Is Basil Pesto Sauce Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed sauce like this is kosher, we must look beyond the obvious vegetables and herbs. The primary concern in pesto is usually the CHEESES. In this specific product, the cheeses are derived from COW'S MILK and SHEEP'S MILK. Dairy is inherently kosher provided the animal is kosher, which cows and sheep are, and the milk is not mixed with meat.

The second critical checkpoint is the coagulating agent used to make the cheese. The label lists RENNET. While rennet can sometimes come from non-kosher sources, modern food science often utilizes microbial or vegetable rennet, which is universally kosher. Additionally, the presence of LISOZYME FROM EGG as a preservative is acceptable, as eggs are pareve (neither meat nor dairy) and kosher.

Finally, the fats and bulkers pass the test. SUNFLOWER OIL is a plant-based fat, and CASHEW NUTS and PINE NUTS are standard kosher nuts. There are no hidden animal fats or wine-based vinegars that would require strict rabbinical supervision. Therefore, the combination of these ingredients results in a kosher-certified product.

Nutritional Value

While this pesto is dietetically compliant with kosher laws, it is calorie-dense due to the inclusion of SUNFLOWER OIL and CASHEW NUTS. These ingredients provide healthy monounsaturated fats, but they also drive the caloric count up significantly per tablespoon. It fits well into a Mediterranean diet but should be portion-controlled.

The sauce also contains POTATOES FLAKES and SUGAR, which act as thickeners and flavor balancers. While the sugar content is relatively low, those monitoring blood sugar or insulin levels should be aware of the added LATIC ACID and GLUCONO DELTA-LACTONE, which are acidic preservatives. Overall, it is a nutrient-dense sauce rich in vitamins from the basil, but high in fat.