Barilla's rustic basil pesto — made with Italian basil according to the jar — was decent. The sauce was a bit oily, like Classico's, but I thought it had a better mouthfeel.

This pesto had more garlic flavor than all of the others, which I thought overpowered the flavor of the basil. That said, the texture was great with chunks of fresh garlic strewn throughout.

Nowhere does basil shine more than in pesto. I’ll buy a jar at the supermarket on a whim, and then wonder why I don’t eat it every day, at every meal — but homemade is always best.

Tasting Table ranked 11 store-bought jarred pesto brands, and Classico Traditional Basil Pesto came in last place. Allow us to explain our decision. At first glance, it looks like totally normal ...

The basil tasted dull, and I got more of a lemon and herb flavor than pesto. This would be good for a sandwich spread, but I wasn't sold on it as a pairing for pasta.

If you're a fan of great, traditional pesto, then be sure to avoid Classico's so-called Traditional Basil Pesto, where soybean oil takes center stage.

After blind taste-testing 11 different store-bought basil pestos, from budget-friendly options to premium picks, I confirmed that not all pestos are created equal.