Ingredient

Whole Leaf Basil

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Basil is primarily used as a flavoring agent in a wide variety of foods. …

What it is

Whole leaf basil is the fresh, intact leaf of the basil plant (Ocimum basilicum). This aromatic herb is native to tropical regions and is widely cultivated for its culinary uses. It is typically used fresh, without significant processing beyond harvesting and washing.

Why it's used

Basil is primarily used as a flavoring agent in a wide variety of foods. Its distinct sweet and slightly peppery taste complements many dishes, especially Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. It is commonly found in tomato-based products, sauces, pestos, pizzas, and seasoned meats and fish.

Health notes

Whole leaf basil is recognized as safe by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is generally considered safe and has not been associated with adverse health effects at typical consumption levels. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated basil and its components, but no specific numeric limits are generally set for its use as a flavoring. Evidence does not suggest significant health concerns at normal dietary intake.

Allergen info

Basil is not one of the FDA's nine major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Whole Leaf Basil

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Beaver Street Fisheries Inc. Tilapia Florentine Fish Unprepared/Unprocessed High in sodium — 40% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 155kcal 8.4Protein 5.3Fat 18.1Carbs Beaver Street Fisheries Inc. Tilapia Florentine Fish Unprepared/Unprocessed High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 135kcal 11.3Protein 7.8Fat 3.5Carbs Safeway, Inc. San Marzano Style Whole Peeled Pear Tomatoes With Fresh Leaf Basil, San Marzano Style Tomatoes 21kcal 0Protein 0Fat 4.1Carbs The Kroger Co. San Marzano Style Whole Peeled Tomatoes With Basil, San Marzano Style With Basil Tomatoes 21kcal 0Protein 0Fat 4.1Carbs Harris-Teeter Inc. Whole Plum Tomatoes With Basil, Basil Tomatoes 21kcal 0Protein 0Fat 4.1Carbs Safeway, Inc. San Marzano Style Special Cut Tomatoes Pear Tomato Strips With Basil In Puree, San Marzano Style Tomatoes 29kcal 1.6Protein 0Fat 6.6Carbs Smart & Final Iris Corporation Pear Tomato Strips In Tomato Puree With Basil, Tomato Puree With Basil Tomatoes 29kcal 1.6Protein 0Fat 6.6Carbs Smart & Final Iris Corporation Peeled Whole San Marzano Style Tomatoes With Basil, Basil Tomatoes 21kcal 0Protein 0Fat 4.1Carbs Supervalu, Inc. Italian Wood-Fired Crust Margherita Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 34% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 229kcal 9.3Protein 7.9Fat 30.7Carbs Pastene & Company Inc. San Marzano Style Tomatoes With Basil, San Marzano Style With Basil Tomatoes 21kcal 0Protein 0Fat 4.1Carbs Save Mart Supermarkets Inc. Whole San Marzano Style Tomatoes With Basil, Whole San Marzano Style Tomatoes 21kcal 0Protein 0Fat 4.1Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. San Marzano Style Tomatoes, San Marzano Style Tomatoes 21kcal 0Protein 0Fat 4.1Carbs
Citric Acid (10 products) Tomatoes (9 products) Sea Salt (9 products) Tomato Juice (7 products) Mozzarella Cheese (3 products) Parsley (3 products) Salt (3 products) Tomato Puree (3 products) Water (3 products) Cheese Cultures (2 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.