Product has been classified as an unhealthy ultra-processed food [read more]
EWG is flagging unhealthy ultra-processed foods due to studies linking consumption of these foods to a higher risk of health problems, including heart disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes, and mental health issues such as depression. EWG defines an unhealthy ultra-processed food as any product with a nutrition concern score greater than or equal to 4, a degree of processing score greater than or equal to 3 and at least one ingredient from the NOVA 4 ultra-processed category. Learn more about our scoring: https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/content/methodology
This product is not certified organic [read more]
Products bearing the USDA certified organic seal must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredient, and must be produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and free of genetically engineered ingredients.
Ingredient(s) likely derived from antibiotic-treated animals [read more]
One or more ingredients in this product derived from animals likely treated with antibiotics. Many animals are fed low doses of antibiotics throughout their lifespan to speed growth and prevent diseases. These non-essential uses promote antibiotic resistance, posing a serious risk to human health.
Ingredient(s) derived from animals that may have been treated with hormones and/or growth promoters [read more]
This food contains fats derived from animals that were possibly treated with antibiotics and artificial growth promoters.
Contains 27% of the Institute of Medicine’s daily sodium (salt) recommendations based on adequate intake [read more]
This product contains a high percentage of the Institute of Medicine’s recommended adequate intake for sodium of 1500 mg a day (IOM 2005). This value is much lower than what the FDA requires be listed on food labels — 2400 mg.
Americans average 3,400 mg of sodium a day. Most of this sodium comes from processed foods where sodium is added to mask the lack of freshness by enhancing the flavor, texture or palatability and extending shelf-life (IOM 2010). Many of these uses are for the manufacturers benefit and not the consumer’s health as excess sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease (IOM 2010).
This product contains added sugar ingredients: Sugars [read more]
Eating too much of any type of sugar can lead to tooth decay. Added sugars like high fructose corn syrup, honey, sugar and dextrose are more concerning than natural sugars like raisins because they can lead to obesity by adding calories without being accompanied by important nutrients like potassium, vitamin C or fiber. Americans average 22 teaspoons of added sugar a day (NCI 2010; USDA and DHHS 2010). The World Health Organization recommends no more than 6 to 12 teaspoons of added sugar a day for adults, children should eat even less (WHO 2002; WHO 2014).
Product has been classified as having moderate processing concerns
From the Package
BASIL, SUNFLOWER OIL, CASHEWS, CHEESE (MILK, SALT, RENNET, PRESERVATIVE, LYSOZYME FROM EGG), CORN STARCH, PECORINO ROMANO CHEESE DOP (SHEEP’S MILK, SALT, RENNET), SALT, OLIVE OIL, PINE NUTS, SUGAR, GARLIC, LACTIC ACID.
Products remain in the Database for two years after their label information is recorded in stores, even when they have been discontinued (products may remain in stores and pantries long past the date they cease to be manufactured). EWG marks a product it is aware has been discontinued with a banner identifying it as such.
Please note that EWG obtains the displayed images of products from third parties and that the product’s manufacturer or packager may change the product’s packaging at any point in time. Therefore, EWG assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of images presented.
Dining and Cooking