Pesto sauces: Contain more salt McDonald’s burger

The salt content in some pesto sauces has increased despite a push to reduce levels, a campaign group has found.

Consensus Action on Salt and Health said Sacla’s Italia Organic Vegetarian Pesto No 5 Basil and Italia Pesto No 1 Classic Basil now contain more salt per serving than a McDonald’s hamburger, according to BBC.

It said none of the sauces it checked, including some made by Sainsbury’s and Tesco, could be described as healthy.

Sacla said its products should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash) said salt levels in both Sacla sauces had increased in both products since they were last surveyed in 2009 – they now contained more than 1.5g of salt per 47.5g serving.

Cash found that Napolina Green Pesto with Basil, Gino D’Acampo Pesto alla Genovese Basil Pesto and Truly Italian Genovese Basil Pesto contained between 2g and 2.5g of salt per 100g.

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Cash assistant nutritionist Sarah Alderton said: “Pesto is an everyday product eaten by adults and children alike, but people might not realise just how salty it can be.

“None of the products we surveyed could be described as ‘healthy’, so consider having pesto in smaller portions, less frequently or try other pasta sauces lower in salt and fat instead.”

Cash called on Public Health England (PHE) to “act tough” on the food industry.

A Sacla spokeswoman said: “We work hard to make authentic Italian products which are good quality, safe to eat and should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.”

What’s in a traditional pesto sauce?

    Genoese basil

    Ligurian extra virgin olive oil

    Garlic (preferably from Vessalico)

    Italian pine nuts

    Parmesan cheese

    Pecorino cheese

    Coarse salt

H.Z