Aldi

Pesto pasta style

Barcode 4088600462905

Yes — Pesto pasta style is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial emulsifiers and stabilisers: carrageenan, pectins, and mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, which are NOVA ultra-processed additives.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
OK

penne pasta

Pasta made from durum wheat semolina with egg white, a basic dried pasta ingredient.
OK

pesto style sauce

A basil-based sauce with sunflower oil, typical of a ready-to-use or style pesto.
OK

grated hard cheese

Hard cheese grated, made from milk; a common dairy ingredient.
OK

olive oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from olives, used for cooking, dressing, and flavor.
OK

cassava starch

A starch extracted from the cassava root (manioc). A basic, single-ingredient carbohydrate used as a thickener or binder.
OK

salt

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

garlic

A bulbous aromatic spice used to impart savory flavor in cooking; can be used fresh, sautéed, roasted, or in powder form.
OK

lemon juice concentrate

Lemon juice that has been concentrated by removing water; used as a souring agent or flavoring in foods.
OK

potato starch

A basic, finely ground starch derived from potatoes; used as a thickener and binder in foods.
UPF

stabilised low fat crème fraîche with stabilisers carrageenan and pectins

A dairy product (creamy cultured milk product) with added stabilisers (carrageenan and pectins). Considered a ready-to-use dairy product rather than a basic ingredient.
OK

starch

Powdered carbohydrate obtained from plants (e.g., corn, potato, tapioca); thickening agent and energy source in foods.
UPF

mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (mdta/mdg)

Emulsifier made from mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (an industrial additive used to improve texture and stability).
OK

rice starch

Starch derived from rice used as a thickener or anti-caking agent in foods.

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Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Pesto pasta style

Is Pesto pasta style ultra-processed?

Yes — Pesto pasta style by Aldi is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial emulsifiers and stabilisers: carrageenan, pectins, and mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, which are NOVA ultra-processed additives.

Which ingredients in Pesto pasta style are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Pesto pasta style as ultra-processed markers: stabilised low fat crème fraîche with stabilisers carrageenan and pectins, mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (mdta/mdg). 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.