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Pesto alla Genovese by Tesco
Tesco

Pesto alla Genovese

Barcode 5052004706353
Scanned  31  times by Nomi users
Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

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.

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 high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil pressed from olives, used as a cooking oil and dressing; basic culinary ingredient.
  • OK
    parmigiano reggiano medium fat hard cheese (milk) (6%)
  • OK
    pine nuts
    Edible seeds of pine trees, commonly used as nuts in cooking, often roasted and salted.
  • OK
    pecorino romano medium fat hard cheese (3.5%)
  • OK
    garlic
    A bulbous aromatic spice used to impart savory flavor in cooking; can be used fresh, sautéed, roasted, or in powder form.
  • OK
    sugar
    Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
  • UPF
    bamboo fibre
    Plant-based fiber extracted from bamboo, used as a texture-improving ingredient or functional fiber in foods.
  • 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.

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 Pesto alla Genovese

Is Pesto alla Genovese ultra-processed?

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.

Which ingredients in Pesto alla Genovese are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Pesto alla Genovese as ultra-processed markers: bamboo fibre, lactic 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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