How many calories are in 2 servings of Nutella?

According to the official Nutella nutrition label, one serving of two tablespoons contains 200 calories. This means two standard servings of Nutella, totaling four tablespoons, contain 400 calories.

Quick Summary

The standard serving size of Nutella is two tablespoons (37 grams), which contains 200 calories. Therefore, two servings amount to 400 calories, or four tablespoons. Most of these calories come from sugar and fat, not the hazelnuts and cocoa.

Key Points

• 400 Calories: Two servings of Nutella, equivalent to four tablespoons, contain 400 calories based on the standard serving size of 2 tablespoons (200 calories).

• High in Sugar: The majority of Nutella's calories come from sugar, with one serving containing 21 grams. Consuming two servings pushes the daily added sugar intake well beyond recommended limits.

• Not a Nut Butter Substitute: Despite its 'hazelnut spread' label, Nutella is not a nutritionally equivalent substitute for actual nut butters like almond or peanut butter, which offer more protein and less sugar.

• Fat Content: Nutella's second most abundant ingredient is palm oil, which contributes to its high fat content and overall calorie density.

• Consume in Moderation: Nutella should be treated as a high-calorie, high-sugar dessert and enjoyed only occasionally to maintain a balanced diet.

• Consider Alternatives: Healthier homemade versions or low-sugar store-bought spreads offer a similar flavor profile with better nutritional content.

Understanding the Calorie Count in Nutella

When you're curious about the calorie content of your favorite foods, it's always best to start with the official serving size. For Nutella, the standard serving in the United States is officially listed as two tablespoons, which is equivalent to 37 grams. This single serving packs a significant punch of 200 calories. This information is the foundation for determining how many calories are in 2 servings of Nutella.

The Simple Calculation: 2 Servings

With one serving equaling 200 calories, the math is straightforward. To calculate the calories for two servings, you simply multiply the single-serving calorie count by two.

• 1 serving (2 tablespoons) = 200 calories
• 2 servings (4 tablespoons) = 400 calories

This simple calculation reveals that a seemingly small amount of this popular hazelnut spread can contribute a substantial number of calories to your daily intake. Because Nutella is known for its delicious taste, it is easy to consume more than the recommended serving size, making it simple to ingest excess calories without realizing it.

What Makes Nutella So Calorie-Dense?

The high calorie density of Nutella is primarily due to its ingredients, with sugar and palm oil leading the list. Despite advertising that focuses on hazelnuts and milk, these ingredients make up a smaller proportion of the overall product. This is a crucial point for those who perceive Nutella as a simple, healthier nut spread. In reality, it is much closer to a dessert frosting than a nutritionally dense nut butter.

Breaking Down the Nutrients in One Serving

A single 2-tablespoon serving (37 grams) contains the following key nutrients:

• Calories: 200
• Total Fat: 12 grams (4 grams saturated fat)
• Total Carbohydrates: 23 grams
• Total Sugars: 21 grams
• Protein: 2 grams

As you can see, a significant portion of the calories comes from added sugar, with a single serving providing 21 grams. The American Heart Association recommends that women and children consume no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar per day, while men should limit intake to 9 teaspoons (38 grams). A single serving of Nutella nearly meets or exceeds these daily limits, highlighting the importance of moderation.

Nutella vs. Other Spreads: A Nutritional Comparison

To put the calorie content into perspective, it's helpful to compare Nutella with other common spreads. This comparison shows that while Nutella's calorie count can be comparable to some, its high sugar content is a major distinguishing factor. All values are approximate for a 2-tablespoon serving.

Spread	Calories (approx.)	Sugar (approx.)	Protein (approx.)	Fat (approx.)
Nutella	200	21g	2g	12g
Natural Almond Butter	180-190	1-2g	5-6g	16-18g
Natural Peanut Butter	190-200	2g	7-8g	16g
Jam/Preserves	~100	~24g	0g	0g

This comparison table clearly demonstrates that Nutella is substantially higher in sugar and lower in protein than natural nut butters. While jam has a lower calorie count, it is almost pure sugar and lacks the healthy fats found in Nut-based spreads.

