Healthy Food Swaps: What Can I Substitute Nutella With?

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

With more than half of its composition being sugar and palm oil, Nutella has prompted many to seek healthier alternatives. For health-conscious consumers or those with dietary restrictions, the question is often, what can I substitute Nutella with? Fortunately, there is a wide array of options, including both simple homemade recipes and specialty store-bought products, that offer the same decadent flavor profile with better nutritional benefits.

Quick Summary

Explore healthier, homemade, and store-bought alternatives to Nutella, detailing options that address concerns like high sugar content, palm oil, allergens, and specific dietary needs.

Key Points

Less Sugar and No Palm Oil: Many Nutella alternatives, especially homemade ones, offer a healthier nutritional profile with significantly less sugar and no controversial palm oil.
Customizable for Your Diet: Homemade substitutes allow you to control ingredients, making it simple to create vegan, low-sugar, or allergen-friendly spreads.
Allergen-Friendly Options Available: For those with nut allergies, safe and delicious nut-free chocolate spreads like SunButter and Oat Haus Granola Butter are readily available.
Flavor Variety to Discover: Beyond the classic hazelnut taste, alternatives offer different flavor nuances from ingredients like almonds, cashews, or even chickpeas.
Store-Bought Convenience: Many commercial brands now offer organic, ethical, and healthier spreads that make it easy to swap out Nutella without the hassle of making your own.
Increased Nutrient Density: Unlike Nutella, many substitutes are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats from whole ingredients like nuts, seeds, and beans.
Satisfy Your Cravings Guilt-Free: By making informed swaps, you can enjoy a decadent, chocolatey spread that is both delicious and aligned with your nutritional goals.

The Case for Healthier Spreads

While Nutella is a beloved treat, its nutritional profile has led many people to search for healthier alternatives. The original product is comprised of more than 50% sugar and also contains a significant amount of palm oil. The high sugar content can contribute to a variety of health issues when consumed in large quantities, while the use of palm oil has raised environmental concerns related to deforestation and biodiversity loss. Choosing to substitute Nutella is a proactive step toward managing sugar intake, avoiding questionable additives, and opting for more wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients. By exploring different homemade and commercial spreads, you can find a delicious and satisfying option that aligns with your specific health, dietary, and ethical preferences.

Creative Homemade Substitutions

Making your own chocolate hazelnut spread at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to tailor it to your exact needs. You can choose high-quality raw ingredients, control the amount and type of sweetener, and avoid allergens like dairy or soy.

Homemade Hazelnut Cacao Spread

This recipe mimics the classic taste of Nutella using simple, whole ingredients:

Ingredients: 2 cups roasted hazelnuts, 4 tbsp unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder, 4 tbsp maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener), 2-4 tbsp plant-based milk (e.g., almond milk), 1 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of sea salt.
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roast the hazelnuts on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until fragrant and their skins begin to loosen.
2. Transfer the warm hazelnuts to a clean kitchen towel and rub them to remove most of the skins. Don't worry if some patches remain.
3. Add the skinned hazelnuts to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend for several minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until a smooth, creamy butter forms. Patience is key, as this can take up to 10 minutes.
4. Add the cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue blending until everything is well combined.
5. Slowly add the plant-based milk until you reach your desired consistency. For a richer, more decadent spread, you can melt some dairy-free chocolate chips and stir them in at the end.

Simple Nut or Seed Butter Swaps

If you don't have hazelnuts or a powerful food processor, a quick and easy alternative can be made from other nut or seed butters. Simply combine equal parts of your chosen creamy butter with a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder and maple syrup to taste. A pinch of salt and vanilla extract will help to round out the flavors. Almond butter, cashew butter, or for a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter, are all excellent choices.

Protein-Packed Chocolate Hummus

For a unique, protein-rich swap, try chocolate hummus. This nutritious and flavorful spread is made by blending chickpeas with cocoa powder, a sweetener, and a splash of milk or water. It's delicious with fruit, on toast, or as a dip, and provides a significant protein boost that traditional spreads lack.

Convenient Store-Bought Alternatives

For those who prefer the convenience of a store-bought product, the market is full of healthier and more ethical alternatives. These brands often focus on organic ingredients, palm oil-free recipes, and reduced sugar content.

