Best Pesto Sauces of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Pesto sauce is a classic Italian condiment that has become a beloved staple in kitchens around the world. This flavorful sauce is made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It is typically used as a pasta sauce, but can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or as a dip for vegetables. Pesto sauce is versatile and can be made in a variety of ways, including with different herbs or nuts. It is a quick and easy way to add a burst of flavor to any dish.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Kitchen & Love Genovese Basil Pesto Cover #TOP 1
Kitchen & Love Genovese Basil Pesto
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Compagnia Sanremo Pesto DOP Basil Pesto Cover #TOP 2
Compagnia Sanremo Pesto DOP Basil Pesto
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Whole Foods Market Basil Pesto Cover #TOP 3
Whole Foods Market Basil Pesto
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Pesto Sauces

#TOP 1

Kitchen & Love Genovese Basil Pesto

Kitchen & Love Genovese Basil Pesto Cover
Cucina & Amore Genovese Basil Pesto, 7.9 oz

K&L Basil Pesto is an all-natural pesto sauce by Kitchen & Love. It contains no preservatives or artificial flavors, making it a healthy choice for your meals. Being GMO-free, it ensures you're consuming quality ingredients. Additionally, this gluten-free sauce originates from the United States, guaranteeing freshness. Enjoy the convenience of a flavorful pesto that enhances your dishes without any harmful additives.

What We Like
Great flavor
Versatile usage
Good for cooking
Various flavors available
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Bitterness noted
#TOP 2

Compagnia Sanremo Pesto DOP Basil Pesto

Compagnia Sanremo Pesto
Compagnia Sanremo Pesto DOP Basil Pesto Cover
Compagnia Sanremo Pesto DOP Basil Pesto, 6.7 oz

Compagnia Sanremo Pesto DOP Basil Pesto is an authentic Italian sauce made with Genovese basil D.O.P, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cashew nuts, pine nuts, and salt. Its intense fragrance and delicious taste make it a perfect match with spaghetti, lasagna, and gnocchi.

What We Like
Amazing taste
Clean ingredients
No seed oils
Good for dietary sensitivities
Long shelf life
What We Don't Like
Small jar size
Some find it bland
#TOP 3

Whole Foods Market Basil Pesto

Whole Foods Market Basil Pesto Cover
Whole Foods Market, Basil Pesto, 6.5 Ounce

Whole Foods Market Basil Pesto, made with authentic Italian cheeses, is a high-quality product that meets rigorous quality standards. With over 100 prohibited ingredients for both food and supplements, you can trust the quality and authenticity of this pesto sauce. Whole Foods Market offers a wide range of choices with premium ingredients at affordable prices, making grocery shopping a delightful experience. Whether you are tossing it with pasta or using it as a spread, this basil pesto adds a burst of flavor to your dishes. As an Amazon brand, Whole Foods Market Basil Pesto ensures both taste and quality in every jar.

What We Like
Rich, bold flavor
Good consistency
Lower sodium than competitors
Convenient jar packaging
Pairs well with pasta
What We Don't Like
A bit oily
Small jar for the price
#TOP 4

Prego Basil Pesto Sauce

200000022816
8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Prego Basil Pesto Sauce Cover
Prego Basil Pesto Sauce, 8 Oz Jar

Enjoy the rich flavors of Romano cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt with Prego Basil Pesto Sauce. This 8 oz jar of thick sauce is perfect for your pasta dish. With no artificial colors, high fructose corn syrup or added MSG, you can taste the natural ingredients. Prego sauce provides a delicious taste that everyone loves.

What We Like
Rich, creamy texture
Versatile for various dishes
Authentic Italian flavor
Easy to prepare
Appealing aroma
What We Don't Like
Milder basil and garlic flavor
Color may be off-putting
#TOP 5

BARILLA Pesto Sauce Variety Pack (Pack of 4)

Green
4 Piece Assortment
BARILLA Pesto Sauce Variety Pack (Pack of 4) Cover
Barilla Creamy Genovese and Rustic Basil Pesto Sauce Made with Italian Basil and Cheeses, Pasta Sauce and Spread, Pack of 4

The BARILLA Pesto Sauce Variety Pack includes two jars of Rustic Basil Pesto Sauce (6.5oz) and two jars of Creamy Genovese Pesto Sauce (6.2oz), both made with high-quality, Non-GMO ingredients imported from Italy. The Rustic Basil Pesto Sauce has a fragrant Italian flavor that is perfect for pasta, pizza, sandwiches, fish, chicken, veggies and more. The Creamy Genovese Pesto Sauce has a smooth and creamy texture that can be stirred into pasta and grains, spread on sandwiches and toast, or used as a vegetable or meat marinade.

