Yes — Pesto Classic Basil is ultra-processed.
The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial additives and processed ingredients, specifically: flavouring, acidity regulator: lactic acid, natural garlic flavouring, and glucose (a refined isolated sugar). These extracted/isolated additives and refined sugar go beyond basic culinary ingredients and meet NOVA criteria for ultra-processed foods.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Traditional Genovese Pesto
Belazu
Not UPF
Tailor Original Tikka Masala
The Spice Tailor
Not UPF
Organic Houmous ~ With added extra virgin olive oil
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
Organic Tamari Soy Sauce
Yutaka
Not UPF
Tomato Ketchup
Sainsbury's, By Sainsbury's
Not UPF
PREMIUM SOY SAUCE
LEE KUM KEE
Not UPF
Apricot Jam
Bonne Maman
Not UPF
Buttersoft
By sainsbury's
Not UPF
Frank's Red Hot Original
Frank’s, French's
Not UPF
Red pepper houmous
Tesco
Not UPF
Yes — Pesto Classic Basil by Saclà is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial additives and processed ingredients, specifically: flavouring, acidity regulator: lactic acid, natural garlic flavouring, and glucose (a refined isolated sugar). These extracted/isolated additives and refined sugar go beyond basic culinary ingredients and meet NOVA criteria for ultra-processed foods.
Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Pesto Classic Basil as ultra-processed markers: flavouring, natural garlic flavouring. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
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.
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.
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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.