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Yes — Pesto alla Genovese is ultra-processed.
The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives and processed ingredients, specifically bamboo fibre and acidity regulator (lactic acid), which are extracted/isolated additives not normally used in traditional home cooking. These qualify it as an ultra-processed food according to NOVA. Other ingredients like sugar are allowed as basic ingredients and do not change the classification, but the presence of the aforementioned additives is sufficient to make the overall product UPF.
Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Real Ketchup 485 g
Stokes
Not UPF
double concentré de tomates bio
Mutti
Not UPF
Passata
Cirio
Not UPF
Fiery Goan Curry
The Spice Tailor
Not UPF
Sun dried dried tomato pesto
Filippo Berio
Not UPF
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Houmous
Waitrose
Not UPF
Smooth Peanut Butter
The Foodie Market
Not UPF
Crunchy Peanut Butter
The Foodie Market
Not UPF
Tomato Ketchup
Heinz
Not UPF
Tomato Ketchup
Heinz
Not UPF
Yes — Pesto alla Genovese by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives and processed ingredients, specifically bamboo fibre and acidity regulator (lactic acid), which are extracted/isolated additives not normally used in traditional home cooking. These qualify it as an ultra-processed food according to NOVA. Other ingredients like sugar are allowed as basic ingredients and do not change the classification, but the presence of the aforementioned additives is sufficient to make the overall product UPF.
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.
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.
This page was shared from Nomi, the free app that tells you instantly whether any food is ultra-processed.
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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.