We get it. Sometimes you’re short on basil, energy, or time. Maybe your blender’s in the dishwasher, or maybe you just want dinner on the table in 10 minutes. Whatever the reason, store-bought pesto can save the day—as long as you buy the right one.
But not all jarred pestos are created equal.
Some are dull, acidic, or overloaded with fillers. Others? Imported straight from Liguria, made with real Parmigiano, DOP basil, and extra virgin olive oil—and they taste like your nonna just whipped it up.
So we taste-tested, analyzed, and reviewed dozens of jars to bring you the best store-bought Italian pesto brands that are actually worth your money.
Whether you’re tossing pasta, spreading crostini, or spicing up your eggs, these are the jars you want in your pantry.
What We Looked For in a Great Jarred Pesto
Must-Have Criteria
• Authentic Italian origin or recipe
• Made with extra virgin olive oil
• Real Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino
• Basil as the first ingredient
• No fillers like potato flakes, starch, or whey
Bonus Points For
• DOP Genovese basil certification
• Cold-pressed oil
• Pine nuts (not cashews)
• Fresh-tasting aroma and color
Credits to Taste of Home
Evaluation Categories
1. Flavor – balance of herb, cheese, garlic, and salt
2. Texture – smoothness, spreadability, oil separation
3. Ingredients – authenticity and quality
4. Use Versatility – works hot and cold
5. Price vs. Value
The Best Store-Bought Italian Pesto Brands (Ranked)
1. La Favorita Genovese Pesto (Italy) – Best Overall
Origin: Piedmont, Italy
Price: $$$
Texture: Rich, rustic, slightly chunky
Flavor Notes: Bright basil, punchy garlic, bold cheese
Standout: Uses Italian pine nuts, Parmigiano, and EVOO
Best for: Pasta, eggs, spread on sandwiches
Why We Love It: This is as close to homemade as it gets. Deep basil flavor, visible pine nuts, and creamy without being oily.
2. Rustichella d’Abruzzo Pesto alla Genovese – Best for Pasta
Origin: Abruzzo, Italy
Price: $$$
Texture: Smooth and spoonable
Flavor Notes: Sweet basil up front, mellow finish
Standout: Made with DOP basil, EVOO, no fillers
Best for: Tossing with trofie or linguine
Why We Love It: This one clings to pasta perfectly and doesn’t separate into oil puddles. It tastes garden-fresh, even from a jar.
3. Saclà Italia Classic Basil Pesto – Best Budget Pick
Origin: Asti, Italy
Price: $
Texture: Silky, mass-market smooth
Flavor Notes: Balanced, slightly sweeter
Standout: Widely available, affordable
Best for: Sandwiches, pastas, weekday meals
Why We Love It: While it doesn’t use pine nuts or DOP basil, it delivers solid flavor for the price—and beats most domestic jars.
4. Compagnia Sanremo Pesto alla Genovese – Best for Pizza and Spreads
Origin: Liguria
Price: $$
Texture: Creamy with real cheese tang
Flavor Notes: Bold garlic, mild basil
Standout: Excellent for cold applications
Best for: Crostini, pizza base, drizzle on soups
Why We Love It: It spreads beautifully without being greasy, making it perfect for toast, wraps, or even pesto aioli.
5. Frantoio Bianco Pesto Ligure DOP – Best Premium Option
Origin: Liguria, Italy
Price: $$$$
Texture: Chunky, fresh, artisan-like
Flavor Notes: Basil-forward with delicate pine nut and EVOO tones
Standout: 100% Ligurian ingredients, DOP basil
Best for: Gourmet meals, gifting, foodies
Why We Love It: It’s expensive, but it’s pesto at its purest—no cashews, no cheap oil, just handcrafted excellence.
Honorable Mentions (Still Very Good)
• Barilla Pesto alla Genovese – widely available, reliable, slightly processed
• Alessi Pesto Sauce – good value and solid basil flavor, but uses soybean oil
• Trader Joe’s Pesto alla Genovese (Imported) – shockingly good for the price, if you can find it
• Pesto di Pistacchio (Pistachio Pesto from Bronte) – niche, but worth a try
What to Avoid – Red Flags on the Label
Tip: If basil isn’t the first ingredient, it’s not worth it.
Shelf-Stable vs. Refrigerated vs. Frozen Pesto Brands
Final Verdict – What’s the Best Pesto for You?
If you want a jarred pesto that tastes like it came straight from a Ligurian kitchen, La Favorita or Rustichella d’Abruzzo are your best bets.
Need something reliable for weeknight pastas and sandwiches? Saclà or Trader Joe’s Imported will serve you well.
No matter which you choose, a drizzle of your own extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of fresh Parmigiano, or even a touch of lemon zest can elevate any jar.
Disclosure: Our blog contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
