Is pesto healthy? Experts reveal the best and worst options to buy

The sauce can have more salt and fat than a burger. The Telegraph asked the experts about everything pesto – and how to use it. A dollop of pesto elevates your week night pasta and with its verdant, silky appearance, it’s easy to tell ourselves this condiment is a healthy option , too.

Unfortunately, just one serving of some supermarket brands contains more salt than a McDonald’s hamburger and three times the fat. Not all fats or pesto are created equal, however. Here’s a guide to the health benefits of pesto and the healthiest way to prepare it.



What does pesto actually contain? A traditional pesto – sometimes called green pesto or pesto alla Genovese – has just a handful of key ingredients: basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, hard cheese and “maybe a bit of salt”, says Rob Hobson, a registered nutritionist and the author of Unprocess Your Life ..