Pesto (Basil) Calories & Nutrition Facts
Italian sauce of basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic, and olive oil, rich in healthy fats and vitamin A.
Quick answer
How many calories are in Pesto (Basil)?
Pesto (Basil) has 387 calories per 100g. A 1 tbsp (16g) has about 62 calories. It is a calorie-dense food, with most calories coming from fat.
Practical Portion Guide for Pesto (Basil)
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Net carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tbsp (16g) | 62 kcal | 1.1g | 0.8g | 0.6g | 6.1g |
| 2 tbsp pasta serving (32g) | 124 kcal | 2.3g | 1.6g | 1.2g | 12.1g |
| 1/4 cup sauce portion (64g) | 248 kcal | 4.5g | 3.3g | 2.3g | 24.3g |
| 100g reference | 387 kcal | 7.1g | 5.1g | 3.6g | 37.9g |
The practical serving is 1-2 tablespoons. A generous pasta pour can add several hundred calories before the pasta, protein, or toppings are counted.
Serving Size Calculator
Macros Breakdown (per 100g)
Diet Suitability
How Pesto (Basil) Fits Into a Diet
Basil pesto is best treated as a flavorful sauce or condiment, not a low-calorie vegetable serving. Oil, cheese, and nuts make the calories concentrated.
Use pesto with lean protein, vegetables, potatoes, beans, or measured pasta portions when you want strong flavor without losing control of total calories.
Homemade pesto, refrigerated tubs, shelf-stable jars, vegan recipes, and restaurant sauces vary in oil, cheese, nuts, sodium, and serving weight.
Plan Around Pesto (Basil)
Macro Calculator
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Calorie Deficit Calculator
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Keto Diet Guide
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Calorie Calculator
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Compare Pesto (Basil) With Similar Condiments
Use this comparison when choosing a serving. Calories alone do not tell the full story: protein, fiber, fat, sodium, and realistic portion size determine whether a food fits your plan.
| Food | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pesto (Basil) | 387 kcal | 7.1g | 5.1g | 37.9g | 1.5g |
| Olive Oil (Extra Virgin) | 884 kcal | 0g | 0g | 100g | 0g |
| Honey | 304 kcal | 0.3g | 82g | 0g | 0.2g |
| Soy Sauce | 53 kcal | 8.1g | 4.9g | 0.1g | 0.8g |
| Ketchup (Tomato) | 101 kcal | 1.7g | 25g | 0.1g | 0.3g |
| Mayonnaise | 680 kcal | 0.9g | 0.6g | 75g | 0g |
All comparison values use each food's 100-unit reference so foods can be compared on the same basis.
Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Minerals
Complete Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
Methodology & Nutrition Data Sources
How we calculate nutrition data for Pesto (Basil): Our calorie and macronutrient data integrates multiple authoritative federal nutrition databases. Values shown reflect standard serving sizes unless specified, based on USDA laboratory analysis of raw and prepared food samples.
- Calorie and macronutrient data sourced from the USDA FoodData Central — the comprehensive federal nutrition database covering 1M+ food items with full nutrient profiles.
- Daily Value percentages (% DV) based on FDA Daily Value reference amounts for a 2,000 calorie diet, as established under 21 CFR 101.9.
- Dietary reference intakes (DRI) for vitamins and minerals from the NIH Dietary Reference Intake tables — the gold standard for nutrient adequacy assessment.
- Glycemic index values cross-referenced with Harvard Health Glycemic Index Reference and University of Sydney GI database.
- Dietary guidelines context from the HHS/USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 — the federal evidence-based nutrition guidance.
Authoritative nutrition data sources:
- USDA FoodData Central — comprehensive food composition database
- FDA Nutrition Facts Label rules — % Daily Value methodology
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — vitamin and mineral research
- CDC Nutrition — Public Health Guidance — chronic disease and diet
- HHS/USDA Dietary Guidelines 2020–2025 — federal nutrition recommendations
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — The Nutrition Source — evidence-based dietary guidance
Nutrition Disclaimer: Calorie and nutrient values are based on standard USDA reference data and may vary by brand, preparation method, ripeness, and cooking technique. These values are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized dietary advice from a registered dietitian. Individuals with medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · USDA FoodData Central & FDA Nutrition data current as of latest release
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Pesto (Basil)?
Pesto (Basil) contains 387 calories per 100g serving. This includes 28 calories from protein, 20 calories from carbohydrates, and 341 calories from fat.
Is Pesto (Basil) good for weight loss?
Pesto (Basil) is calorie-dense at 387 per 100g. For weight loss, use it in smaller portions and balance with lower-calorie, high-fiber foods to manage total intake.
How much protein is in Pesto (Basil)?
Pesto (Basil) contains 7.1g of protein per 100g. This is a relatively low protein food; consider pairing it with higher protein sources.
What serving size should I track for Pesto (Basil)?
Track Pesto (Basil) by grams when precision matters. A practical starting point is 1 tbsp (16g), which is about 62 calories. For packaged, restaurant, fried, sauced, or sweetened versions, use the product label because brand formulas can differ from the plain reference.
Is Pesto (Basil) keto-friendly?
Yes, Pesto (Basil) is keto-friendly with only 5.1g of carbohydrates per 100g. It fits well within the typical keto macro limits of 20-50g net carbs per day.
Is Pesto (Basil) good for diabetics?
Pesto (Basil) is generally suitable for people with diabetes. Its carbohydrate content and fiber help support stable blood sugar levels. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What vitamins and minerals are in Pesto (Basil)?
Pesto (Basil) is a good source of vitamins A, K, C and minerals including Calcium, Iron, Magnesium. These nutrients support various bodily functions from energy metabolism to immune health.
Where does Calorique get nutrition data for Pesto (Basil)?
Calorique standardizes Pesto (Basil) nutrition values per 100g using USDA FoodData Central reference fields where available, then scales the data into realistic serving sizes. FDA Nutrition Facts methodology and authoritative nutrition references are used for context. This page was last reviewed May 17, 2026.
Related Calculators
Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
884 cal · 0g protein per 100ml
Honey
304 cal · 0.3g protein per 100g
Soy Sauce
53 cal · 8.1g protein per 100ml
Ketchup (Tomato)
101 cal · 1.7g protein per 100g
Mayonnaise
680 cal · 0.9g protein per 100g
Yellow Mustard
66 cal · 3.7g protein per 100g
Hot Sauce (Tabasco Style)
21 cal · 1g protein per 100ml
Salsa (Tomato, Fresh)
36 cal · 1.7g protein per 100g