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Pesto alla Genovese by Barilla
Barilla

Pesto alla Genovese

Barcode 8076809513753
Scanned  461  times by Nomi users
Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

Yes — Pesto alla Genovese is ultra-processed.

The product is ultra-processed because the ingredient list contains industrial additives and processed ingredients beyond basic culinary components, including maize fibre (an isolated industrial fibre), basil extract (an extracted flavour compound), and natural flavourings. According to NOVA, these extracted/isolated additives and flavourings classify the product as ultra-processed.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers
  • OK
    sunflower oil
    A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.
  • OK
    fresh basil 30%
  • OK
    cashew nut
    Edible seed of the cashew tree; a common tree nut used in cooking and snack foods.
  • OK
    parmigiano reggiano pdo cheese 5%
  • OK
    (milk)
  • OK
    maize fibre
  • OK
    whey powder
    Dairy-derived protein powder from whey, commonly used in supplements and baked goods.
  • OK
    salt
    Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
  • UPF
    milk protein
    Protein derived from milk (e.g., whey or casein); a processed isolated protein ingredient.
  • 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
    sugar
    Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
  • UPF
    basil extract
    An extract derived from basil leaves, used as a flavoring or aroma enhancer; it is produced through processing and concentration.
  • OK
    natural flavourings (milk)
  • OK
    lactic acid
    A common food additive used to regulate acidity in beverages and processed foods.
  • OK
    garlic
    A bulbous aromatic spice used to impart savory flavor in cooking; can be used fresh, sautéed, roasted, or in powder form.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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Common questions about Pesto alla Genovese

Is Pesto alla Genovese ultra-processed?

Yes — Pesto alla Genovese by Barilla is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is ultra-processed because the ingredient list contains industrial additives and processed ingredients beyond basic culinary components, including maize fibre (an isolated industrial fibre), basil extract (an extracted flavour compound), and natural flavourings. According to NOVA, these extracted/isolated additives and flavourings classify the product as ultra-processed.

Which ingredients in Pesto alla Genovese are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Pesto alla Genovese as ultra-processed markers: milk protein, basil extract. 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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