Blind Pesto Taste Test

Italian Chef Blind Pesto Taste Test

Pesto, the famous green sauce from Genoa in Italy’s northwest, is a perfect example of simplicity at its best. Traditionally made with just a handful of ingredients—fresh basil, Parmigiano Reggiano, garlic, pine nuts, and extra virgin olive oil —all carefully crushed to release their full flavours. It is so versatile and can be used on everything from sandwiches to salads even on proteins like fish or chicken. But how do supermarket pesto jars compare against the real thing? That’s what I set out to discover in a recent Blind Pesto Taste Test.

I sampled a range of supermarket Pesto to see if any can come close to the rich, vibrant flavours of a homemade pesto sauce. I’ll be judging them on the essential components: can we taste the fresh basil? Is the Parmesan cheese sharp and nutty? Does the sauce have that beautiful balance of salt, natural flavours, and aroma? And, of course, we’ll look at the consistency—is it smooth and velvety, or does it have that authentic, slightly coarse texture that homemade pesto is known for?

Now, I know nothing beats freshly made pesto, especially when basil is in season. However, supermarket pesto can be a time saver for busy weeknights or when fresh basil is hard to come by. So, let’s see which of these convenient options deserves a spot in your pantry.

Watch Italian Chef Blind Pesto Taste Test

Meet the Contenders for my Blind Pesto Taste Test:

• Barilla
• Sacla
• Cucina Matese
• La Molisana
• Jamie Oliver’s Pesto
• Leggo’s
• Coles

Sacla

Sacla had a strong pesto aroma right out of the jar, and I could definitely taste the basil. The flavour wasn’t too bold, but it wasn’t bad either. Overall, it was an average pesto—nothing extraordinary, but it does the job if you need a quick fix.

La Molisana

This one was a bit of a surprise. I couldn’t smell much when I opened the jar, but the flavour was delicate and natural. It didn’t overwhelm with strong garlic or basil, but had a subtle, balanced taste.

Jamie Oliver’s

Unfortunately, Jamie Oliver’s pesto didn’t live up to expectations. The smell was off, and while I could taste the garlic, the overall flavour just wasn’t pleasant. It didn’t have the balance or freshness I was hoping for.

Coles

Coles’ private label pesto had a strong basil smell, but the texture was chunky, which I didn’t particularly like. The taste was also quite overpowering, with what seemed like too much basil so not really the authentic flavour I was looking for.

Cucina Matese

Cucina Matese is made in Italy, and it shows. The smell was fresh and natural, and the strong basil flavour was pleasant and more authentic than some of the others.

Barilla

Barilla had a strong smell, but unfortunately, the taste didn’t match. It was the worst one for me—something about the flavour was just off, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

Leggo’s

Leggo’s had a chunky texture, similar to Coles, but the basil flavor wasn’t great. I couldn’t taste any basil, and it had a vinegary aftertaste that really didn’t sit well with me. On top of that, it contains canola oil and sugar, which aren’t the best ingredients for pesto.

The Big Reveal: Which Pesto Stood Out?

I have to say, I’m not surprised that Leggo’s ended up at the bottom of my list. The basil flavours just didn’t come through as strongly, and it felt like it was missing that fresh, vibrant pesto quality. But I was disappointed to see Jamie Oliver’s pesto there as well, especially since his ingredients are pretty good. Unfortunately, the taste just didn’t deliver. As for Barilla and Coles, I’m fine with them not making the cut—I’m not a fan of either of them, as neither offered anything special in terms of taste or quality

Now for the winner! My top favorite was Cucina Matese. Not only is it great in terms of flavour, but it also offers better value. While most pesto jars are 190g, this one is 290g for the same price. You’re getting more quantity and better quality. One thing I noticed is that when you open the jar, you can see a difference—La Molisana didn’t have much oil on top, Sacla had some, but Cucina Matese had the most, giving it a more genuine, homemade feel.

Overall what’s the best store-bought pesto?

I’m thrilled that Cucina Matese came out on top. It’s a private label, which just goes to show that the best taste doesn’t always come from the biggest or most famous brands. So don’t be swayed by a brand name—sometimes the hidden gems are right there on the shelf.

I’ll admit, it wasn’t the easiest test to do. Normally, you’d enjoy pesto with pasta, and eating it on its own wasn’t the most pleasant experience. But don’t worry, we’ll be doing another taste test soon, this time with pesto cooked into a pasta dish. Stay tuned to see whether results differ!

 

Making your own high quality pesto is easier than you think! Follow my recipe with a twist for a delicious Basil and Pistachio Pesto

What goes best with fresh, homemade basil pesto? Potato gnocchi! And here’s Nonna’s recipe.

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