Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto

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Common questions

Is Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto healthy?

Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This vegan pesto features several beneficial ingredients such as kale, basil, and extra virgin olive oil, which provide antioxidants and healthy fats.

How processed is Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto?

Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Olive Oil Blend, Cashew Butter, Garlic count in its favor; Sunflower Oil is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto

Trader Joe's
75 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Trader Joe's
Category Condiments
Summary

This vegan pesto features several beneficial ingredients such as kale, basil, and extra virgin olive oil, which provide antioxidants and healthy fats. However, the presence of sunflower oil, a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, is a concern due to its potential inflammatory effects. The product is moderately processed, which limits its score despite the overall clean ingredient list.

Key ingredients 8

Olive Oil Blend
Good

Olive oil is a healthy fat known for its heart-healthy properties and beneficial fatty acids.

Cashew Butter
Good

Cashew butter provides healthy fats and protein, contributing to a nutritious profile.

See more about Cashew Butter →
Garlic
Good

Whole food with well-documented cardiovascular and immune benefits.

See more about Garlic →
Kale
Neutral

Kale is a nutritious leafy green rich in vitamins and antioxidants, supporting overall health.

See more about Kale →
Water
Neutral

Water is essential for hydration and is a neutral, non-controversial ingredient.

See more about Water →
Basil
Neutral

Basil adds flavor and contains antioxidants, making it a healthy herb choice.

See more about Basil →
Lemon Juice
Neutral

Lemon juice adds flavor and vitamin C, supporting immune health.

See more about Lemon Juice →
Sunflower Oil
Very Bad

Sunflower oil is highly processed and contains omega-6 fatty acids that may promote inflammation if consumed excessively.

See more about Sunflower Oil →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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