If you’re in the mood for the best store-bought pesto sauce, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll introduce you to six pesto sauces that will make your taste buds happy, and we’ll review them so you can make the best decision for your needs.
Our best pick for the best pesto sauce in a jar is the Barilla Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce. It’s a classic pesto sauce that hits all the right notes regarding flavor and texture.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, the Prego Pasta Sauce, Basil Pesto, is a great option. It has a unique flavor that will please even the most discerning palate.
Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional pesto sauce or something with a little more zing, one of these six sauces will hit the spot.
Where is Pesto in a Grocery Store?
There are three common places to find pesto in grocery stores: the pasta sauce aisle, the refrigerated aisle, or the health food section.
The pasta sauce aisle will have pre-made pesto sauces. These are generally in jars, and you can use them as-is or add them to other dishes. Since most grocery stores prefer storing pesto next to everyday things you can often pair with, you’ll likely find it next to the tomato or marinara sauces.
In the refrigerated section, you’ll find basil pesto in plastic containers, next to other fresh herbs. This is the most common form of pesto. You’ll find that refrigerated pesto has a short shelf life, so it’s best to use it quickly or freeze it for later.
The health food section will have both refrigerated and frozen pesto. This is an excellent place to look if you want a more organic option or have dietary restrictions. Also, some stores regard pesto as healthy food and put it in the health food section to appeal to more customers.
What is Pesto?
Pesto is a sauce made from fresh basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Often used on pasta, you can also add it to other dishes like soups, stews, and casseroles.
You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor when making homemade pesto. Using a mortar and pestle will take a little longer, but the result will be more traditional. If you’re using a food processor, make sure not to over-process, or it will turn into a paste.
The ingredients in pesto can vary depending on the recipe. Some people add things like garlic, lemon juice, or walnuts. However, basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts are the most common ingredients.
Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy. It’s a traditional sauce that has been around for centuries. Pesto means “to crush or grind” in Italian, which is a nod to the conventional way of making it.
Why Trust The Proud Italian?
The Proud Italian is a trusted source for all things Italian food. We’re passionate about sharing our culture and love of good food with the world.
We’ve been in the business for years and have had our fair share of experience with pesto sauce. We know what makes a good sauce, and we’re excited to share our knowledge with you.
When it comes to pesto, we believe that the best sauce is flavorful and has a good balance of ingredients. We also think that pesto should be fresh, so we only recommend sauces made with fresh ingredients.
We know that everyone’s taste is different, so we’ve included various options in our list of the best pesto sauces. Whether you like your pesto mild or spicy, there’s a sauce for you on this list.
Considerations to Take Before Buying Store Bought Pesto
When buying store-bought pesto, there are a few things to consider. The following are some considerations to take before purchasing:
Appearance
Different people have different definitions of what “good-looking” food is, but most store-bought pestos will have a green color.
Ingredients
As mentioned earlier, the ingredients in pesto can vary depending on the recipe. However, all good pesto sauces will have basil, olive oil, cheese, and pine nuts. If a sauce is missing one of these ingredients, it’s likely not a good pesto sauce.
Flavor
The best pesto sauces will have a bold, flavorful taste. The sauce should be savory with a slight bitterness from the basil. There should also be a balance of flavors so that no one ingredient is too overpowering.
Take a moment to read the labels and see if there are any added ingredients that you’re not comfortable with. If the sauce contains things like sugar, preservatives, or artificial flavors, it’s best to avoid it.
Texture
The texture of pesto can be quite different depending on the brand. Some pestos are finely blended, while others are more rustic and grainy. There is no right or wrong texture, but it’s essential to choose a sauce with a texture that you enjoy.
Shelf Life
The shelf life of pesto sauce varies depending on the brand. Some brands use preservatives to extend the shelf life, while others do not. If you’re looking for a pesto sauce that doesn’t contain preservatives, check the label before purchasing.
Price
The price of pesto sauce can vary depending on the brand and the store. Some brands are more expensive than others, but most sauces are affordable. Always compare prices before purchasing to get the best deal.
Product Reviews
Before purchasing a store-bought pesto sauce read online reviews. Reading reviews is a great way to get an unbiased opinion about a product. Look for reviews that mention the sauce’s flavor, texture, and ingredients.
