# Buitoni Pesto Sauce > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Buitoni - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Deli - **Size:** 11 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/buitoni-pesto-sauce-11-oz - **Slug:** `buitoni-pesto-sauce-11-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Although made from recognizable ingredients, the product is a ready-to-eat industrial formulation that includes processed ingredients like whey protein concentrate and refined oils, consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultra-processed). ## Review Buitoni Pesto Sauce with Basil is a refrigerated jarred sauce you’ll typically find in the deli or refrigerated pasta-sauce aisle alongside fresh pasta, refrigerated alfredo and tomato sauces, and other ready-to-use condiments. Shoppers reach for it when they want a quick flavor boost for weeknight dinners, weekend entertaining, or when assembling sandwiches, pizzas and simple pasta meals. The brand positions itself as an approachable, Italian-inspired pantry upgrade — family-friendly, slightly premium, and convenient for busy parents who want a “homemade” touch without the prep. Packaging emphasizes fresh ingredients and traditional flavors (basil, pine nuts, Parmesan), leaning on a natural/ingredient-forward look rather than kid-focused gimmicks; there are no organic seals and the label makes simple-sounding ingredient claims and a non-GMO mention in marketing copy. In plain terms this is a commercially prepared sauce made from culinary ingredients like cheeses, oils and nuts, produced and jarred for convenience rather than made at home. Sensory notes: vibrant green, slightly oily emulsion with visible herb flecks and a grainy, nutty texture from pine nuts and walnuts; rich, savory cheese and garlic notes, and a slick mouthfeel from the olive and canola oils. The jar invites ritual — scoop with a spoon to toss with hot pasta, spread on crostini, or dollop on grilled chicken — and the resealable container fits fridge-to-table use. While the ingredient list reads mostly familiar, the inclusion of concentrated dairy proteins and the factory-made, shelf-stable formulation reflect modern food processing for ready-to-eat convenience. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.25 cup - **Servings per container:** 5 - **Calories:** 290 - **Total fat:** 27g (35% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 5g (25% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 15mg (5% DV) - **Sodium:** 400mg (17% DV) - **Total carbs:** 5g (2% DV) - **Total sugars:** 3g - **Protein:** 7g ## Ingredients BASIL, EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, CANOLA OIL, PARMESAN CHEESE (CULTURED PART-SKIM MILK, SALT, ENZYMES), ROMANO CHEESE (CULTURED PART-SKIM COW'S MILK, SALT, ENZYMES), REDUCED LACTOSE WHEY, WATER, WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, PINE NUTS, GARLIC, WALNUTS, SALT, SPICE. ## Flagged ingredients - **canola** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, meal-prep-sunday, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** convenient, wholesome, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is Buitoni pesto sauce healthy? Well, it depends on what your definition of 'healthy' is! This pesto is rich in flavor thanks to fresh basil and olive oil, but it’s also relatively high in fat due to the oils and cheeses. If you're looking for a tasty sauce to elevate your pasta or sandwiches, it fits the bill, but if you're counting calories or fat, just keep an eye on your portion size. ### Is it vegan? Nope, this pesto sauce is not vegan. It contains both Parmesan and Romano cheeses, which means it’s a no-go for those following a plant-based diet. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, there are some great brands out there that use nuts or nutritional yeast instead of dairy! ### Is it gluten-free? Yes, Buitoni pesto sauce is gluten-free! So if you’re avoiding gluten for health reasons or just to feel your best, you can enjoy this pesto without any worries. Just be sure to check that whatever you pair it with is also gluten-free! ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain canola oil, which is a seed oil. Canola oil is often used in sauces and dressings for its neutral flavor and smooth texture. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils for various reasons, canola oil is generally considered safe for most people, especially in moderation. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won’t find any artificial sweeteners lurking in this pesto! It’s made with real ingredients, which is always a plus in my book. So you can enjoy that fresh, garlicky taste without any of the weird aftertastes that some sweeteners can bring. ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! This pesto is low in sugar, with only 3 grams per serving, which is pretty great for a sauce. So if you're keeping your sugar intake in check, this pesto is definitely a friend, not a foe. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for something a bit lighter, you might try making your own pesto at home using fresh herbs, nuts, and a light oil. There are also brands that offer dairy-free or lower-fat options if you want to keep things a bit healthier. Just remember, sometimes a little indulgence, like this pesto, can be part of a balanced diet! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy Buitoni pesto sauce, especially if they’re fans of pasta or sandwiches. Just be mindful of the salt content, as it’s a bit on the higher side, but in moderation, it can be a fun and flavorful addition to their meals. ### Is it good for weight loss? It can be, depending on how you use it! The sauce is high in fat due to the oils and cheeses, which can be satiating, but if you're watching your weight, portion control is key. Pairing it with lots of veggies or whole grains can help balance things out, making it a delicious part of a weight loss-friendly meal. ### Is it ultra-processed? While it's not the most 'minimal' of sauces, Buitoni pesto isn't quite what you'd call ultra-processed either. It contains recognizable ingredients like basil, cheese, and nuts, which is a good sign. Just remember, processed doesn’t always mean bad — it’s all about balance and making informed choices! ## Related products - [Cabot Cracker Cuts Spicy Jack Cheese Slices](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/cabot-creamery-cracker-cuts-spicy-jack-cheese-slices-10-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/cabot-creamery-cracker-cuts-spicy-jack-cheese-slices-10-oz - [Boar's Head Smoked Gouda Cheese, Sliced](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/unknown-boars-head-smoked-gouda-cheese-sliced-lb) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/unknown-boars-head-smoked-gouda-cheese-sliced-lb - [Solera Winey Goat Cheese](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/solera-winey-goat-cheese-6-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/solera-winey-goat-cheese-6-oz - [Boars Head Cheese, Pasteurized Process, American](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/boars-head-boars-head-cheese-pasteurized-process-american-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/boars-head-boars-head-cheese-pasteurized-process-american-8-oz - [Hormel Pepperoni Cheese And Crackers Snack Tray](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hormel-pepperoni-cheese-and-crackers-snack-tray-14-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hormel-pepperoni-cheese-and-crackers-snack-tray-14-oz - [Giovanni Rana Tortellini Spinach Cheese](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/rana-giovanni-tortellini-spinach-cheese-20-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/rana-giovanni-tortellini-spinach-cheese-20-oz - [Applegate Sliced Organic Slow Cooked Ham](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/applegate-organics-sliced-organic-slow-cooked-ham-6-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/applegate-organics-sliced-organic-slow-cooked-ham-6-oz - [Bubbies Sauerkraut](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bubbies-sauerkraut-25-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bubbies-sauerkraut-25-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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