Pesto Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Jar for Your Pasta

A good jar of pesto promises to turn a simple pasta dish into an Italian feast in just a few minutes. It's the perfect ally for spontaneous weeknight dinners or for effortlessly elevating any meal. But once you're in the aisle, the jungle of labels can quickly become a headache. How can you be sure you're making the right choice??

This guide is here to help you navigate the options. As the Head of Product Selection at Joybuy, I'm sharing my tips for choosing the pesto sauce that will elevate your recipes and delight your taste buds.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Jarred Pesto Sauce

Before we get to our top picks, here are the key things to check on the label.

1. Decode the Ingredient List

The quality of a pesto comes down to its ingredients. Keep a close eye on these three points:

• Basil Content: This is the soul of the pesto. A high percentage (usually above 30%) is often a sign of fresh, intense flavour.
• The Oil Used: Extra virgin olive oil is the standard for an authentic Italian pesto. However, many brands use sunflower oil, which has a more neutral taste. It all comes down to personal preference.
• Cheeses and Nuts: A true pesto alla genovese must contain PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheeses like Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano, as well as pine nuts. More budget-friendly versions with cashew nuts offer a creamier texture but stray from the original recipe.

2. Classic or Creative: Which Pesto for Which Occasion?

Pesto is more than just its traditional version. Depending on your mood and your dish, you can opt for:

• Classic Basil Pesto: The timeless choice for an authentic and classic pasta dish.
• Chilli Pesto: Perfect for those who like a bit of heat and want to spice up their meals.
• Creative Pesto (Pistachio, Rocket...): These variations, like pistachio pesto, add a touch of originality and gourmet flair. Ideal for surprising your guests or simply keeping things interesting in the kitchen.

Recommended Pesto Sauces

We've sifted through numerous brands to select only those that stand out for their taste and the quality of their ingredients. Here are our favourites.

For Fans of Bold Flavours: Brilla Basil & Chilli Pesto

Why it stands out: This spicy version from Brilla (a fictional name inspired by Barilla) is a bold take on the classic. It combines the freshness of basil with a noticeable but never overpowering hint of chilli.

Key features:

• A solid base with 32% basil.
• A well-balanced kick with 4% chilli.
• A smooth texture thanks to cashew nuts.
• Its versatility: excellent on pasta, but also as a marinade for poultry or as a dip.

Who is it for? Anyone who finds traditional pesto a bit too tame and wants to add a kick to their dishes.

The Authentic Pesto alla Genovese: RUMMO Pesto

Why it stands out: RUMMO's pesto is an excellent choice for anyone seeking the authentic taste of pesto alla genovese. Its recipe, featuring PDO ingredients, honours tradition and delivers a rich, complex flavour.

Key features:

• A recipe based on 32% basil and extra virgin olive oil.
• A combination of PDO cheeses: Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano.
• Includes pine nuts, as required by the original recipe.
• An intense and aromatic taste, typical of a true Italian pesto.

Who is it for? For purists and lovers of Italian cuisine who refuse to compromise on authenticity and quality.

The Gourmet and Original Touch: Barilla Pistachio & Basil Pesto

Why it stands out: This pistachio pesto from Barilla is a creative and highly successful variation. The combination of basil and pistachio creates a smooth sauce with a velvety texture and a delicately sophisticated taste.

Key features:

• A high basil content (35%) that guarantees freshness.
• The originality of pistachios (8%) for a rounded, gourmet flavour.
• An ultra-creamy texture, perfect for generously coating pasta.
• Ideal for recipes that are out of the ordinary or simply spread on a piece of toast.

Who is it for? For the curious and for foodies who love to experiment in the kitchen, whether it's to elevate an everyday dish or to surprise their guests.

Explore Other Pasta Sauces

Our selection is just a glimpse of the treasures that Italian cuisine has to offer. From pesto rosso to tomato, vegetable, or cheese sauces... To discover more, feel free to explore our full range.

Discover all our pasta sauces

Pesto Sauce: Your Questions, Our Answers

How do I store a jar of pesto after opening it?

Once opened, your jar of pesto should be stored in the refrigerator. The trick to preserving its colour and freshness? Cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil before closing the lid. It's best to consume it within 3 to 5 days, following the instructions on the packaging.

What's the difference between Pesto alla Genovese and classic basil pesto?

The "Pesto alla Genovese" designation refers to the traditional recipe from Genoa, which follows a strict set of rules: Ligurian basil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and a duo of cheeses (Parmigiano Reggiano and/or Grana Padano, and Pecorino). Other, often more affordable, basil pestos may use substitute ingredients like cashew nuts (instead of pine nuts) or sunflower oil, which naturally changes the taste and texture.

Is pesto only for pasta?

Absolutely not! Pesto is a true kitchen multi-tool. Use it on bruschetta, as a sandwich spread, in a marinade for chicken or fish, to give mashed potatoes a twist, or even thinned with a little oil and vinegar for a unique vinaigrette.