A closer look at Nutella's ingredients
At first glance, Nutella is synonymous with hazelnuts. However, a look at the ingredient list reveals a more complex picture. According to the product label, ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. For Nutella, the list typically starts with sugar, followed by palm oil, hazelnuts (13%), skimmed milk powder (8.7%), fat-reduced cocoa powder (7.4%), emulsifier (lecithin), and artificial flavoring (vanillin). The fact that hazelnuts are only the third most prominent ingredient, with sugar and palm oil taking the top two spots, often surprises consumers.
The hazelnut content of 13% is significantly lower than that of its historical Italian predecessor, gianduja, which traditionally contained a much higher percentage of nut paste. This ingredient distribution explains why Nutella, while delivering a distinct nutty flavor, is primarily a sweet, fatty treat rather than a nutrient-dense nut butter.
The journey of the Nutella hazelnut
Ferrero, the manufacturer of Nutella, has a long history and expertise in sourcing and processing hazelnuts. The company's commitment to quality starts with the selection of its raw materials from different parts of the world. The main suppliers of hazelnuts are Turkey and Italy, with additional sourcing from Chile and the USA to ensure a steady, high-quality supply year-round.
Here is how the hazelnut journey unfolds in the factory:
- Sourcing: Hazelnuts are sourced globally from regions known for their quality, like Turkey's Black Sea region.
- Checks: Raw, shelled hazelnuts arrive at factories where they undergo rigorous quality and safety checks.
- Roasting: The nuts are expertly roasted to develop their full flavor and aroma, a crucial step for achieving Nutella's characteristic taste.
- Grinding: The roasted hazelnuts are finely ground into a silky paste, which forms the nutty heart of the spread.
- Blending: This paste is then blended with the other ingredients, including sugar, cocoa, palm oil, and skim milk, to create the final product.
As part of its sustainability efforts, Ferrero has implemented programs like the Ferrero Farming Values (FFV) for hazelnuts in Turkey, working with smallholder farmers to promote better agricultural practices. For more details on their sourcing and sustainability initiatives, Ferrero provides information on their website(https://www.nutella.com/int/en/inside-nutella/sustainability/hazelnuts).
A comparison of Nutella with other spreads
Understanding Nutella's composition is easier when compared to other spreads on the market. While Nutella's name and branding highlight its hazelnut content, its nutritional profile is more akin to a dessert topping than a traditional nut butter.
| Feature | Nutella | Traditional Nut Butter (e.g., Peanut Butter) | High-Hazelnut Spread (e.g., Rapunzel Samba) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazelnut Content | Approx. 13% | 0% | Up to 45% or more |
| Primary Ingredient | Sugar | Nuts (often >85%) | Hazelnuts |
| Main Fat Source | Palm Oil | Nuts' natural oils or added peanut oil | Sunflower oil or natural nut oils |
| Sugar Content | Very high (over 50%) | Very low to moderate | Lower than Nutella |
| Protein Content | Low (approx. 2g per 2 tbsp) | High (approx. 5g per 2 tbsp) | Higher than Nutella |
| Texture | Very creamy and spreadable | Creamy or crunchy | Richer, denser, and more viscous |
This comparison highlights that products are defined by their primary ingredients. While Nutella's unique taste is derived from the blend of roasted hazelnuts, cocoa, and milk, the spread's overall character is dominated by the sweetness of sugar and the creamy texture from palm oil. It is a carefully crafted confection rather than a straightforward nut product.
The reality behind the marketing
Nutella is a widely celebrated spread, but its marketing as a nutritious breakfast option has drawn criticism. The advertisements that feature Nutella alongside milk and hazelnuts, sometimes suggesting a healthy start to the day, can be misleading given its actual composition. The reality is that the spread is primarily sugar and fat, and its hazelnut content, while present, is not the main component.
Nutrition experts advise that Nutella is best treated as a dessert or an occasional treat rather than a daily breakfast staple. Its high calorie and sugar density, and its low protein and fiber content, mean that it offers limited nutritional value compared to spreads like natural peanut butter. While there is no reason to completely eliminate it from a balanced diet, consuming it in moderation is key.
Conclusion
So, does Nutella use real hazelnuts? Yes, it does. But it is equally important to acknowledge that the real hazelnuts constitute only a small fraction of the product, with sugar and palm oil being the most abundant ingredients. Ferrero does use high-quality, sustainably sourced hazelnuts that are roasted to perfection, but this step is part of creating a luxurious and indulgent treat, not a health food. Understanding the true ingredients behind the familiar taste allows consumers to make informed decisions about their dietary choices and enjoy Nutella for what it is: a delicious, sweet confection to be savored in moderation.
