FILIPPO BERIO TOMATO & RICOTTA PESTO, TOMATO & RICOTTA receives a FoodScore of 39/100 (Poor), primarily driven by its **high sodium content** and contribution of **saturated fat**.
This pesto has a FoodScore of 39/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
A 100g serving contains 983.33mg of sodium, contributing significantly to daily intake.
It provides 5g of protein and 1.7g of fiber per 100g.
Classified as NOVA class 3, it is a processed food, unlike a generic whole-grain equivalent.
Consider portion control due to its calorie and fat density.
Scores -8 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
1.7g
6% of Daily Value
Protein
5g
10% of Daily Value
Added sugar
3.3g
7% of Daily Value
Sodium
983.33mg
43% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (1.7g)+1
Protein (5g)+1
Micronutrients (Calcium)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (3.3g)-1
Saturated fat (5g)-4
Sodium (983.3mg)-5
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 39
FILIPPO BERIO TOMATO & RICOTTA PESTO, TOMATO & RICOTTA scores 39 out of 100, placing it in the Poor category. This score is heavily influenced by several factors. On the positive side, it receives 1 bonus point for its 5g of protein and another 1 point for 1.7g of fiber per 100g. The presence of 150mg of calcium (12% DV) also adds 2 bonus points. However, these are outweighed by significant penalties. The product incurs a 1-point penalty for 3.3g of added sugar, and a substantial 4-point penalty for its 5g of saturated fat. The most significant deduction comes from its high sodium content, with 983.33mg per 100g leading to a 5-point penalty. Furthermore, as a NOVA class 3 processed food, it receives an additional 5-point penalty. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, which would typically offer more fiber and less sodium and saturated fat, this FILIPPO BERIO pesto presents a less favorable nutritional balance. The inclusion of sunflower oil and glucose syrup also contributes to its processed nature.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in filippo berio tomato & ricotta pesto, tomato & ricotta actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Protein
This pesto provides 5g of protein per 100g, primarily from ingredients like ricotta cheese and cashew nuts. Protein is an essential macronutrient that supports muscle maintenance and repair, and contributes to satiety. While not a primary protein source, it can contribute to your daily protein intake when incorporated into meals, especially when paired with other protein-rich foods.
Contains Calcium
FILIPPO BERIO TOMATO & RICOTTA PESTO offers 150mg of calcium per 100g, which is 12% of the Daily Value. Calcium is crucial for bone health and various bodily functions, including nerve transmission and muscle function. The calcium content likely comes from the ricotta and Grana Padano cheeses. This can be a small but useful contribution to overall calcium intake.
Provides Dietary Fiber
With 1.7g of fiber per 100g, this pesto contributes a modest amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. While this amount is not high, it is a positive attribute, especially when considering that many sauces may contain very little fiber. Pairing this pesto with whole grains or vegetables can further boost your fiber intake.
FILIPPO BERIO TOMATO & RICOTTA PESTO, TOMATO & RICOTTA receives a FoodScore of 39/100 (Poor), primarily driven by its high sodium content and contribution of saturated fat.
How to eat it
Pesto is typically used as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for grilled meats and vegetables. A common serving size is 1/4 cup, which is approximately 60g. Due to its calorie and sodium density, portion control is key.
Use this pesto as a flavor enhancer rather than the main component of a meal to manage calorie and sodium intake.
Pair with whole-wheat pasta or a generous serving of vegetables to increase fiber content and overall nutritional value.
Dilute with a small amount of water or low-sodium vegetable broth to extend its use and reduce the amount consumed per serving.
Spread thinly on whole-grain toast instead of butter or other high-fat spreads for a flavorful alternative.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains milk and tree nuts (cashew nuts, walnuts), which are common allergens. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid consumption. The high sodium content (983.33mg per 100g) means that those monitoring their sodium intake, such as individuals with high blood pressure, should consume this product in very small portions. The presence of glucose syrup and added sugar also means individuals managing blood sugar levels should be mindful of their serving size. While the antioxidants sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid are generally recognized as safe, the product's NOVA class 3 designation indicates it is a processed food, which may be a consideration for those aiming for a diet rich in minimally processed foods.
FILIPPO BERIO TOMATO & RICOTTA PESTO, TOMATO & RICOTTA has a FoodScore of 39/100 (Poor). While it provides some protein and calcium, its high sodium and saturated fat content, along with added sugar, contribute to its lower score. It is best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How does FILIPPO BERIO Tomato & Ricotta Pesto compare to a generic pesto?
Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this pesto is a NOVA class 3 processed food. It contains significant amounts of sodium (983.33mg/100g) and saturated fat (5g/100g). Many generic pestos can also be high in fat and sodium, so always check the nutrition label for specific comparisons, similar to how you would compare different brands of pasta sauce like Rao's or Prego.
What is 'glucose syrup' in the ingredient list?
Glucose syrup is a type of sugar derived from starch, often corn. In this product, it contributes to the 3.3g of added sugar per 100g. It is used for sweetness, texture, and to help preserve the product.
What is a reasonable portion size for this pesto?
The declared serving size is 1/4 cup (approximately 60g). Given its calorie density (366.67 calories per 100g) and high sodium content, sticking to this portion size or even less is advisable, especially if you are monitoring your intake of these nutrients.
Can this pesto be used in a vegetarian diet?
Yes, FILIPPO BERIO TOMATO & RICOTTA PESTO, TOMATO & RICOTTA is suitable for a vegetarian diet as it contains milk-based cheeses (ricotta, Grana Padano) but no meat, poultry, or fish. It can be a flavorful addition to vegetarian pasta dishes, sandwiches, or vegetable roasts.