# Prego Creamy Parmesan Pesto > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Prego® - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Pasta & Pasta Sauce - **Size:** 14.50 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/prego-prego-creamy-parmesan-pesto-1450-oz - **Slug:** `prego-prego-creamy-parmesan-pesto-1450-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods The product contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives (modified food starch, enzyme-modified cheese, emulsifiers, stabilizers, colorants), indicating it is ultra-processed and designed for long shelf life and consistent texture. ## Review Prego® Creamy Parmesan Pesto is the kind of jarred sauce you spot on the pasta-sauce aisle of a mainstream supermarket, shelved alongside other jarred pestos, tomato sauces and ready-made pasta sauces. Packaged in a 14.5 oz screw-top jar, it appeals to shoppers looking for a quick way to elevate weeknight meals without chopping a bunch of ingredients. It reads as an Italian-inspired convenience product — rich, creamy, and cheesy — aimed at busy families and home cooks who want a familiar, flavorful shortcut. Marketing leans on comfort and convenience, with on-pack cues about “creamy” texture and ingredients like Parmesan and basil; the label also calls out the absence of added sugars or artificial colors, creating a mild health-halo even though the ingredient list includes emulsifiers, modified starches and enzyme-modified components. There’s no organic badge or child-focused characters — the brand positioning is mainstream, pantry-stable, and flavor-forward rather than artisanal. In plain terms, this sauce is highly processed: it contains industrial ingredients (modified food starch, enzyme-modified cheeses, stabilizers and colors) used to deliver consistent texture and shelf life. Sensory-wise it’s smooth and clingy, a glossy, thick sauce that coats spirals and linguine, with a creamy mouthfeel, savory Parmesan/romano notes, and muted basil and roasted-garlic accents. The ritual is familiar: spooned straight from the jar into a pan to warm and toss with pasta, dolloped onto sandwiches, or served as a quick dip. It fits easily into American grocery habits where pantry convenience, predictable flavor, and quick weeknight solutions are prized. ## Diet flags - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.25 cup - **Servings per container:** 7 - **Calories:** 60 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 2g (10% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 25mg (8% DV) - **Sodium:** 370mg (16% DV) - **Total carbs:** 3g (1% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 1g ## Ingredients INGREDIENTS: WATER, CREAM, PARMESAN CHEESE (PART-SKIM MILK, SALT, ENZYMES, CULTURES), MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, ENZYME MODIFIED EGG YOLKS (EGG YOLKS, SALT, PHOSPHOLIPASE), SOYBEAN AND/OR CANOLA OIL, CONTAINS LESS THAN 1% OF: SALT, SUGAR, BASIL, GARLIC, NATURAL FLAVORING, SPICE, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, ENZYME MODIFIED CHEESE PASTE (GRANULAR AND PARMESAN CHEESE [MILK, CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES], WATER, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, ENZYMES), XANTHAN GUM, YEAST EXTRACT, BETA CAROTENE FOR COLOR, GRANULAR CHEESE (MILK, CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), LACTIC ACID, HUITO & WATERMELON JUICE CONCENTRATES FOR COLOR, WHEY, ROMANO CHEESE (COW'S MILK, CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), SODIUM CITRATE. CONTAINS: EGG, MILK. ## Flagged ingredients - **soybean oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **canola oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **disodium phosphate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **sodium citrate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **beta carotene** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weeknight-dinner, meal-prep-sunday, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is Prego Creamy Parmesan Pesto healthy? Well, that depends on what 'healthy' means to you! With 60 calories and low sugar per serving, it can fit into a balanced diet, especially if you’re looking for a flavorful sauce that won't break the calorie bank. Just remember, it's a creamy sauce, so enjoy it as part of a varied diet rather than the main event. ### Is Prego Creamy Parmesan Pesto vegan? Nope, this pesto isn't vegan—it's packed with dairy goodness like cream and Parmesan cheese. So if you’re following a plant-based diet, you might want to explore some vegan pesto alternatives that use nuts or nutritional yeast instead. ### Is Prego Creamy Parmesan Pesto gluten-free? Yes, you can enjoy this creamy delight without worrying about gluten! It doesn’t contain any wheat or gluten ingredients, making it a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. ### Does Prego Creamy Parmesan Pesto contain seed oils? Yes, it contains soybean and/or canola oil. These seed oils are often used for their neutral flavor and smooth texture, but they can be a sticking point for some folks due to their omega-6 fatty acid content. It’s all about balance—if you’re mindful of your omega-6 intake, you might want to use this sauce sparingly. ### Does Prego Creamy Parmesan Pesto contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners in this sauce! It keeps things simple with natural flavors and a hint of sugar, which is a nice touch if you're looking to avoid those sugar substitutes. ### Is Prego Creamy Parmesan Pesto high in sugar? Not at all! With less than 1 gram of sugar per serving, it’s low in sugar, making it a good choice if you're watching your sugar intake. Just keep in mind that the creaminess comes from fats, which is what gives it that rich flavor. ### What are healthier alternatives to Prego Creamy Parmesan Pesto? If you're seeking something a bit lighter or with fewer processed ingredients, consider making your own pesto with fresh basil, garlic, and a healthy fat like olive oil or avocado. There are also brands that offer organic or homemade-style sauces that might align more closely with your health goals. ### Can kids eat Prego Creamy Parmesan Pesto? Absolutely! Most kids love creamy sauces, and this pesto can be a great way to introduce them to new flavors. Just keep an eye on serving sizes, as it’s still a rich sauce, and balance it with some veggies or whole grains for a well-rounded meal. ### Is Prego Creamy Parmesan Pesto good for weight loss? It can be if used wisely! At 60 calories per serving, it’s not a calorie bomb, but portion control is key. Pair it with lots of veggies and whole grains to create satisfying meals that help you stay on track with your weight loss goals. ### Is Prego Creamy Parmesan Pesto ultra-processed? While it’s definitely processed, calling it 'ultra-processed' could be a stretch. It contains ingredients like modified food starch and xanthan gum, which are common in many sauces. Just remember that processed doesn't always mean bad—it's about how it fits into your overall diet! ## Related products - [Classico Sauce, Vodka](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/classico-sauce-vodka-24-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/classico-sauce-vodka-24-oz - [Classico Sauce, Roasted Tomato & Garlic](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/classico-sauce-roasted-tomato-garlic-24-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/classico-sauce-roasted-tomato-garlic-24-oz - [Ronzoni Family Size Spaghetti](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ronzoni-family-size-spaghetti-32-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ronzoni-family-size-spaghetti-32-oz - [Classico Sauce, Spicy Tomato & Garlic](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/classico-sauce-spicy-tomato-garlic-24-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/classico-sauce-spicy-tomato-garlic-24-oz - [Victoria Low Sodium Vodka Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/victoria-low-sodium-vodka-sauce-24-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/victoria-low-sodium-vodka-sauce-24-oz - [Carbone Arrabbiata Pasta Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/carbone-arrabbiata-pasta-sauce-24-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/carbone-arrabbiata-pasta-sauce-24-oz - [Francesco Rinaldi Sauce, Traditional No Salt Added](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/francesco-rinaldi-sauce-traditional-no-salt-added-2350-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/francesco-rinaldi-sauce-traditional-no-salt-added-2350-oz - [Botticelli Premium Quality Pasta Sauce, Alla Vodka Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/botticelli-premium-quality-pasta-sauce-alla-vodka-sauce-24-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/botticelli-premium-quality-pasta-sauce-alla-vodka-sauce-24-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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