Navigating Nutella as Part of a Balanced Diet

Given its high calorie and sugar content, Nutella should be treated as an occasional treat rather than a staple breakfast spread. For those who love the taste but are concerned about the nutritional profile, mindful consumption is key. Here are some simple ways to enjoy Nutella without overindulging:

• Portion Control: Measure out your serving. Use a measuring spoon to stick to the recommended two tablespoons to avoid overeating. Better yet, stick to a single tablespoon to cut the calories in half.
• Pair with Healthy Foods: Pair a thin layer with fiber-rich whole-grain bread or fresh fruit like strawberries and bananas. This helps you feel more satiated and balances out the sugars.
• Explore Alternatives: Many brands now offer healthier chocolate hazelnut spreads with less sugar and more natural ingredients. Homemade versions, which typically involve blending hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and a natural sweetener, are also an excellent option.
• Use as a Flavoring: Use a small amount to add flavor to smoothies or oatmeal.

Conclusion: A Delicious Indulgence in Moderation

In conclusion, 2 servings of Nutella, which total four tablespoons, contain 400 calories. This figure is a direct result of the product's high content of sugar and palm oil. While Nutella's delicious taste makes it a popular treat, it's not a nutritionally dense food and should be consumed in moderation. By being mindful of serving sizes and considering healthier alternatives or pairings, you can enjoy the classic chocolate hazelnut flavor without undermining your dietary goals. Understanding the calorie and sugar content is the first step towards a more informed and balanced approach to this beloved spread.

Additional Resource

For more information on Nutella's nutritional makeup and its place in a healthy diet, resources like the one from Healthline provide valuable perspective: Healthline: Is Nutella Healthy? Ingredients, Nutrition and More

The Impact of Sugar

Excessive sugar intake, like that from multiple servings of Nutella, can lead to negative health outcomes.

The Role of Palm Oil

Palm oil is a primary ingredient in Nutella and is high in saturated fats.

Better Alternatives Exist

Healthier spreads offer more nutritional benefits with lower sugar and less processed ingredients.

Treat, Not Breakfast

Nutella should be viewed as a dessert item rather than a regular part of a nutritious breakfast.

Pay Attention to Portions

Measuring out servings is essential for controlling calorie and sugar intake from Nutella.

A Quick Guide to Nutella's High Calorie Count

Why does Nutella have so many calories?

Nutella is calorie-dense because its primary ingredients are sugar and palm oil, both of which are high in calories and fat.

What is a standard serving size of Nutella?

In the U.S., a standard serving size of Nutella is 2 tablespoons (37 grams).

Is 400 calories for 2 servings of Nutella a lot?

Yes, 400 calories for two servings is a significant amount, especially since it provides high amounts of sugar with limited nutritional benefits compared to other spreads.

How does Nutella compare to peanut butter in terms of calories?

Nutella and natural peanut butter have a similar calorie count per serving. However, natural peanut butter is significantly lower in sugar and higher in protein than Nutella.

Are the hazelnuts in Nutella healthy?

While hazelnuts themselves are healthy, they make up a small portion of the overall Nutella recipe, meaning their nutritional benefits are minimal compared to the high sugar and fat content.

Is Nutella a good part of a balanced diet?

Due to its high sugar and fat content, Nutella should be considered a treat to be enjoyed occasionally and in moderation, not a regular part of a balanced diet.

How can I make a healthier version of a hazelnut spread?

You can make a healthier alternative at home by blending roasted hazelnuts with cocoa powder and a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Sources

