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Green Pesto by Asda
Asda

Green Pesto

Barcode 21069703
Scanned  46  times by Nomi users
Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

Yes — Green Pesto is ultra-processed.

Classified as UPF because it contains glucose syrup, which is an industrially processed refined sugar ingredient according to NOVA. Other additives like acidity regulator (lactic acid) and antioxidant (ascorbic acid) are allowed basic additives and do not on their own make it UPF, but glucose syrup does.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers
  • OK
    basil (54%)
  • OK
    sunflower oil
    A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.
  • OK
    cashew nut
    Dried or roasted seed of the cashew tree, commonly eaten as a snack or used in cooking.
  • OK
    flour
    Fine powder obtained by grinding cereal grains; commonly refers to wheat flour in many contexts.
  • UPF
    glucose syrup
    A processed syrup made from starch (usually corn) consisting mainly of glucose; commonly used as a sweetener and thickener.
  • OK
    grana padano cheese (5%) [cheese (unpasteurised milk, using calf's rennet)
  • OK
    preservative (egg lysozyme)]
  • OK
    cashew nuts (4%)
  • OK
    pecorino romano cheese (unpasteurised ewe's milk, using lamb's rennet) (2%)
  • OK
    pine nuts (1%)
  • OK
    salt
    Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
  • UPF
    lactic acid
    A naturally occurring organic acid used as a acidity regulator and preservative in foods; often added as E270 to adjust pH and inhibit microbial growth.
  • 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
    ascorbic acid
    Vitamin C; antioxidant used to prevent oxidation and preserve color and freshness in foods; a common food additive and nutrient.
  • OK
    garlic powder
    Dried, ground garlic used as a convenient, concentrated form of garlic flavoring in cooking.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

Traditional Genovese Pesto
Not Ultra-Processed
Traditional Genovese Pesto
Belazu
View product →
GREEN PESTO
Not Ultra-Processed
GREEN PESTO
M&S FOOD
View product →
Basil Pesto
Not Ultra-Processed
Basil Pesto
Sainsbury's taste the difference
View product →
Itailian Pesto
Not Ultra-Processed
Itailian Pesto
Marks & Spencer
View product →
Pesto Alla Genovese
Not Ultra-Processed
Pesto Alla Genovese
No 1 Waitrose
View product →
Basil Pesto
Not Ultra-Processed
Basil Pesto
By Sainsbury's
View product →

Swap it for something less processed

See all Sauces, Condiments & Spreads →

Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Green Pesto

Is Green Pesto ultra-processed?

Yes — Green Pesto by Asda is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as UPF because it contains glucose syrup, which is an industrially processed refined sugar ingredient according to NOVA. Other additives like acidity regulator (lactic acid) and antioxidant (ascorbic acid) are allowed basic additives and do not on their own make it UPF, but glucose syrup does.

Which ingredients in Green Pesto are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Green Pesto as ultra-processed markers: glucose syrup, lactic acid. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Green Pesto?

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.

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.

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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.

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