Pesto Sauce Brands
There are a few brands that make some of the best store-bought pesto sauce. When choosing the best pesto sauce brand, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences. The following are some of the best pesto sauce brands on the market:
- Barilla Pasta
- Compagnia Sanremo Pesto
- Knorr
- 20th Street Products
- Alessi
- Amore
- Mantova
What is the Best Store-Bought Pesto – an Overview
- Best Overall Store Pesto: Barilla Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce
- Best Premade Pesto: Prego Pasta Sauce, Basil Pesto
- Best Mix Store Pesto: Mantova Italian Mix Pesto
- Best Smooth Store Pesto: Alessi Pesto
- Best Store Pesto for Vegans: Mantova Vegan Basil Pesto
- Best Traditional Store Pesto: Amore Pesto Paste
The Best Pesto Sauces Reviewed
Best Overall Store Pesto: Barilla Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce
Key Features
- Can, plastic bottle or jar?: Jar
- Package weight: 3.53 pounds (1.6 kilograms)
- Volume: 6 ounces (170.1 grams)
- Ingredients list: Basil, sunflower oil, garlic, spinach, Grana Padano cheese, potato flakes, cashews, salt, pecorino Romano cheese, lactic acid, yeast extract
- Flavor: Natural basil flavor
- Sauce thickness: Rustic
- Brand: Barilla pasta
- Calories and sodium per serving?: Calories 200, sugar 0, sodium 600 milligrams
- Cholesterol free?: Yes
- Material feature: Gluten-free, peanut-free, non-GMO, and fish-free
Made by an internationally trusted brand in the pasta industry, this pesto sauce has a light flavor that won’t overpower your dish. The rustic texture of this pesto is perfect for those who prefer a more natural sauce.
This non-GMO sauce can accommodate various dietary and allergy needs, so this is a great option if you have any restrictions. Made with the highest quality ingredients, such as freshly grated Italian specialty cheeses and sweet basil for an authentically Italian taste, you can’t go wrong with this sauce.
Barilla Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce is delicious in different dishes, including sandwiches, chicken, pizza, fish, vegetables, and pasta. If you are cooking for guests or family, this sauce is the best pesto sauce option because it is fish-free, gluten-free, soy-free, peanut-free, and shellfish-free.
| Pros | Cons |
| -Non-GMO -Accommodates various dietary and allergy restrictions -Made with high-quality ingredients -Delicious with many different dishes -Fish-free, gluten-free, soy-free, peanut-free, and shellfish-free | -It’s somewhat oily |
Best Premade Pesto: Prego Pasta Sauce, Basil Pesto
Key Features
- Can, plastic bottle or jar?: Jar
- Package weight: 1.83 pounds (0.83 Kilograms)
- Volume: 8 ounces (226.8 grams)
- Ingredients list: Basil, soybean oil, garlic, Romano cheese, olive oil, sea salt, less than 1% of citric acid, lactic acid, rosemary extract, water, oregano
- Flavor: Rich Italian flavor
- Sauce thickness: Thick and grainy
- Brand: 20th Street Products
- Calories, sugar, and sodium per serving?: Calories 200, sugar 0, sodium 590 milligrams
- Cholesterol free?: No
Prego Pasta Sauce, Basil Pesto is an excellent option for those who want a high-quality pesto sauce without all the hassle of making it fresh at home. Made from only the finest ingredients like basil, Romano cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt, this pesto sauce delivers a rich Italian flavor that complements your favorite pasta dish.
This premade pesto sauce also has a rustic appearance, thanks to the glass jars it comes in. Additionally, this product has no artificial colors or flavors, making it a healthier option for those looking for a delicious and nutritious pesto sauce.
| Pros | Cons |
| -High-quality ingredients -Rich Italian flavor -No artificial colors or flavors -Rustic appearance | -Not cholesterol-free |
Best Mix Store Pesto: Mantova Italian Mix Pesto
Key Features
- Amazon choice’s award for “Italian basil pesto”
- Can, plastic bottle or jar?: Jar
- Weight: 3.2 pounds (1.45 kilograms)
- Volume: 6.5 ounces (184.27 grams)
- Ingredients list: Artichokes, sunflower seed oil, salt, parsley, extra virgin olive oil
- Flavor: Pesto
- Brand: Mantova
- Calories, sugar, and sodium per serving?: Calories 199, sugar 0, sodium 310 milligrams
- Cholesterol free?: Yes
- Material feature: GMO-Free, gluten-free, no artificial preservative, no artificial flavors, plant-based
Mantova Italian Mix Pesto is a great store-bought pesto sauce for those who want to enjoy the authentic taste of Italy without having to go through the hassle of making it themselves. All ingredients are 100% Italian, from harvest to pesto jar. This ensures that you’re getting the best possible flavor and quality.
