How Many Calories Are in Pesto Breadsticks?

November 22, 2025 •

3 min read

Traditional pesto sauce, made with olive oil, nuts, and cheese, is surprisingly high in calories. Some varieties contain 160-200 calories per quarter-cup serving. The total number of calories in pesto breadsticks depends heavily on the recipe and portion size, as the pesto itself contributes a significant portion of the total energy.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for pesto breadsticks varies widely, depending on ingredients, preparation method, and serving size. Store-bought options often provide nutritional information on the packaging, while homemade versions offer more control over calorie content. Factors such as the amount of pesto, type of cheese, and base bread dough all influence the final caloric value.

Key Points

Variety is Key: The number of calories in pesto breadsticks varies significantly based on whether they are homemade or store-bought and the specific ingredients used.
Pesto is Calorie-Dense: The pesto sauce itself, rich in olive oil and nuts, is a major contributor to the overall calorie count of the breadsticks.
Customization for Calorie Control: Making pesto breadsticks at home allows you to control calorie intake by reducing oil, using less cheese, or substituting ingredients.
Store-Bought vs. Homemade: A typical homemade serving can be around 311 calories, while store-bought equivalents may range from 80 to 120 calories, depending on the brand and serving size.
Nutritional Trade-offs: While high in calories, pesto provides healthy fats, antioxidants, and other nutrients from its fresh, whole-food ingredients.
Focus on Portion Size: Regardless of the recipe, managing portion size is the most effective way to control the total calorie intake from pesto breadsticks.

Unpacking the Calorie Content of Pesto Breadsticks

Understanding the calorie count in pesto breadsticks requires looking at a few key factors. Unlike plain breadsticks, the addition of pesto drastically changes the nutritional profile. Traditional pesto is a blend of basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Each of these ingredients, particularly the oil and nuts, is calorie-dense. The final calorie count will be a product of both the breadstick base and the amount and type of pesto used.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Nutritional Contrast

When buying pesto breadsticks, the manufacturer provides a standardized nutritional label. This removes the guesswork from calorie counting. For example, some mini pesto breadsticks might have around 61 calories per 14g package, while a portion from a different brand might contain 120 calories for five sticks. Store-bought options often contain palm oil and other ingredients that can affect the calorie and fat content.

Making pesto breadsticks at home gives complete control over every ingredient. You can swap out high-calorie items for healthier alternatives. For instance, you could use a lighter, low-fat cheese or reduce the amount of olive oil. Some keto or gluten-free recipes use almond flour and alternative fats to create a low-carb, albeit still potentially calorie-dense, breadstick.

Comparing Pesto Breadsticks: A Nutritional Breakdown

To better illustrate the differences, let's compare a hypothetical traditional homemade recipe with a store-bought version and a lighter, vegan alternative. This comparison will highlight how ingredient choices can dramatically shift the calorie count.


Feature	Traditional Homemade Pesto Breadsticks	Store-Bought Pesto Sticks	Vegan Pesto Breadsticks
Pesto Type	Basil, olive oil, pine nuts, parmesan	May contain seed oils, added salt	Basil, nutritional yeast, walnuts, avocado oil
Approx. Calories/Serving	~311 calories (per 1 serving)	80-120 calories (per serving size specified)	~86 calories (per breadstick)
Fat Content	Higher, due to olive oil and cheese	Varies by brand, some lower fat versions exist	Potentially lower, depending on oil amount
Sodium	Controllable; dependent on cheese and added salt	Often higher due to preservatives and flavorings	Controllable; dependent on added salt
Key Ingredients	Classic pesto components, standard dough	Preservatives, potentially alternative oils	Alternative flour (e.g., almond flour), nutritional yeast

Tips for Making Healthier Pesto Breadsticks

Creating a lighter version of this delicious snack is straightforward with a few simple substitutions. Experimenting with different ingredients can help achieve a similar flavor profile without the high calorie count.

Reduce the Oil: Use less olive oil in the pesto and, instead, thin it with a little bit of water or lemon juice. This can help to cut down on fat and calories without sacrificing moisture.
Use Lighter Cheese: Opt for a low-fat or reduced-sodium parmesan or try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with fewer calories and fat.
Substitute the Nuts: Pine nuts are expensive and calorie-dense. You can use walnuts or almonds, which are still healthy but offer a different flavor and slightly different calorie profile, or consider seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Choose a Healthier Base: Use whole wheat flour for the breadstick dough to increase fiber content, or explore alternatives like almond flour for a gluten-free and lower-carb option.
Portion Control is Key: Even with healthy ingredients, a large portion can lead to high calorie intake. Serve a moderate amount and savor the flavor. This is particularly important with the calorie-dense ingredients in pesto.

The Role of Pesto in Overall Nutrition

While pesto can be calorie-dense, it's also packed with beneficial nutrients. The olive oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Basil offers antioxidants, and pine nuts provide protein, magnesium, and zinc. Incorporating it into the diet in moderation can offer health benefits, especially when compared to other high-fat, processed snack options. For more information on the nutritional benefits of pesto ingredients, visit a reputable source like Healthline.

Conclusion: A Matter of Ingredients and Moderation

The calorie count of pesto breadsticks is not a fixed number; it's a spectrum that depends on the recipe and serving size. Store-bought options provide convenience and standard calorie information, while homemade recipes offer the flexibility to significantly reduce calories by making informed ingredient substitutions. Whether you choose to indulge in a traditional version or create a healthier alternative, mindful portion control is the ultimate strategy for enjoying this flavorful snack without derailing dietary goals. The key is to understand what goes into food and make choices that align with your health and wellness objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary factor is the pesto sauce, specifically the amount of olive oil and nuts, which are high in calories. The type of bread base also plays a role, but the pesto is the most significant variable.

Not necessarily. Store-bought options vary greatly by brand and serving size. A homemade recipe can be higher in calories if you use a large amount of oil and cheese, whereas a lightened-up homemade version can be much lower.

You can replace some of the olive oil with water or lemon juice, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and swap high-calorie pine nuts for other nuts or seeds, like walnuts or sunflower seeds.

Keto-friendly pesto breadsticks, which often use almond flour and alternative fats, can be lower in carbohydrates but still contain significant calories due to the fat content of the nuts, oil, and cheese.

Yes, pesto is considered healthy in moderation because it contains heart-healthy unsaturated fats, antioxidants from basil, and beneficial nutrients from nuts and garlic. Portion control is important due to its calorie density.

To reduce calories, use less oil and cheese in the pesto, use whole wheat flour for the dough, and be mindful of your serving size.

Making them from scratch gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing you to manage the salt, fat, and calorie content. You can also avoid preservatives and other additives often found in pre-packaged foods.