Yes — Pesto al Basilico is ultra-processed.
Not a great choice for everyday.
This pesto is classified as ultra-processed because it contains flavourings, which are industrially formulated additives under the NOVA classification. The other listed ingredients are generally basic culinary ingredients or traditional foods and do not independently trigger the UPF classification.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Fiery Goan Curry
The Spice Tailor
Not UPF
Sun dried dried tomato pesto
Filippo Berio
Not UPF
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Houmous
Waitrose
Not UPF
Smooth Peanut Butter
The Foodie Market
Not UPF
Crunchy Peanut Butter
The Foodie Market
Not UPF
Mango Chutney
Tesco
Not UPF
Golden Roasted Peanut Butter Drizzle imp
Whole Earth
Not UPF
Rose Harissa Paste
Belazu
Not UPF
Wholegrain mustard
Tesco
Not UPF
Yes — Pesto al Basilico by Creative Cook, Marks & Spencer is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This pesto is classified as ultra-processed because it contains flavourings, which are industrially formulated additives under the NOVA classification. The other listed ingredients are generally basic culinary ingredients or traditional foods and do not independently trigger the UPF classification.
Nomi flags one ingredient in Pesto al Basilico as an ultra-processed marker: flavourings. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Traditional Genovese Pesto by Belazu, GREEN PESTO by M&S FOOD, Basil Pesto by Sainsbury's taste the difference. See the healthier alternatives above for details.
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.
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.
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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.