Sainsbury's

Pesto

Barcode 00374743

Scanned 53 times by Nomi users

Yes — Pesto is ultra-processed.

Not a great choice for everyday.

This pesto is classified as ultra-processed because it contains basil extract, a pre-identified UPF ingredient. Basil extract is an isolated industrial additive, even though the other ingredients—basil, olive oils, cheeses, pine nuts, garlic, sugar, salt, potato starch, lactic acid, citric acid, and ascorbic acid—are otherwise basic or permitted traditional ingredients under the stated criteria.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

basil

Herb leaves used fresh or dried for aroma and flavor in many dishes.
OK

olive oil

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

extra virgin olive oil (6%)
OK

pecorino romano cheese (sheep's milk) (5%)
OK

pine nuts

Edible seeds of pine trees, commonly used as nuts in cooking, often roasted and salted.
OK

vegetable fibre

Plant-derived dietary fibre often used as a texture enhancer or bulking agent.
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
OK

salt

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

parmagiano reggiano cheese (cow's milk) (1%)
OK

potato starch

A basic, finely ground starch derived from potatoes; used as a thickener and binder in foods.
OK

acidity regulator: lactic acid; garlic puree (garlic, salt, acidity regulators: lactic acid; citric acid)
UPF

basil extract

An extract derived from basil leaves, used as a flavoring or aroma enhancer; it is produced through processing and concentration.
OK

ascorbic acid (vitamin c)

A common antioxidant used to preserve foods and boost vitamin C intake.

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Common questions about Pesto

Is Pesto ultra-processed?

Yes — Pesto by Sainsbury's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This pesto is classified as ultra-processed because it contains basil extract, a pre-identified UPF ingredient. Basil extract is an isolated industrial additive, even though the other ingredients—basil, olive oils, cheeses, pine nuts, garlic, sugar, salt, potato starch, lactic acid, citric acid, and ascorbic acid—are otherwise basic or permitted traditional ingredients under the stated criteria.

Which ingredients in Pesto are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Pesto as an ultra-processed marker: basil extract. 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.