Bella Ricetta

Mediteranio pesto

Barcode 10159248

Yes — Mediteranio pesto is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives beyond basic culinary ingredients. Specifically: citric acid (used as a preservative/acidity regulator), lactic acid (acidity regulator/preservative), and sulphur dioxide (preservative/antioxidant) are all extracted, isolated additives. According to NOVA guidance, the presence of such additives used to preserve, stabilize, or modify flavour in ready-to-eat foods places this pesto in the ultra-processed (UPF) category, even though many of its core ingredients (vegetables, cheeses, oil, spices) are minimally processed or processed foods.

Ingredients

No ultra-processed markers

OK

red peppers (35.5%)
OK

sunflower seed oil
OK

potatoes

Starchy root vegetable used worldwide.
OK

ricotta cheese (milk whey)
OK

salt

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

citric acid (8%)
OK

tomato semiconcentrate
OK

dried tomatoes

Tomatoes dried to remove moisture, used for flavor, color, and texture.
OK

hard cheese (milk, salt, rennet, egg lysozyme)
OK

pecorino cheese (sheep milk, salt, rennet)
OK

spices

diverse plant extracts used to flavor foods; can refer to a mix of single or blended seasonings.
OK

lactic acid

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

chilli (0.1%)
OK

sulphur dioxide

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Common questions about Mediteranio pesto

Is Mediteranio pesto ultra-processed?

Yes — Mediteranio pesto by Bella Ricetta is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives beyond basic culinary ingredients. Specifically: citric acid (used as a preservative/acidity regulator), lactic acid (acidity regulator/preservative), and sulphur dioxide (preservative/antioxidant) are all extracted, isolated additives. According to NOVA guidance, the presence of such additives used to preserve, stabilize, or modify flavour in ready-to-eat foods places this pesto in the ultra-processed (UPF) category, even though many of its core ingredients (vegetables, cheeses, oil, spices) are minimally processed or processed foods.

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.