Is Organic Basil Pesto Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Ica Eco
Ica Eco's Organic Basil Pesto is reviewed here as a sauce condiment. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The composition includes sunflower oil and concentrated basil, but also contains preservatives like citric acid and milk, raising quality concerns. The presence of cashews and pine nuts adds complexity to the ingredient profile.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sunflower oil and concentrated basil, but also contains preservatives like citric acid and milk, raising quality concerns. The presence of cashews and pine nuts adds complexity to the ingredient profile.
Main concern
Sunflower oil is a refined oil that may raise concerns about processing and quality compared to more natural oils.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains concentrated basil, providing a natural flavor base that supports the overall taste profile.
- Includes parmesan, which adds depth and richness to the pesto, enhancing its culinary versatility.
Concerns
- Sunflower oil is a refined oil that may raise concerns about processing and quality compared to more natural oils.
- The presence of milk and cashew nuts indicates potential allergen risks for sensitive individuals.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this sauce condiment, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Sunflower Oil safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil serves as the primary base for this pesto, providing texture and mouthfeel. However, its refined nature raises concerns about quality and processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: Solrosolja
-
Is Concentrated Basil safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Concentrated Basil is used here as natural_extract. Concentrated basil is a key flavor component, contributing to the authentic taste of pesto. Its natural origin supports a positive quality assessment.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: koncentrerad basilika
-
Is Salt safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used to enhance flavor in this pesto, playing a crucial role in balancing the overall taste profile without raising significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Parmesan safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Parmesan is used here as flavor. Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor to the pesto, enhancing its culinary appeal. Its inclusion supports a positive quality assessment.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: parmesan
-
Is Milk safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Milk is used here as base. Milk contributes to the creaminess of the pesto but raises allergen concerns for those with dairy sensitivities.
Role in formula: base
Original: mjölk
-
Is Cashew Nuts safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Cashew Nuts is used here as base. Cashew nuts add creaminess and a unique flavor to the pesto, but they also present allergen risks for sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: base
Original: cashewnötter
-
Is Vinegar safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Vinegar is used here as acidulant. Vinegar provides acidity, balancing the flavors in the pesto and enhancing preservation without raising significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: vinäger
-
Is Pine Nuts safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Pine Nuts is used here as base. Pine nuts contribute a distinct flavor and texture to the pesto, enhancing its overall quality and culinary versatility.
Role in formula: base
Original: pinjenötter
-
Is Garlic safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Garlic is used here as flavor. Garlic adds a robust flavor profile to the pesto, enhancing its taste and providing a natural ingredient without safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: vitlök
-
Is Corn Starch safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Corn starch is used as a thickening agent in the pesto, which may raise concerns about processing but is generally accepted in food products.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: majsstärkelse
-
Is Lactic Acid safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is used for preservation and flavor enhancement, but its synthetic nature raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: surhetsreglerande medel (mjölksyra)
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid serves as a preservative and flavor enhancer, but its synthetic origin raises concerns about the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citronsyra
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 4057464
More from this brand: Ica Eco products in Zerotox
Similar products: sauce_condiment in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk , cashew
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.