Classico

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Classico Riserva Basil Pesto falls short in meeting the criteria for cleaner, healthier food options. This product is not organic, which detracts from its potential for a higher rating on our scale. Additionally, it fails to use non-GMO ingredients, further diminishing its score.

The ingredient list reveals the inclusion of citric acid, which we categorize as an added sugar, contributing negatively to the product’s overall health value. Moreover, the presence of ‘natural flavor’ raises concerns due to its broad definition, which can encompass a variety of substances and is often considered a potentially harmful additive.

The use of extra virgin olive oil and basil is a positive aspect of the product, as these ingredients are typically associated with health benefits. However, the cheeses—Romano and Parmesan—are made from part-skimmed cow’s milk and include salt and enzymes. While cheese can be a nutritious component, its value is lessened in the absence of organic certification.

The inclusion of walnuts adds a nutritious element to the pesto, given their recognized health benefits. Garlic and sea salt are common in pesto recipes, but the product would benefit from a clear indication that the garlic is sourced from non-GMO providers. Lactic acid is another ingredient that, while common in many foods, contributes to the product’s lower score due to our criteria.

The Classico Riserva Basil Pesto, with its current formulation, does not align with the highest standards of clean eating that we advocate for. The product’s reliance on non-organic ingredients, use of non-GMO elements, and inclusion of additives like citric acid and ‘natural flavor’ significantly impact its rating. To achieve a cleaner and healthier profile, the product would need to undergo substantial reformulation, prioritizing organic, non-GMO ingredients, and eliminating ambiguous additives.