What We Like
Great flavors
Convenient and easy to prepare
Good value for money
Quality alternative to homemade
What We Don't Like
Incredibly salty
Weak basil and cheese flavor
#TOP 6

Perfect Choice Basil Pesto 4.9 oz (Pack of 3)

Perfect Choice Basil Pesto 4.9 oz (Pack of 3) Cover
Perfect Choice Basil Pesto - Delicious Pasta Sauce, Pizza Sauce & More - 4.9 oz (Pack of 3)

Perfect Choice Basil Pesto offers a delicious blend of fresh basil, Grana Padano cheese, and pine nuts in convenient 4.9-ounce jars. This versatile sauce enhances your pasta dishes, risottos, and meats, allowing you to create gourmet meals effortlessly. You can also use it as a dip, making snack time more enjoyable. With its rich, creamy texture, this pesto complements a variety of foods, ensuring that your family will love it. Plus, it’s NON-GMO certified and free from artificial additives, so you can feel good about what you’re serving.

What We Like
Rich, flavorful combinations
Great for appetizers and snacks
Unique and gourmet options
Perfect serving size
Fun for experimenting
What We Don't Like
Strong taste and smell linger
Leaking jar issue
#TOP 7

Sicilian Pepper Pesto by Campo D'Oro

Sicilian Pepper Pesto by Campo D'Oro Cover
Sicilian Pepper Pesto with Ricotta and Pecorino, Glass Jar 6,3 oz. Campo D'Oro, Italian specialties. Sicilian ready sauce with Sicilian peppers, ricotta and Pecorino. 100% Made in Italy

Campo D'Oro Pesto is a delicious sauce made from sweet Sicilian peppers, ricotta, and Pecorino cheese, perfect for enhancing your meals. This authentic Italian pesto is a convenient way to bring the bold flavors of Sicily to your kitchen. Use it to elevate pasta dishes, sandwiches, or even pizza, adding a savory kick that will impress your family and friends. With premium ingredients and a rich taste, this pesto is not just a sauce but a versatile addition to any meal, making cooking easier and more enjoyable for you.

What We Like
Great flavor
Versatile for various dishes
Quality product
Good value
Delicious appetizer option
What We Don't Like
Pricey for regular use
Not appealing to everyone
#TOP 8

Mezzetta Basil Pesto Sauce

047454
Mezzetta Basil Pesto Sauce Cover
Mezzetta Rich Artisan Ingredients Basil Pesto | Gluten Free, Keto | 6.25 Ounce Jar (Pack of 6)

Mezzetta Basil Pesto is a pack of six 6.25-ounce jars of pesto sauce. Made by Mezzetta, a brand known for its quality products, this basil pesto is a great addition to any pantry. The package may vary, but each jar contains a delicious blend of basil, cheese, and olive oil. This sauce is perfect for adding flavor to pasta, sandwiches, or even as a dip. With a quantity of six, you can stock up and always have some on hand for any occasion. The 6.25-ounce size is convenient for small recipes, so you don't have to worry about wasting any leftovers.

What We Like
Great taste
High-quality ingredients
Only olive oil used
Convenient pantry staple
Boosts homemade dishes
What We Don't Like
Somewhat salty
Higher price at some stores
#TOP 9

Filippo Berio Pesto, Classic Basil

GFC154071.4
Classic Basil
Filippo Berio Pesto, Classic Basil Cover
Filippo Berio Pesto, Classic Basil, 6.7 Ounce Glass Jar

Filippo Berio Pesto, Classic Basil is a tasty and authentic Italian sauce made from a traditional Genovese recipe in Liguria, Italy. It is bursting with the flavor of freshly picked basil and can be used in various dishes as a marinade for meats or poultry, mixed into dips, soups, gravies or stirred into pasta. This sauce is perfect for those who appreciate authentic Italian flavors and is available in other delicious pesto flavors such as Sun Dried Tomato, Tomato and Ricotta, Grilled Vegetable and Spicy Tomato.

