Does Walmart Have Vegan Pesto? A Complete Guide

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

The global plant-based food market is projected to continue its significant growth, with more products becoming widely available in major retailers. For those adhering to a vegan diet, finding specific plant-based versions of traditional sauces can still be a challenge, which often leads to the question: does Walmart have vegan pesto? Fortunately, the answer is yes, and there are several options to choose from.

Quick Summary

Yes, Walmart sells vegan pesto from various brands. Shoppers can find dairy-free options online and potentially in stores by checking the ingredient labels carefully for products from manufacturers like Barilla and Filippo Berio.

Key Points

Availability at Walmart: Walmart offers several vegan pesto options from different brands, including its own labels, accessible both online and in-store.
Brand Choices: Notable vegan pesto brands found at Walmart include Barilla Vegan Pesto, Filippo Berio Vegan Basil Pesto, and Cucina & Amore Vegan & Nut Free Pesto.
Check the Label: Always read the ingredient list, as many traditional pestos, including Walmart's own Great Value brand, contain dairy products like cheese.
Look for Substitutes: Vegan pestos often use alternatives like cashews, tofu, or nutritional yeast to achieve a creamy, cheese-like flavor and texture.
Homemade Option: Making your own vegan pesto is a simple and versatile alternative, allowing you to control ingredients and avoid allergens.

The Answer: Yes, Walmart Carries Vegan Pesto

For those on a vegan or dairy-free diet, a key concern is often how to recreate the rich, flavorful dishes that traditionally use ingredients like cheese. Pesto, with its classic reliance on Parmesan, is a prime example. Thankfully, a visit to Walmart reveals that a growing number of brands offer delicious plant-based alternatives. Shoppers can find these options in various sections, including the pantry aisle for jarred shelf-stable sauces and sometimes in the refrigerated or freezer sections. Reading the labels is essential to confirm the product's vegan status, as many companies, such as Barilla, have specifically launched dairy-free versions to meet consumer demand.

Brand-Name Vegan Pesto Options at Walmart

Several brands known for their high-quality products are now producing certified vegan pestos that are stocked at Walmart. These options are perfect for those who want the convenience of a store-bought sauce without compromising their dietary choices.

Barilla Vegan Pesto: Known for its pasta and sauces, Barilla officially launched a vegan pesto option made with 100% Italian basil and cashew for a creamy, cheese-free texture. This dairy-free product is a major addition to the mainstream market and is often available on Walmart's website and in many store locations.
Filippo Berio Vegan Basil Pesto: Primarily known for its olive oils, Filippo Berio also offers a vegan basil pesto. The product is made dairy-free and gluten-free and can be found on Walmart's website.
Cucina & Amore Vegan & Nut Free Basil Pesto: For those with both dairy and nut allergies, Cucina & Amore provides a vegan and nut-free option. It's often available for online purchase through Walmart's platform.
bettergoods Authentic Italian Pistachio Pesto: Walmart's own 'bettergoods' line includes vegan options. The Pistachio Pesto is noted on the Walmart website as a plant-based choice, offering a unique flavor profile for those looking to try something different.

Is Walmart's Great Value Pesto Vegan?

When shopping for vegan products, it is critical not to assume that a standard brand's offerings will be vegan-friendly. For example, Walmart's "Great Value Traditional Basil Pesto" is a best-seller but contains dairy ingredients. This is why reviewing ingredient lists is a non-negotiable step for any conscientious shopper. While the Great Value traditional pesto is not vegan, the store has expanded its offerings with other lines, like "bettergoods," which do include explicitly vegan options.

How to Spot Vegan Pesto on the Shelves

To ensure a pesto is vegan, you must check the ingredient list thoroughly. Traditional pesto contains cheese like Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, or Parmesan, along with other animal-derived products. Vegan versions will use substitutes to achieve a similar creamy texture and cheesy flavor.

Here is a list of what to look for:

What to Look For (Vegan): The label should say 'vegan,' 'dairy-free,' or 'plant-based.' Look for ingredients like nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor) and alternative nuts or seeds like cashews, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.
What to Avoid (Non-Vegan): Scan the label for cheese-based ingredients. Common culprits include Parmesan, Pecorino, or any ingredient containing 'milk,' 'whey,' or 'casein.' Brands like Buitoni clearly state the presence of cheese, and it's important to recognize these details.

The Homemade Advantage: DIY Vegan Pesto

If you prefer to control your ingredients, a homemade vegan pesto is easy to prepare and offers ultimate freshness. This method also allows for experimentation with different nut and seed bases.

Ingredients for a basic vegan pesto:

Fresh basil leaves
Pine nuts, walnuts, or cashews
Garlic cloves
Extra virgin olive oil
Nutritional yeast (adds a cheesy flavor)
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until you reach your desired consistency.

Comparison of Store-Bought Vegan Pestos at Walmart


Feature	Barilla Vegan Pesto	Filippo Berio Vegan Basil Pesto	Cucina & Amore Vegan Pesto	Walmart bettergoods Pistachio Pesto
Key Ingredients	Italian Basil, Cashews, Olive Oil	Basil, Olive Oil, Nuts	Basil, Olive Oil, Tofu (Nut-Free)	Pistachio, Basil, Olive Oil
Dairy-Free	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (explicitly labeled)
Nut-Free	No (contains cashews)	No	Yes	No (contains pistachio)
Gluten-Free	Yes	Yes	Yes	Check Label
Available at Walmart	Yes (online & in-store)	Yes (online & in-store)	Yes (online)	Yes (in-store)

Conclusion

For those asking, "Does Walmart have vegan pesto?", the answer is a resounding yes. The increasing availability of plant-based products means that vegans and those with dietary restrictions have more options than ever. With brands like Barilla, Filippo Berio, and even Walmart's own 'bettergoods' line offering dairy-free alternatives, finding a flavorful pesto is no longer a challenge. By simply taking the time to read the product labels, you can easily find a delicious and convenient vegan pesto for all your culinary needs. For additional information on their vegan offerings, you can check out the official Barilla Vegan Pesto product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

While traditional Barilla pesto contains cheese, the brand has launched a specific "Vegan Pesto" which is stocked at Walmart. Be sure to look for the vegan label to ensure you're getting the dairy-free version.

Vegan pesto can be found in several areas of the store. Check the pantry aisle with other pasta sauces for shelf-stable jars and the refrigerated section for fresher varieties.

The standard 'Great Value Traditional Basil Pesto' is not vegan, as it contains dairy products. However, some of Walmart's newer store-brand lines, like "bettergoods," do offer vegan pesto options.

In vegan pesto, cheese is often replaced by nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor, and nuts or seeds like cashews, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds are used to maintain a creamy texture.

No, Buitoni pesto is not vegan. Its ingredient list includes Parmesan and Romano cheeses, and the company confirms that its products contain dairy.

Yes, you can easily make your own vegan pesto using fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts or cashews found in Walmart's produce and nut aisles. Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor can also often be found in the store's health food or baking sections.

Yes. Cucina & Amore offers a 'Vegan & Nut Free Basil Pesto' that is available for purchase online through Walmart's website, making it a good option for those with nut allergies.