Is Pesto Sauce with Basil and Mozzarella Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Barilla
Pesto Sauce with Basil and Mozzarella is one of the sauce condiment products analyzed by Zerotox for Barilla. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Sugar affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes mozzarella and basil, but also contains sugar and cashews, raising concerns about processed ingredients. The presence of multiple dairy components indicates a mixed quality profile.
Main concern
Contains sugar, which raises concerns about unnecessary sweetness in a savory sauce.
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 basil (8.5%) which is a natural herb, contributing flavor and aroma.
- Includes mozzarella di bufala (8%), a traditional cheese known for its quality.
- Ricotta cheese adds creaminess and enhances the texture of the sauce.
- Natural flavors are present, which can enhance the overall taste profile.
Concerns
- Contains sugar, which raises concerns about unnecessary sweetness in a savory sauce.
- Sunflower oil is a processed ingredient that may not provide the best quality fats.
- Cashews may pose allergen risks for some consumers, limiting its accessibility.
- The presence of multiple dairy ingredients may not suit lactose-intolerant individuals.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this sauce condiment.
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Is Sunflower Oil safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil serves as a base for the sauce, providing texture. However, it is a refined oil, which raises concerns about quality compared to unrefined alternatives.
Role in formula: base
Original: Huile de tournesol
-
Is Basil safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Basil is used here as natural_extract. Basil (8.5%) is a natural herb that contributes flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall quality of the sauce.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: basilic 8,5%
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Is Mozzarella Di Bufala safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Mozzarella Di Bufala is used here as base. Mozzarella di bufala (8%) is a high-quality cheese that adds richness and flavor, supporting the sauce's overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Mozzarella di Bufala Campana AOP – mozzarella de bufflonne 8% (LAIT de bufflonne)
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Is Cream safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Cream is used here as base. Cream adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, but its presence indicates a level of processing that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: base
Original: crème (LAIT)
-
Is Corn Fiber safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Corn Fiber is used here as thickener. Corn fiber is used as a thickening agent, which can improve texture but may raise concerns about processed ingredients.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: fibre de maïs
-
Is Ricotta Cheese safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Ricotta Cheese is used here as base. Ricotta cheese contributes to the creaminess of the sauce, but its dairy content may not be suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Role in formula: base
Original: fromage ricotta (lactosérum (LAIT), LAIT)
-
Is Whey Powder safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Whey Powder is used here as base. Whey powder is a dairy derivative that adds protein and texture, but it may not appeal to those avoiding dairy.
Role in formula: base
Original: lactosérum en poudre (LAIT)
-
Is Salt safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is essential for flavor enhancement in this sauce, contributing to its overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sel
-
Is Cashews safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Cashews is used here as flavor. Cashews add a nutty flavor and creaminess, but they are also a common allergen, which may limit the product's accessibility.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: NOIX DE CAJOU
-
Is Sugar safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is included, which may contribute unnecessary sweetness to a savory sauce, raising concerns about its overall quality.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sucre
-
Is Natural Flavors safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors are used to enhance taste, but their specific sources are not disclosed, which can raise transparency concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: arômes naturels (LAIT)
-
Is Milk Proteins safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Milk Proteins is used here as base. Milk proteins contribute to the sauce's texture and flavor, but they may not be suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Role in formula: base
Original: protéines de LAIT
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Is Lactic Acid safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is used to adjust acidity, which can enhance flavor but is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: correcteur d'acidité : acide lactique
-
Is Rice Starch safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Rice Starch is used here as thickener. Rice starch serves as a thickening agent, improving texture but indicating a level of processing that may not be ideal.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: amidon de riz
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: 4149938
More from this brand: Barilla 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.