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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.