Ingredient

Basil Pesto Sauce

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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add basil pesto sauce to provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor and aroma. It …

What it is

Basil pesto sauce is a vibrant green sauce originating from the Liguria region of Italy. It is traditionally made by crushing fresh basil leaves with garlic, pine nuts, hard cheese (like Parmesan), and olive oil using a mortar and pestle.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add basil pesto sauce to provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor and aroma. It is commonly used as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches and pizzas, and as a flavoring for dips and marinades.

Health notes

Basil pesto sauce is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA as a food ingredient. The primary ingredients, such as basil and olive oil, are common food items with no specific regulatory limits when consumed as part of a balanced diet. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated many individual food ingredients, but pesto itself is not typically evaluated as a single entity. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical consumption.

Allergen info

Basil pesto sauce may contain major allergens if cheese (milk) or pine nuts are included. It is not derived from fish, shellfish, peanuts, wheat, soy, sesame, or eggs. Gluten is not typically present unless added during processing.

Products containing Basil Pesto Sauce

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FRESH & EASY Pesto Potatoes Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables 117kcal 2.5Protein 7.4Fat 10.4Carbs EAT WELL Cheese Ravioli With Kale Pesto Sauce Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 21% DV per serving 145kcal 5.5Protein 5.5Fat 17.6Carbs MANDIA Positano Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 257kcal 9.3Protein 10.7Fat 30Carbs RT Wholesale, LLC. Turkey And Turkey Bacon Wrap Prepared Wraps and Burittos High in sodium — 35% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 196kcal 11.0Protein 7.8Fat 21.6Carbs RT Wholesale, LLC. Single Turkey And Turkey Bacon Wrap, Turkey And Turkey Bacon Prepared Wraps and Burittos High in sodium — 28% DV per serving 192kcal 11.7Protein 6.7Fat 20.8Carbs The Kroger Co. Pesto Chicken & Mozzarella On Ciabatta Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 43% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 35% DV per serving 222kcal 14.9Protein 9.2Fat 18.8Carbs Learning Rules! Inc. Pizza, Cherry, Tomatoes And Spinach Pizza High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 252kcal 10.4Protein 9.6Fat 31.1Carbs The Kroger Co. Creamy Pesto Lasagna Rolls Pasta Dinners High in sodium — 73% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 100% DV per serving 211kcal 9.3Protein 13.0Fat 15.2Carbs Intec Laboratories Organic Rosemary & Pesto Pizza Pizza Mixes & Other Dry Dinners High in sodium — 24% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 308kcal 10.6Protein 16.4Fat 27.9Carbs 7-Eleven, Inc. Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad Deli Salads High in sodium — 44% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 328kcal 6.3Protein 23.5Fat 21.4Carbs Nestle USA Inc. Genoa Salami & Basil Pesto Sauce And Mushroom Trio Fire-Roasted Peppers Mozzarella Smoked Gouda Ricotta With Tomato Sauce Dollops Artisan Thin Crust Pizza, Genoa Salami & Basil Pesto Sauce Pizza High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 260kcal 10.6Protein 12.2Fat 27.6Carbs Grilled Chicken Pesto & Vegetables Chicken Breast, Broccoli, Cauliflower & Peas In A Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce Simply Steamers, Grilled Chicken Pesto & Vegetables Conagra Brands, Inc. Grilled Chicken Pesto & Vegetables Chicken Breast, Broccoli, Cauliflower & Peas In A Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce Simply Steamers, Grilled Chicken Pesto & Vegetables Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 28% DV per serving 77kcal 10.8Protein 1.9Fat 4.2Carbs
Salt (19 products) Water (16 products) Enzymes (15 products) Basil (15 products) Parmesan Cheese (13 products) Cheese Culture (11 products) Canola Oil (9 products) Yeast (8 products) Natural Flavors (8 products) Vinegar (8 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.