Basil Pesto

Barcode 012605003485

Yes — Basil Pesto is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because it contains potassium sorbate, an industrial preservative additive used to extend shelf life. It also includes other cosmetic/processing additives such as ascorbic acid and citric acid, which further support a UPF classification under NOVA.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

extra virgin olive oil

A high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil pressed from olives, used as a cooking oil and dressing; basic culinary ingredient.
OK

genovese basil dop 23%
OK

cashews

Cashews are a whole, edible seed of the cashew tree, commonly used as a snack or ingredient in recipes.
OK

sunflower oil

A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.
OK

salt

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

parmigiano reggiano cheese dop (milk,salt,rennet)
OK

pine nuts

Edible seeds from pine trees, commonly used in cooking and baking. Rich in healthy fats and pine nut flavor.
OK

ascorbic acid (vitamin c)

A water-soluble vitamin (vitamin C) used as an antioxidant and preservative in foods.
OK

citric acid

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

potassium sorbate

A widely used food preservative that inhibits mold and yeast growth in a variety of foods and beverages.
OK

may contain: nuts
OK

fish and egg

Common questions about Basil Pesto

Is Basil Pesto ultra-processed?

Yes — Basil Pesto is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains potassium sorbate, an industrial preservative additive used to extend shelf life. It also includes other cosmetic/processing additives such as ascorbic acid and citric acid, which further support a UPF classification under NOVA.

Which ingredients in Basil Pesto are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Basil Pesto as an ultra-processed marker: potassium sorbate. 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.