What’s more? The pesto is GMO-free, gluten-free, and contains no artificial preservatives or flavors. So not only is it delicious, but it’s also good for you!
Mantova Italian Mix Pesto contains four all-natural spreads: Pesto Genovese, artichoke paste, olive paste, and sundried tomato paste. This variety pack allows you to enjoy a delicious pesto sauce on your salad, pasta dish, pizza, soup, or any other recipe.
Pesto Genovese features basil, garlic, pine nuts, and pecorino Romano cheese to give you a classic flavor that’s perfect for any dish. Artichoke paste consists of fresh artichokes, sesame oil, parsley, and salt for a unique twist on the traditional pesto sauce.
Olive paste is a smooth and flavorful blend of extra virgin olive oil, black olives, and a touch of salt. And sundried tomato paste is a rich, intense sauce made with sun-dried tomato, oil, and vinegar.
So no matter what your taste preference is, Mantova Italian Mix Pesto has a sauce for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| -100% Italian ingredients for the best flavor and quality -GMO-free, gluten-free, and contains no artificial preservatives or flavors -Variety pack of four all-natural spreads -Perfect for any dish | -Some customers found the pesto to be too salty |
Best Smooth Store Pesto: Alessi Pesto
Key Features
- Amazon’s Choice Award for “Alessi pesto”
- Can, plastic bottle or jar?: Jar
- Weight: 1.24 pounds (0.56 kilograms)
- Volume: 3.5 ounces (99.22 grams)
- Ingredients list: Alessi extra virgin olive oil, basil, pine nuts, imported pecorino Romano cheese, Alessi white balsamic vinegar, garlic, phosphoric acid and sodium benzoate (preservative)
- Flavor: Pesto
- Brand: Alessi
- Calories, sugar, and sodium per serving?: No nutritional information
- Material feature: Contains milk products and pine nuts
Alessi Pesto is a traditional Italian recipe made from a blend of basil, garlic, pine nuts, and imported pecorino Romano cheese. The resulting sauce has a rich texture and fresh flavor that will have you coming back for more!
Alessi Pesto comes in four varieties to enjoy over all of your favorite pasta dishes. Try it as a dip with focaccia bread, or create a delicious pesto spread for your next party.
| Pros | Cons |
| -Old family recipe -Only the finest ingredients -Authentically Italian -Great overall types of pasta -Available in packs of four | -Contains milk products and pine so those with allergies should beware -No nutritional information provided |
Best Store Pesto for Vegans: Mantova Vegan Basil Pesto
Key Features
- Can, plastic bottle or jar?: Jar
- Weight: 0.33 pounds (0.72 kilograms)
- Volume: 6.7 ounces (189.94 grams)
- Ingredients list: Basil, extra virgin olive oil, water, soy seeds, potatoes, sunflower seed oil, garlic, sugar cane, ascorbic acid (antioxidant), lactic acid
- Flavor: Traditional flavor (pesto, basil)
- Brand: Mantova
- Calories, sugar, and sodium per serving?: Calories 80, sugar 0.06 ounces (1.8 grams), sodium 290 milligrams
- Cholesterol-free?: Yes
Mantova Vegan Basil Pesto is an excellent option for those looking for a vegan-friendly jarred pesto sauce. Made with only the finest quality ingredients, this sauce has a traditional flavor to please any palate.
This jar of pesto constitutes one of the healthiest options, as it is rich in antioxidants and made with pure, extra virgin olive oil. As a bonus, there is no cheese in this sauce.
