Is Store Bought Pesto Healthy?

As with all good things in life, yes, pesto is healthy in moderation. Pesto is high in fat and calories, but also contains many nourishing ingredients. Rich in vitamins, minerals and monounsaturated fats, pesto provides your body with tools to maintain cell health and keep your heart healthy.

Unlike some condiments that are packed with sugar (we see you, ketchup) or loaded with sodium (sorry, soy sauce), pesto is relatively healthy. In its purest form, traditional pesto is a combination of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese, olive oil, and salt.

Pesto is higher in calories than some sauces but it’s also made with super-healthy ingredients, like basil, olive oil and nuts. I find it’s a great way to add more flavor to pasta dishes and even vegetables and proteins. Making it your own can be flavorful, but store-bought pestos have saved me on plenty of busy nights.

Instead, it has a ton of healthy fats that will support a nutrient-dense diet. Although pesto only includes a few ingredients, you may not want to spend the time whipping up a do-it-yourself concoction. Luckily, there are a ton of store-bought pesto’s that are quite delicious and contain fresh ingredients.

Pesto is healthy food if you consume it in moderation and with the right ingredients. It offers several health benefits. For example, pesto contains high amounts of omega-3, reducing the risk of heart diseases and strokes.

Besides adding fresh flavor, pesto has health benefits. Its ingredients are part of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. Plus, certain compounds in the ingredients may reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Downsides Nuts are a common allergen.

Unlike some condiments that are packed with sugar (we see you, ketchup) or loaded with sodium (sorry, soy sauce), pesto is relatively healthy. In its purest form, traditional pesto is a combination of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese, olive oil, and salt.

Using store-bought pesto can be a time saver for busy weeknights. You’ll want to check labels and see how much sodium there is, and also which oils and nuts they’re using.

A third option, which will likely come in handy during the winter months when fresh basil may be trickier to come by, is to make a big batch of pesto and stick it in your freezer for later use. Believe it or not, the frozen condiment will stay fresh for up to six months. What’s more?

In the height of summer when your herb garden is blossoming, you might want to make your own homemade pesto with fresh basil. But in the offseason (or on a busy night), you might find yourself reaching for a jar of pesto sauce at the grocery store.