Ingredient

Pesto Sauce

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Source

Animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers use pesto as a flavorful sauce or spread. Its vibrant taste and aroma …

What it is

Pesto sauce is a traditional Italian condiment originating from Genoa, in the Liguria region. It is typically made by crushing fresh basil leaves with pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil using a mortar and pestle.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use pesto as a flavorful sauce or spread. Its vibrant taste and aroma enhance a variety of dishes, including pasta, sandwiches, pizzas, and dips.

Health notes

Pesto is not a regulated food additive in the US. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when consumed as a food ingredient. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not specifically evaluated pesto sauce as a distinct entity. Evidence on the health effects of consuming pesto is mixed, with some studies suggesting potential benefits from its antioxidant-rich ingredients like basil and olive oil, while others highlight concerns about high sodium and fat content in some commercial preparations.

Allergen info

Pesto sauce is derived from tree nuts (pine nuts) and dairy (Parmesan cheese), which are among the 9 FDA major allergens. It may also contain gluten if prepared with certain types of cheese or if cross-contamination occurs.

Products containing Pesto Sauce

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GOOD & DELISH Penne W/ Fresh Mozzarella In Pesto Sauce Other Deli High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 310kcal 11.5Protein 10.6Fat 43.4Carbs 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 Xiphias Everything Pesto Prepared Pasta & Pizza Sauces 614kcal 0Protein 71.4Fat 0Carbs Viva La Mamma U.S.A. , Inc. Pesto Fusilli Pasta, Pesto Entrees, Sides & Small Meals High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 250kcal 6.3Protein 12.7Fat 25.7Carbs Nash Finch Company Pesto Mozzarella Artisan Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 31% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 237kcal 11.1Protein 11.8Fat 21.5Carbs California Food Company California Food Company, Gluten Free Pizza, Basil Pesto & Cheese Pizza High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 236kcal 7.3Protein 12.7Fat 23.6Carbs Sinco, Inc. Pesto & Goat Cheese Flatbread Breads & Buns High in sodium — 27% DV per serving 226kcal 8.7Protein 6.1Fat 31.3Carbs Safeway, Inc. Flatbread Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 27% DV per serving 251kcal 6.4Protein 13.4Fat 27.5Carbs American Flatbread Hand-Pulled Chicken & Pesto With All White Meat Chicken And Pesto Made From Fresh Basil, Olive Oil, Garlic, & Parmesan Handmade, Wood-Fired, Thin & Crispy Pizza, Hand-Pulled Chicken & Pesto Pizza High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 250kcal 11.4Protein 10.6Fat 27.3Carbs American Flatbread Savory Chicken & Pesto Pulled Chicken Breast With Fresh Basil Pesto, Diced Tomatoes & Asiago Cheese Wrapped In An Artisan Crust Frustas, Savory Chicken & Pesto Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 57% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 301kcal 12.1Protein 15.1Fat 29.6Carbs Esti Foods LLC Margherita Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Pesto, Oregano Pizza, Margherita Pizza High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 193kcal 10.2Protein 8.2Fat 19.7Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Flatbread Pizza, Mozzarella & Pesto Pizza High in sodium — 32% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 244kcal 11.1Protein 11.8Fat 23.0Carbs

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.