Ingredient

Fresh Basil Leaves

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Basil is primarily used to add a distinct, slightly sweet, peppery flavor to foods. …

What it is

Fresh basil leaves are the aromatic leaves of the basil plant, a herb in the mint family. Native to tropical regions, basil is cultivated worldwide for its culinary and medicinal uses. The leaves are typically used fresh, though they can also be dried.

Why it's used

Basil is primarily used to add a distinct, slightly sweet, peppery flavor to foods. It is a key ingredient in Italian cuisine, commonly found in pesto, pasta sauces, pizzas, and salads. Manufacturers use it to enhance the overall taste profile of savory dishes.

Health notes

Fresh basil leaves are considered a food ingredient and are not subject to FDA additive regulations. They are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption as food. While basil contains various vitamins and antioxidants, no specific health claims are associated with its consumption at typical dietary levels. International bodies like EFSA have not specifically evaluated basil leaves as a food additive.

Allergen info

Basil is not one of the nine major allergens identified by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Fresh Basil Leaves

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Walgreens Co. Grilled Eggplant With Fresh Mozzarella Sandwich, Mozzarella Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 32% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 177kcal 7.5Protein 8.3Fat 17.8Carbs Sauce Boss LLC Homemade Fradiavolo Sauce Prepared Pasta & Pizza Sauces High in sodium — 36% DV per serving 75kcal 1.7Protein 5.8Fat 5Carbs Drumone Rounding Third Basil Cocktail Mix, Lemon & Basil Alcohol 200kcal 0Protein 0Fat 53.3Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Authentic Italian Lasagna Other Deli High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 160kcal 10.9Protein 10.3Fat 7.0Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Spaghetti With Meat Sauce Bowl Other Deli High in sodium — 71% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 224kcal 9.4Protein 6.2Fat 30.3Carbs Bravo Restaurants, Inc. Authentic Chicago Stuffed Pizza Pizza High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 242kcal 9.8Protein 10.6Fat 27.3Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Baked Ziti With Meat Sauce Other Deli High in sodium — 71% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 224kcal 9.4Protein 6.2Fat 30.3Carbs Lenovo (Beijing) Co., Ltd. Bake At Home Pepperoni Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza High in sodium — 32% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving 265kcal 12.9Protein 14.3Fat 21.1Carbs Dierberg's Markets, Inc. Noodles, Spaghetti & Marinara Other Deli High in sodium — 54% DV per serving 143kcal 3.5Protein 5.1Fat 20.8Carbs Lenovo (Beijing) Co., Ltd. Meatsauce Pizza, Meatsauce Pizza High in sodium — 25% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 257kcal 13.8Protein 12.5Fat 20.4Carbs Home Run Inn Frozen Foods Corp Margherita Premium Pizzeria Classic Pizza, Margherita Pizza High in sodium — 32% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 275kcal 9.9Protein 14.1Fat 26.1Carbs Lenovo (Beijing) Co., Ltd. Cheese Pizza, Cheese Pizza High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 239kcal 11.9Protein 10.4Fat 23.1Carbs

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.