Does Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce contain dairy or gluten?

This sauce contains dairy in the form of Romano cheese, but it is completely free of gluten.

Is Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce good for weight loss?

Due to the high calorie and fat content from the oils and cheese, it is not typically recommended for strict calorie restriction, though small amounts can fit into a balanced diet.

Where can I buy Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce?

This product is widely available at major grocery chains, Italian specialty markets, and online retailers like Amazon.

Is Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children. It contains no caffeine or artificial sweeteners. However, be aware of the salt content if serving to very young children.

Is Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce Gluten Free?

Yes, Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce is gluten-free. Based on the ingredient list provided, there are no wheat, barley, rye, or hidden gluten derivatives used in the recipe. This makes it a safe and flavorful option for those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and dive straight into the formulation. Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce relies on a classic emulsion of fats, aromatics, and cheese. Let's look at the specific components to understand why this product passes the gluten test.

The primary ingredients are BASIL and a blend of oils (SOYBEAN OIL and EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL). These are naturally gluten-free plant materials. The texture and preservation are managed by GARLIC, SALT, and acids like LACTIC ACID and CITRIC ACID. None of these pose a gluten risk.

A common concern for those new to gluten-free eating is thickeners or flavor enhancers. However, this sauce uses NATURAL FLAVORS and SPICE strictly for taste profile, not texture. There are no modified food starches or hydrolyzed vegetable proteins derived from wheat in this specific formulation.

Finally, we must address the ROMANO CHEESE. While cheese is naturally gluten-free, aged cheeses sometimes use anti-caking agents on the rind or enzymes that could be questionable. In this case, the cheese is listed simply as cow's milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes. This confirms the sauce is safe for a gluten-free diet. However, please note that this product does contain dairy (Romano cheese), so it is not suitable for a dairy-free or vegan diet.

Nutritional Value

When analyzing the nutritional profile of Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce, the standout feature is its fat content. This is expected, as pesto is fundamentally an oil-based sauce. The combination of SOYBEAN OIL and EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL drives the calorie count up, providing roughly 80-100 calories per tablespoon.

From a dietary perspective, this sauce fits well into low-carb and ketogenic lifestyles because the carbohydrate count is negligible. There is very little sugar present, relying instead on the savory punch of garlic and cheese for flavor. However, for those strictly monitoring saturated fat or sodium intake, portion control is key. The Romano cheese and added salt contribute to the sodium levels, which is typical for a cured-style condiment.