What We Like
Easy to use with pasta
Delicious flavor combinations
Good quality ingredients
Versatile in various dishes
Small jar convenient for storage
What We Don't Like
Small jar size
Pricey for the quantity
#TOP 10

Terrapin Ridge Farms Pesto Aioli Garnishing Sauce

Terrapin Ridge Farms Pesto Aioli Garnishing Sauce Cover
Terrapin Ridge Farms Pesto Aioli Garnishing Sauce - One 7.5 Ounce Squeeze Bottle

Terrapin Ridge Pesto Aioli Sauce offers a bright basil flavor and a kick of raw garlic, creating a velvety spread or dip for veggies and crostinis. It is versatile, ideal for enhancing grilled chicken, sandwiches, wraps, or as a final touch on flatbread pizzas. This sauce is gluten-free, dairy-free, keto-friendly, low-carb, and low-sugar, catering to various dietary preferences. Elevate your dishes with the flavorful punch of basil and garlic, making every meal a delightful experience.

What We Like
Versatile condiment options
Great on sandwiches
Delicious with salmon
Excellent for various dishes
Addictive flavor combination
What We Don't Like
Less pronounced pesto flavor
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is basic pesto sauce made of?

Traditional pesto sauce is made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, extra-virgin olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. These ingredients are blended together in a food processor to create a flavorful sauce.

2. What is creamy pesto sauce?

Creamy pesto sauce is a variation of regular basil pesto that includes heavy cream. This makes the sauce milder and creamier. The additional ingredients for creamy pesto sauce are nuts (such as walnuts or pine nuts), fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.

3. What is pesto traditionally served with?

Pesto sauce is traditionally served over pasta, either hot or cold. It can also be used as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or spread on toasted bread as an appetizer.

4. How healthy is pesto?

Pesto can be high in calories and fat due to its ingredients like olive oil, nuts, and cheese. However, the fat in pesto is primarily unsaturated, which may have heart health benefits. Pesto is also rich in antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage.

5. Does pesto go bad?

Yes, pesto can go bad since it is made from perishable ingredients like basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and pine nuts. With proper storage in the fridge, pesto can last up to two weeks.

6. How do Italians eat pesto?

Italians enjoy pesto sauce with dishes like trofie pasta, lasagna, potato gnocchi, or as a topping for minestrone soup. Pesto can also be mixed into tomato sauce to enhance pasta dishes or used with fish fillets.

7. Is pesto healthier than pasta sauce?

While pesto sauce is higher in calories, it is made with healthy ingredients like basil, olive oil, and nuts. It adds flavor to pasta dishes, vegetables, and proteins.

8. Which meat is best with pesto?

Pesto pairs well with grilled steak, pork chops, chicken, and fish. It can also be used as a seasoning for meatloaf or meatballs.

9. What main dish goes well with pesto pasta?

Pesto pasta can be served with various main dishes such as bruschetta, antipasto salad, roasted red peppers, tinned tuna, goat cheese, tomato and mozzarella salad, roasted aubergine salad with chickpeas, and herby grilled chicken.

Editor's Notes

During our pesto sauce research, we found 24 pesto sauce products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 50,671 customer reviews through our big data system to write the pesto sauces list. We found that most customers choose pesto sauces with an average price of $10.88.

The pesto sauces are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of pesto sauces, including Cucina & Amore, Compagnia Sanremo Pesto, 365 by Whole Foods Market, Prego, Barilla. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Pesto Sauces Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Cucina & Amore Compagnia Sanremo Pesto 365 by Whole Foods Market Prego Barilla Perfect Choice CAMPO D'ORO Mezzetta Filippo Berio terrapin ridge
Flavor - Basil pesto Basil Basil Pesto Pesto Basil Pepper & Pecorino Basil Classic Basil Pesto Aloli
Package Information - Jar Tub Bottle Jar Jar Jar Jar Jar Bottle
Item Weight - 6.7 Ounces 0.44 Pounds 8 Ounces 6.5 Ounces 29.7 Ounces 6.35 Ounces 6.25 Ounces 6.7 Ounces 8 Ounces
Allergen Information - - Milk, Tree Nuts, Peanuts Dairy, Gluten, Milk Gluten Free Non-GMO - - Tree nuts may contain, Dairy Eggs, Mustard
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
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