Classico

Traditional basil pesto sauce & spread

Barcode 000004112952

Yes — Traditional basil pesto sauce & spread is ultra-processed.

This product is classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes industrial additives and flavoring agents. Specifically, it contains lactic acid and citric acid as acidity regulators/preservatives, and “natural flavor,” which is an industrial flavoring additive. The presence of these extracted and formulated additives means the product falls into the ultra-processed (NOVA 4) category, even though it also includes some basic culinary ingredients like basil, oils, garlic, cheese, and salt.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

basil

A leafy herb used fresh or dried to flavor dishes; not typically processed as a food ingredient beyond drying or freshness.
OK

soybean oil
OK

garlic

A bulbous aromatic spice used to impart savory flavor in cooking; can be used fresh, sautéed, roasted, or in powder form.
OK

parmesan cheese (cultured part-skim milk, salt, enzymes)
OK

olive oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from olives, used for cooking, dressing, and flavor.
OK

salt

Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
OK

contains 2% or less of: spice
OK

lactic acid

A naturally occurring organic acid used as an acidity regulator and flavoring in foods.
OK

citric acid

A weak organic acid found in citrus fruits, commonly used as an acidulant and preservative in foods and beverages.
OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
UPF

natural flavor

A flavoring agent derived from natural sources used to impart taste. It is an additive and may include extracts, concentrates, or essences from plants or animals.

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Common questions about Traditional basil pesto sauce & spread

Is Traditional basil pesto sauce & spread ultra-processed?

Yes — Traditional basil pesto sauce & spread by Classico is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This product is classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes industrial additives and flavoring agents. Specifically, it contains lactic acid and citric acid as acidity regulators/preservatives, and “natural flavor,” which is an industrial flavoring additive. The presence of these extracted and formulated additives means the product falls into the ultra-processed (NOVA 4) category, even though it also includes some basic culinary ingredients like basil, oils, garlic, cheese, and salt.

Which ingredients in Traditional basil pesto sauce & spread are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Traditional basil pesto sauce & spread as an ultra-processed marker: natural flavor. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.