In addition to its many health benefits, Mantova Vegan Basil Pesto tastes great on sandwiches, pasta dishes, or even pizza. So, if you’re looking for a jarred pesto sauce with great flavor and a vegan-friendly twist, Mantova is worth checking out.
| Pros | Cons |
| -Traditional flavor -Vegan friendly -Made with pure, extra virgin olive oil -No cheese -Cholesterol-free | -Might be too salty for some |
Best Traditional Store Pesto: Amore Pesto Paste
Key Features
- Amazon Choice’s Award for “pesto paste”
- Can, plastic bottle or jar?: Tube
- Weight: 0.17 pounds (0.08 kilograms)
- Volume: 2.8 ounces (79.38 grams)
- Ingredients list: Basil, sunflower oil, extra virgin olive oil, salt, citrus fiber, garlic, pine nuts, lactic acid
- Flavor: Pesto
- Brand: Amore
- Calories, sugar, and sodium per serving?: Calories 20, sugar 0, sodium 100 milligrams
- Cholesterol-free?: Yes
- Material feature: Gluten-free and non-GMO
Amore Pesto Paste is a prepared pesto sauce that comes in a tube. This makes it an excellent option for those who want the convenience of a jarred pesto but don’t want to deal with the hassle of opening and storing a jar.
This pesto sauce features high-quality ingredients, including extra virgin olive oil, basil, sunflower oil, and pine nuts. The result is a rich, flavorful sauce that will enhance any dish you choose to add it to.
Amore Pesto Paste is also cholesterol-free and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions.
And because it’s a tube, there’s no need to worry about spills or waste. Simply squeeze out as much as you need and store the rest in the fridge for later. Also, the paste does not get exposed to air or light, which helps to preserve its flavor and nutrients.
| Pros | Cons |
| -Rich and flavorful -Made with high-quality ingredients -Cholesterol-free -Gluten-free -Convenient tube packaging -No waste or spills | -Some customers didn’t like the flavor |
FAQs About Store-Bought Pesto
Can You Add Anything to Store-Bought Pesto?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to store-bought pesto to change the flavor. Some popular additions include fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes. It’s best to add these ingredients to taste, so start with a little bit and add more.
How Should You Store Pesto?
Store your pesto in an airtight container in the fridge. If you’re not planning on using it right away, you can also freeze pesto in an ice cube tray. Once the pesto cubes are frozen, transfer them to a Ziploc bag and store them in the freezer. This will help extend the shelf life of your pesto and prevent it from going bad.
Is Store-Bought Pesto as Good as Homemade?
That’s a matter of personal opinion. Some people prefer the taste of homemade pesto, while others find that store-bought pesto is just as good, if not better. It all depends on the brand you choose and your taste preferences.
What’s the Shelf Life of Store-Bought Pesto?
Most store-bought pestos have a shelf life of six to eight months. However, this can vary depending on the brand and the ingredients used. Be sure to check the expiration date before purchasing the pesto to ensure that it will be fresh when you get home.
How Can You Make Pesto Taste Better?
If you find that store-bought pesto is a little too bland for your taste, there are a few things you can do to jazz it up. Try adding a pinch of salt if the basil flavor is too subtle. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little more kick. And if you want a creamier pesto, stir in a spoonful of Parmesan cheese.
How Long Does Fresh Pesto Last?
Homemade pesto typically lasts around five days in the fridge. However, this can vary depending on the ingredients used and how it’s stored.
If you’re not planning on using your pesto right away, you can use olive oil to create an airtight seal and extend the shelf life.
Simply pour a layer of olive oil over the top of the pesto and store it in the fridge. This will help to keep the pesto fresh for an additional week or two.
Our Final Verdict on the Best Pesto Sauce in a Jar
All of the pesto sauces we reviewed are delicious and convenient options for those who want to enjoy the flavor of pesto without having to make it from scratch.
Our top pick is the Barilla Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce, a traditional pesto sauce made with high-quality ingredients, including sunflower oil and basil.
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly pesto sauce, the Mantova Vegan Basil Pesto is a great option. It’s made with pure, extra virgin olive oil and is cholesterol-free and gluten-free.
Whether you’re a pesto lover or just looking for an easy way to add some flavor to your dish, one of these six sauces is sure to satisfy. Grab a jar of your favorite pesto and get cooking!
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