Some popular options include:

Nocciolata: An organic chocolate-hazelnut spread from Italy that is often praised for its rich, authentic hazelnut flavor and being less sugary than Nutella.
TBH Hazelnut Cocoa Spread: This alternative is palm oil-free, lower in sugar, and higher in protein, making it a great choice for those seeking a more balanced nutritional profile.
Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread: Made with high-quality organic ingredients and without palm oil, this spread is a favorite among health-conscious consumers.
SunButter Chocolate: A fantastic nut-free alternative for those with allergies, made from sunflower seeds. It offers a creamy texture and great flavor.
Oat Haus Brownie Batter Granola Butter: Made with toasted oats and allergen-friendly, this spread offers a unique flavor and texture profile.
Beyond the Equator Chocolate 5 Seed Butter: Another great allergen-friendly choice, made from a blend of chia, flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and hemp seeds, providing a nutrient-dense option.

Comparison: Nutella vs. Alternatives


Feature	Nutella	Homemade Hazelnut Cacao Spread	TBH Hazelnut Cocoa Spread
Primary Ingredients	Sugar, Palm Oil, Hazelnuts, Skim Milk, Cocoa	Hazelnuts, Maple Syrup, Cacao Powder, Milk Alternative	Hazelnuts, Sunflower Oil, Cane Sugar, Cocoa, Pea Protein
Sugar Content	Very High (over 50%)	Customizable (Lower with maple syrup/dates)	Lower than Nutella
Palm Oil	Yes	No	No
Vegan	No (contains milk)	Yes (using plant-based milk)	Yes
Allergens	Hazelnuts, Milk, Soy	Depends on recipe (can be customized)	Hazelnuts
Key Benefit	Widely available, familiar taste	Fresh, customizable ingredients	High protein, lower sugar, no palm oil

Choosing the Right Substitute for Your Needs

Before you decide on a substitute, consider your primary motivation for switching. If you are concerned about high sugar content, homemade recipes using dates or maple syrup allow for the most control. If environmental impact is a priority, ensure you select a palm oil-free commercial brand, or make your own. For managing allergies, read labels carefully for cross-contamination warnings, and opt for nut-free seed butters or chickpea-based spreads. Vegans will find numerous commercial options and simple ways to adapt homemade recipes using plant-based ingredients. Finally, if you're aiming for a nutritional boost, look for spreads with added protein, fiber, or omega-3s, such as those made with seeds.

Conclusion: Making the Switch for a Healthier Diet

Switching from Nutella to a healthier alternative is a decision that offers multiple benefits for your health and can also align with ethical purchasing choices. Whether you choose to get creative in your kitchen with a homemade hazelnut cacao spread or pick up a responsibly-sourced, store-bought product, you don't have to sacrifice flavor for better nutrition. By exploring the range of options available, you can satisfy your chocolate-hazelnut craving with a delicious spread that is lower in sugar, free of palm oil, and better for you overall. For more information on healthier spreads and ingredient swaps, resources from health-focused publications can provide additional guidance and recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary concerns with Nutella are its high content of sugar and palm oil, which are often cited for their negative health and environmental impacts. Some consumers also seek to avoid allergens like dairy and soy found in the spread.

Yes, a basic homemade version can be made by blending roasted hazelnuts, unsweetened cocoa powder, a liquid sweetener like maple syrup, and a little plant-based milk until smooth.

Yes, excellent nut-free options include Chocolate SunButter (made from sunflower seeds) and Oat Haus Brownie Batter Granola Butter (made from oats), which are made in dedicated facilities to avoid cross-contamination.

Absolutely. Vegan versions are easy to make at home using plant-based milk, and many commercial brands like TBH and Artisana Organics offer ready-made, dairy-free spreads.

To reduce sugar, you can use natural sweeteners like blended dates or maple syrup to taste, instead of traditional sugar. For a sugar-free, low-carb option, a sweetener like powdered erythritol can be used.

Popular healthier store-bought options include Nocciolata, TBH Hazelnut Cocoa Spread, Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread, and SunButter Chocolate, depending on your dietary needs.

Palm oil is a source of saturated fat, which has been linked to negative health effects when processed. Environmentally, its production is also associated with deforestation and loss of biodiversity.