• Healthline: Is Nutella Healthy? Ingredients, Nutrition and More: A detailed look into the ingredients and nutritional value of Nutella, including its high sugar content and comparison to nut butters.
• Nutella® Official Website (US): Provides the official nutritional information and serving size for Nutella products sold in the United States.
• The Allergy Chef: Nutella vs Peanut Butter: A side-by-side comparison of Nutella and peanut butter's nutritional information.
• 5 Reasons Nutella Should Be Banned From Your Breakfast Table: Discusses the marketing and healthwashing of Nutella as a breakfast food.
• What are healthy chocolate spread alternatives for kids? - Facebook: A community discussion on healthier homemade alternatives to Nutella.
• Understanding The Calories For Nutella: Offers tips for consuming Nutella in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
• Nutella Is Popular, But Is It Healthy?: Examines Nutella's ingredients and its health implications.
• Dietitian Mac - Facebook: Highlights the sugar content and nutritional breakdown of Nutella.
• Nutella Alternative - Reddit: A user discussion on finding lower calorie and less sugary alternatives to Nutella.
• Wikipedia: Nutella: General information and historical context for Nutella.
• Nutella Nutrition Facts: What's Really In It: A deeper dive into Nutella's nutritional information and ingredients.
• Eat This Much: Nutella: Additional nutritional details for Nutella.
• MyFoodDiary®: Nutella Nutrition Facts: Provides nutritional facts from MyFoodDiary.
• gather. fact sheet: Strawberry jam versus Nutella: Comparison of Nutella with jam.
• Nutella Comparison - Instagram: Comparison of Nutella with a homemade version.
• Nutella Healthy Alternatives - Instagram: Suggests healthier alternatives to Nutella.
• Lasta App: Nutella Nutrition Facts: Analyzes Nutella's nutritional content and its place in a healthy diet.
• Quora: Which one is more healthier... between chocolate spread and nutella: A user question discussing Nutella's health aspects.
• Nutritionix: Calories in Nutella: Provides calorie information for Nutella.
• Quora: How fat would you get if you ate an entire jar of Nutella?: User discussions on the calorie content of Nutella and potential health impacts.
• MyNetDiary: Calories in Nutella: Calorie information from MyNetDiary.
• Spoon: nutella: Nutritional information from Spoon.
• Sainsbury's: Nutella Hazelnut & Chocolate Spread: Nutritional details from a retailer.
• Ferrero GCC: Nutella: General information from the manufacturer's regional site.
• Ferrero (MA): Nutella® Jar: Information from the manufacturer's site.
• Ferrero GCC: Nutella: Nutritional information from the manufacturer.
• CNN: How do you eat Nutella? The FDA wants to know: Article discussing potential FDA reclassification of Nutella's serving size.
• UHHospitals.org: Chocolate-flavored hazelnut spread: Provides nutritional information for a generic version of the spread.
• Eat This Much: Nutella Hazelnut Spread With Cocoa: More nutritional information from Eat This Much.
• #Nutella vs #PeanutButter - Facebook: Facebook discussion on Nutella vs Peanut Butter.
• Mommy Needs A Recipe!! - Facebook: Facebook group post with homemade Nutella recipes.
• Nutella alternatives - Facebook: Facebook group post with Nutella alternatives.
• Nutella health concerns - Facebook: Facebook group post discussing Nutella's ingredients.
• Amazon: ChocZero Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Product alternative to Nutella.
• Baesbutters.com: Product alternative to Nutella.
• enhanceyourpalate.com: Recipe for mixed nut butter.
• youtube.com/watch?v=kSa-JatgCy4: Youtube recipe link for homemade Nutella.
• youtube.com/watch?v=4RdnXJ76qEk: Youtube recipe link for chocolate hummus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in one serving of Nutella?

One standard serving of Nutella, which is 2 tablespoons (37 grams), contains 200 calories.

How many tablespoons are in two servings of Nutella?

Since one serving is 2 tablespoons, two servings of Nutella would be 4 tablespoons.

Does Nutella contain a lot of sugar?

Yes, sugar is the number one ingredient in Nutella. A single 2-tablespoon serving contains 21 grams of sugar.

Is Nutella a healthy breakfast food?

No, Nutella is not considered a healthy breakfast food due to its high sugar and fat content. It is better treated as a dessert to be eaten in moderation.

What is the primary source of calories in Nutella?

The primary sources of calories in Nutella are sugar and palm oil, which are listed as the first and second ingredients, respectively.

How does Nutella's calorie count compare to peanut butter?

Nutella is similar in total calories to peanut butter per serving, but it contains significantly more sugar and less protein.

Can Nutella be part of a weight loss diet?

Yes, but only in strict moderation. Given its high calorie density, portion control is critical, and it should be treated as an infrequent treat to avoid exceeding calorie goals.