scremato in polvere, acidificante: acido lattico, antiossidante: acido ascorbico. Allergeni: vedi ingredienti in grassetto e maiuscolo. Può contenere UOVA, FRUTTAA GUSCIO, PESCE, ČROSTACEI, MOLLUSCHI, SOIA, SEDANO. *DOP: Denominazione di Origine Protetta.

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