Pesto Sauce Buying Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Jar

Nothing elevates a simple pasta dish into an Italian delicacy quite like a good pesto sauce. But with so many options lining the shelves, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. From traditional pesto genovese to increasingly creative variations, how do you find the sauce that will make your meals sing?

This guide is here to help you navigate the choices. We'll decode the labels, explore the flavours, and present our top picks so you can buy pesto online with complete confidence.

How to Choose the Right Pesto Sauce: Our Tips

Before you fill your shopping cart, here are the key things to check to ensure you make the right choice.

1. Decode the Ingredients: The Key to Quality Pesto

An authentic Italian pesto is based on a simple recipe that allows no compromise on the quality of its ingredients. For a true pesto genovese, here’s what to look for on the label:

• Basil: This is the soul of the pesto. A high percentage (over 30%) is often an excellent sign of freshness and aromatic intensity.
• Oil: Opt for extra virgin olive oil for its fruity taste and health benefits.
• Cheeses: The presence of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano PDO or Pecorino Romano PDO is an unmistakable sign of authenticity.
• Nuts: The traditional recipe uses pine nuts. Many variations use cashew nuts, which add creaminess while keeping costs down.

2. Classic Pesto or a Creative Twist?

While green basil pesto remains the gold standard, many variations exist to keep things interesting:

• Pesto alla Genovese: The great classic—intense and herbaceous. Ideal for an authentic pesto pasta sauce.
• Pesto Rosso (Red): Made with sun-dried tomatoes, it offers a milder, slightly sweet flavour.
• Pistachio Pesto: A gourmet and refined variation where pistachios add richness and originality.
• Ricotta and Walnut Pesto: Inspired by Southern Italian traditions, this pesto is exceptionally creamy and mild, perfect for those who find traditional pesto too strong.

The final choice will depend on your dish and your mood!

Our Pesto Sauce Recommendations

To help you choose, we've reviewed three very popular products, each with its own distinct character.

1. RUMMO Pesto alla Genovese

Why it stands out: This recipe follows the pure tradition of pesto genovese. It relies on quality ingredients, with 32% basil, extra virgin olive oil, and a duo of PDO Italian cheeses: Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano. The addition of pine nuts alongside cashews stays true to the spirit of the original recipe.

Advantages:

• Aromatic and fresh flavour thanks to a high basil content.
• Use of PDO cheeses for an authentic taste.
• Balanced texture, perfect for coating pasta or gnocchi.

Who is it for? For purists and fans of bold flavours who are looking for a pesto with character that is faithful to the Genoa recipe.

2. Barilla Pistachio & Basil Pesto

Why it stands out: The Barilla pistachio pesto is an original and refined alternative. The combination of basil (35%) and pistachios (8%) creates a surprising alchemy that is both herbaceous and incredibly decadent. A modern interpretation that thinks outside the box.

Advantages:

• Original taste that offers a change from classic pesto.
• Creamy texture and a mild pistachio flavour.
• Versatile: excellent with pasta, but also on bruschetta or as a base for a savoury tart.

Who is it for? For the curious and food lovers who enjoy exploring new flavours and surprising their guests.

3. Barilla Ricotta & Walnut Pesto

Why it stands out: Inspired by Southern Italian traditions, this ricotta and walnut pesto is distinguished by its incredible creaminess. The ricotta (20%) provides a wonderful smoothness, while the walnuts (5%) offer a crunchy and flavourful touch. Tomato pulp ties it all together with balance.

Advantages:

• Very creamy and coating texture.
• Mild and gourmet flavour, less intense in basil.
• A balanced recipe that often pleases the whole family.

Who is it for? Ideal for those who prefer mild, creamy sauces. It's an excellent introduction to the world of pesto, perfect with stuffed pasta (ravioli, tortellini) or for more delicate palates.

Looking for even more options?

Our selection is just a taste. To discover dozens of other sauces, from the most traditional to the most daring, feel free to browse our complete collection.

? Explore our full range of pasta and sauces

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do you properly use jarred pesto sauce? For the perfect pesto pasta sauce, the secret is to never cook it. After draining your pasta, save a small ladleful of the cooking water. Mix the pesto directly into the hot pasta, adding a little of the cooking water to thin the sauce and make it creamier. Pesto is also delicious on toast, in a sandwich, or to liven up a potato salad.

2. What is the difference between pesto genovese and other pestos? The pesto genovese is a protected recipe with a very specific composition: basil from Genoa, pine nuts, garlic, salt, Parmigiano Reggiano and/or Pecorino Romano, and olive oil. Other "pestos" (the word means "to pound" in Italian) can use a wide variety of ingredients: rocket instead of basil, walnuts or almonds instead of pine nuts, or even vegetables like tomatoes or artichokes.

3. How should I store an opened jar of pesto? Once opened, pesto must be kept in the refrigerator. The trick to extend its shelf life and preserve its colour is to cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil before closing the jar. It's best to consume it within 3 to 5 days of opening, following the instructions on the packaging.