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This is the best pesto you can buy, according to the experts
The Good Housekeeping Institute put 11 to the test
Tested by Joanna AnastasiouFood and Drinks Tester
Pesto is a versatile kitchen cupboard staple, adding an easy injection of flavour to plain pasta, roasted veg, sandwiches, baked chicken and more.
To help you find the very best for your storecupboard, the Good Housekeeping Institute has rounded-up the best supermarket pestos to stock up on, and they start from just 99p a jar.
Best pesto to buy in 2024
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How we test pesto
The GHI tested 11 jarred pestos, judging each on its herbaceous, salty flavour, nutty texture and vibrant aroma. They were all blinded to avoid brand bias and presented to a panel of consumers to try neat.
These are the ones we recommended keeping on standby...
Score: 78/100
Our winning green pesto was also the cheapest on test, at just 99p a jar. Striking the perfect balance of earthy basil, pine nuts and oil, testers enjoyed the crunchy pieces and overall texture.
Score: 76/100
This fragrant, vibrant green pesto has a delicious salty note from the parmesan cheese. The panel found the texture was quite fine and smooth, although the addition of whole pine nuts added interest, while the oily base meant it was easy to stir through pasta.
Score: 75/100
Belazu is our top choice when forking out for a branded buy. It contains a high percentage of basil, which is lifted with sharp parmigiano reggiano and fruity extra virgin olive oil. The texture isn’t overly oily, and the addition of garlic puree is a nice twist.
Score: 74/100
Mellow and sweet, Morrison's pesto displays a smoky olive oil note that adds depth to the overall aroma. Flavour-wise, it's basil and parmesan that dominate, with a touch of garlic too, and the overall texture was smoother than most.
Score: 73/100
Looking for a plant-based alternative? Mr Organic has replaced the parmesan with tofu, to create a vegan-friendly pesto packed with earthy basil. Testers loved the chunky texture, although some found it a touch salty, so be sure to taste before seasoning your finished dish.
Score: 73/100
Containing the highest percentage of basil out of all the pestos featured on our list, this entry from Sainsbury's has a vibrant green and grassy flavour. The pine nut content is minimal, with cashew providing most of the crunch and a hint of sweetness.
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
Eleanor was the GHI’s former senior food and drink writer.
Joanna Anastasiou is our Food and Drinks Tester, and has completed certifications in Sensory Foundation and WSET Wine Level 2 training. Prior to this she studied geography with conservation biology at the University of Exeter and trained at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland. Through this she has developed a passion for sustainability within the food and agricultural sectors. Joanna also volunteers in kitchens with FoodCycle, as well as on multiple wildlife conservation projects, where she formed a particular love for bees!
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