Does Nutella Have Cow Milk? The Definitive Answer for Consumers

October 2, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Ferrero, the manufacturer of Nutella, a standard jar of the hazelnut spread contains skimmed milk powder and whey powder, both of which are derived from cow's milk. This means the traditional product is not dairy-free and is unsuitable for those avoiding cow milk for reasons such as allergies, intolerance, or veganism.

Quick Summary

The original Nutella contains skimmed milk powder and whey powder, making it unsuitable for dairy-free, vegan, or lactose-intolerant diets. The presence of cow milk derivatives is confirmed by the manufacturer. Recently, however, a new plant-based version has been introduced in some European markets.

Key Points

Contains Cow Milk: Original Nutella includes skimmed milk powder and whey powder, both derived from cow's milk.
Not Vegan or Dairy-Free: Due to the cow milk derivatives, the classic spread is not suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
Plant-Based Version Available in Europe: A new Nutella Plant-Based product, free of dairy, has been launched in certain European markets like Italy and Germany.
Alternatives Exist Globally: For consumers outside of Europe, numerous other brands offer dairy-free and vegan hazelnut spreads.
Contains Sugar and Palm Oil: Beyond dairy, Nutella is primarily composed of sugar and palm oil, which are considerations for some health-conscious and ethical consumers.

Nutella's Ingredients: A Closer Look at the Dairy Content

For individuals with dietary restrictions, understanding the ingredients in processed foods is critical. In the case of Nutella, the inclusion of dairy is a non-negotiable fact for anyone concerned with cow milk consumption. The creamy texture and unique flavor profile that make Nutella so popular are partially due to the presence of milk solids. Specifically, the official ingredient list includes 'skimmed milk powder' and 'whey powder'. These ingredients are produced by dehydrating milk from cows to create a powdered product, which provides a longer shelf life and specific textural properties to the spread.

Skimmed milk powder: This ingredient is created by removing the fat and water from cow's milk. It contributes to Nutella's creamy taste and texture, without adding the fat content found in whole milk.
Whey powder: A byproduct of cheesemaking, whey is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained. Whey powder is also added to Nutella for its binding properties, which help to stabilize the fat and prevent the ingredients from separating over time.

What the Dairy in Nutella Means for Different Diets

Knowing that Nutella contains cow milk derivatives has different implications depending on a person's dietary needs. For vegans and those with milk allergies, the presence of these ingredients makes the product completely off-limits. For individuals with lactose intolerance, the effects can vary depending on the severity of the intolerance, though caution is still advised. Ferrero maintains a strict quality control process for the milk it sources, but this does not alter the fact that it is a dairy-based product.

The Rise of Plant-Based Alternatives

Recognizing the growing demand for plant-based and dairy-free options, Ferrero has introduced a dairy-free version of the spread in some European markets. Launched in autumn 2024, the Nutella Plant-Based version replaces the dairy milk powder with ingredients like chickpeas and rice syrup powder to replicate the original’s texture and sweetness. While this is a welcome development for many, it is not yet available in all countries, meaning consumers outside of these regions must still opt for other alternatives if they wish to avoid cow milk.

Comparison: Original Nutella vs. Vegan Alternatives


Feature	Original Nutella	Vegan Hazelnut Spreads (e.g., Nutiva, Justin's)	Nutella Plant-Based (EU only)
Dairy Content	Contains skimmed milk powder and whey powder (from cow milk).	Dairy-free; uses plant-based ingredients for creaminess.	Dairy-free; uses chickpeas and rice syrup powder.
Sweetener	Primarily sugar.	Varies; may use cane sugar, maple syrup, or dates.	Primarily sugar and rice syrup powder.
Hazelnut Content	13% hazelnuts.	Varies by brand; some contain higher hazelnut content.	13% hazelnuts.
Other Ingredients	Palm oil, cocoa, soy lecithin, vanillin.	Ingredients vary; many are palm oil-free.	Palm oil, cocoa, soy lecithin.
Availability	Widely available globally.	Readily available online and in most health food stores.	Limited availability in select European countries.

Ethical and Health Considerations

Beyond the specific ingredient of cow milk, some consumers choose to avoid Nutella for other reasons, including the use of palm oil and high sugar content. Palm oil production has been linked to environmental issues such as deforestation, which some ethical consumers and vegans choose to avoid. Ferrero has made commitments to responsibly source its palm oil, but concerns persist. Nutritionally, Nutella contains a high amount of sugar, with a 15g serving containing 8.4g of sugar, and is relatively low in nutrient-dense ingredients like hazelnuts. For those seeking healthier or more ethically sourced products, numerous artisanal and homemade alternatives exist that use higher-quality ingredients and less sugar.

Conclusion

In summary, the original hazelnut spread Nutella does indeed contain cow milk in the form of skimmed milk powder and whey powder, making it unsuitable for vegans, individuals with dairy allergies, and those with lactose intolerance. While this is the definitive answer for the classic product, consumers now have more options to consider. For those in certain European countries, the new Nutella Plant-Based version offers a dairy-free alternative. For others, a wide array of existing vegan hazelnut spreads and homemade recipes provide delicious and dairy-free solutions. To ensure a product aligns with your dietary needs, always read the ingredient label, as formulations can vary by country and new products are constantly being introduced.

Ferrero also offers further information on the ingredients used in Nutella on its official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the traditional and most widely available version of Nutella is not vegan because it contains skimmed milk powder and whey powder, which are both derived from cow's milk.

Yes, Ferrero has released a new Nutella Plant-Based version that is dairy-free. However, this product is currently only available in certain European markets.

Skimmed milk powder is a dairy product made by removing the fat and water from cow's milk. It is added to Nutella to create its creamy texture and flavor.

No, people with lactose intolerance should not consume traditional Nutella as it contains dairy-derived ingredients. While the amount of lactose might be small, it can still cause adverse reactions.

Yes, palm oil is a significant ingredient in Nutella. Ferrero states it is used to give the spread its creamy texture and structure, and the company has a charter for sourcing it responsibly.

Yes, many brands produce vegan alternatives to Nutella, often found in health food stores or online. Some examples include Nutiva, Justin's, and others which use plant-based ingredients.

You can check for dairy by reading the ingredients list and looking for terms like 'milk,' 'whey,' 'casein,' or 'lactose.' Allergens are also often listed separately at the end of the ingredient list.