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Pesto alla genovese by Specially Selected
Specially Selected

Pesto alla genovese

Barcode 4088600054513
Scanned  135  times by Nomi users
Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

Yes — Pesto alla genovese is ultra-processed.

The pesto contains bamboo fibre and antioxidant ascorbic acid, which are extracted industrial ingredients, so the product is classified as ultra-processed according to NOVA.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers
  • OK
    basil
    A fresh herb used for aroma and flavor in cooking; typically leaves are used fresh or dried.
  • OK
    extra virgin olive oil
    A basic culinary oil pressed from olives, used for cooking or finishing dishes.
  • OK
    parmigiano reggiano pdo cheese (milk)
    A hard, aged cheese from Parmesan region with PDO designation, made from cow's milk.
  • OK
    pine nuts
    Edible seeds of pine trees, commonly used as nuts in cooking, often roasted and salted.
  • UPF
    bamboo fibre
    Plant-based fiber extracted from bamboo, used as a texture-improving ingredient or functional fiber in foods.
  • OK
    sugar
    Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
  • OK
    garlic
    A bulbous aromatic spice used to impart savory flavor in cooking; can be used fresh, sautéed, roasted, or in powder form.
  • OK
    pecorino romano pdo cheese (196) (milk)
    Hard Italian cheese made from sheep's milk, aged and salted; used for grating or finishing dishes.
  • OK
    salt
    Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
  • OK
    lactic acid
    A common food additive used to regulate acidity in beverages and processed foods.
  • OK
    garlic powder
    Dried, ground garlic used as a convenient, concentrated form of garlic flavoring in cooking.
  • UPF
    ascorbic acid
    A vitamin C antioxidant used as a preservative and nutrient fortifier in foods; often added in small amounts.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Swap it for something less processed

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

Common questions about Pesto alla genovese

Is Pesto alla genovese ultra-processed?

Yes — Pesto alla genovese by Specially Selected is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The pesto contains bamboo fibre and antioxidant ascorbic acid, which are extracted industrial ingredients, so the product is classified as ultra-processed according to NOVA.

Which ingredients in Pesto alla genovese are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Pesto alla genovese as ultra-processed markers: bamboo fibre, ascorbic acid. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Pesto alla genovese?

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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