Answer: Yes, pesto can be considered keto-friendly. It has a high fat content with relatively low carbohydrates, which aligns well with the keto diet’s requirements.
Pesto, a flavorful sauce originally from Italy, is primarily made using basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Here’s why it’s a good fit for a keto diet:
- High Fat Content: Pesto contains 54.84g of total fat per 100g, which is beneficial for a keto diet where the majority of your calories should come from fat.
- Low Carbohydrate Content: With only 8.12g of total carbohydrates per 100g, pesto is low in carbs, making it suitable for the keto diet where carb intake should be minimal.
- Rich in Protein: Pesto contains 11.95g of protein per 100g, which can help you meet your protein needs on a keto diet.
- Limited Sugars: Pesto only has 0.82g of sugars per 100g, which is great for a keto diet, as sugar can quickly add up to your daily carbohydrate limit.
- Good Source of Dietary Fiber: Pesto provides 1.04g of dietary fiber per 100g, which can help promote feelings of fullness and support digestive health.
Remember, while pesto is keto-friendly, it is also high in calories. So, portion control is key. Like any food, pesto should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size100g
- Amount Per ServingCalories557.39
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
54.84g
85%
- Saturated Fat 10.11g 51%
- Cholesterol 25.86mg 9%
- Sodium 544.62mg 23%
- Potassium 229.08mg 7%
- Total Carbohydrate
8.12g
3%
- Dietary Fiber 1.04g 5%
- Sugars 0.82g
- Protein 11.95g 24%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.