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

The product is labelled NOVA 4 because it combines multiple refined vegetable oils, added sugars, and processing aids such as maltodextrin, dextrose, and the acidifier mil mil acid (E270), which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

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

With 10 g of sugar per 100 g, the pesto can raise blood glucose levels and should be limited by people with diabetes, while its 3.2 g of salt per 100 g contributes to sodium intake and may exacerbate hypertension, so portion control is recommended.

Based on its ingredients, is Pesto Alla Genovese suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

The pesto is not vegan because it contains dairy (whey powder) and egg‑derived lysozyme, it is not suitable for strict keto diets due to its 14 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, it does not contain pork or alcohol so it may be acceptable for many halal consumers, and it is naturally gluten‑free.

bertolli • 185g

Pesto Alla Genovese

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto Alla Genovese is a pre‑packed green pesto sauce that belongs to the Fat and sauces and Dressings and sauces groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, with a high fat content of 39 g per 100 g, high saturated fat at 6.2 g, moderate sugar at 10 g, and a lower than average salt level of 3.2 g, while providing 6.5 g of protein and 0.8 g of fiber. The formulation includes allergens such as egg‑derived lysozyme, milk (whey powder), soy, and tree nuts (cashews, pine nuts), and contains the additive mil mil acid (E270).

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal437 kcal

Fat39 g

Saturated Fat6.2 g

Carbohydrates14 g

Sugars10 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical sauces, this pesto has substantially more fat (39 g vs 12.01 g avg) and protein (6.5 g vs 2.1 g), similar sugar (10 g vs 10.95 g avg) and lower salt (3.2 g vs 5.02 g avg).

Ingredients

Basilikum (30%), Pflanzenöl (Sonnenblumenöl, Rapsöl, Sojaöl oder Olivenöl), italienischer Käse (10%) (Grana Padano g.U." (enthält Lysozym aus Ei), Pecorino Romano g.U.), Cashewnüsse, Dextrose, extra Vergine Olivenöl (4,5%) (EU), Salz, Knoblauch, Maltodextrin, Kartoffelflocken, Molkenpulver, Pinienkerne, Säuerungsmittel (Milchsäure), Basilikumextrakt. Kann Spuren von Erdnüsse d und Nüsse enthalten.

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