Both Bonne Maman and Nutella are popular chocolate-hazelnut spreads, but when it comes to nutritional value, their differences become apparent. Many assume the more expensive, 'artisanal' Bonne Maman is the healthier choice, while Nutella is widely recognized as a sugary treat. However, a closer look at the labels and ingredients reveals a more nuanced picture. While Bonne Maman holds a slight edge in some aspects, neither can truly be considered a health food and both should be enjoyed in moderation.
The Ingredients Deep Dive
To understand the health implications, it's essential to analyze the components that make up each spread. The ingredient list on food packaging is ordered by weight, providing a clear indication of what you're primarily consuming.
Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
The ingredient list for Bonne Maman typically starts with sugar, followed by a high percentage of hazelnuts (often around 20-25%). It uses vegetable oils like sunflower and rapeseed instead of palm oil, which is a major differentiator. Other ingredients include skimmed milk powder, fat-reduced cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and sunflower lecithin. The brand emphasizes its use of natural ingredients and being palm oil-free.
Nutella Hazelnut Spread
Nutella's recipe also lists sugar as its primary ingredient. The next ingredient, and a key point of contention, is palm oil. Palm oil is a semi-solid fat used to give the spread its creamy texture, but it is also high in saturated fat. Hazelnuts appear third on Nutella's list (at 13%), followed by skim milk powder, fat-reduced cocoa, soy lecithin, and vanillin (a synthetic flavor). While Ferrero states they use 100% certified sustainable palm oil, the oil's high saturated fat content and environmental concerns remain a topic of debate.
A Comparison of Nutritional Facts
Examining the nutritional information side-by-side reveals the practical differences in calories, fat, and sugar per serving. While serving sizes can vary slightly by region, we can use a standard 2-tablespoon (33-37g) serving for comparison.
| Feature | Bonne Maman (approx. per 2 tbsp) | Nutella (approx. per 2 tbsp) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal | 200 kcal |
| Total Fat | 11g | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 4g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 19g | 21g |
| Sugars | 17g | 21g |
| Hazelnuts | 20-25% (second ingredient) | 13% (third ingredient) |
| Primary Oil | Sunflower and Rapeseed Oil | Palm Oil |
| Additives | Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Vanilla Flavoring | Soy Lecithin, Synthetic Vanillin |
The Palm Oil Factor: A Key Consideration
The absence of palm oil is a significant selling point for Bonne Maman. Palm oil's high saturated fat content and the environmental impact of its production are major concerns for many consumers. While Nutella's manufacturer claims to use sustainable palm oil, replacing it entirely, as Bonne Maman has, eliminates both the health and ethical concerns associated with it. Bonne Maman uses a blend of sunflower and rapeseed oils, which have a different fatty acid profile compared to palm oil.
Sugar Content: A Deceptive Detail
While the table shows Bonne Maman contains slightly less sugar per serving than Nutella, both are fundamentally high-sugar products. With sugar as the primary ingredient in both, neither can be considered a low-sugar option. The perception that a small reduction in sugar makes one product 'healthy' is misleading. Health experts categorize both as dessert items and caution against frequent consumption, especially as a breakfast staple. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has classified Bonne Maman's spread as an 'unhealthy ultra-processed food' due to its high sugar content and processing.
Other Considerations: Texture and Flavor
Beyond nutritional data, taste and texture are personal factors. Many reviewers describe Bonne Maman as having a more intense hazelnut flavor and a silkier texture, likely due to its higher hazelnut content and different oil blend. Nutella is known for its classic, balanced hazelnut-cocoa profile and thicker consistency. Some find Nutella's flavor to be more chocolate-forward. This makes the decision of which is "better" subjective to individual palate preferences. If you're a purist who prefers the richer, nuttier taste, Bonne Maman might be a better fit, but if you've grown up with and prefer the classic taste of Nutella, you might stick with it.
Conclusion: Which Spread Wins the 'Healthier' Title?
Based on the ingredient and nutritional data, Bonne Maman is technically the "healthier" option, albeit by a very small margin. The primary reasons are its lower sugar content per serving and the absence of palm oil, which addresses both health (lower saturated fat) and ethical concerns. However, calling either a truly 'healthy' food is inaccurate, as both are processed, high in sugar, and should be treated as an occasional treat rather than a daily breakfast item. For those seeking genuinely healthy spreads, alternatives like pure nut butters or homemade spreads are far superior. The choice between Bonne Maman and Nutella ultimately comes down to a personal preference for a slightly lower sugar/palm oil-free option versus the classic, more familiar taste. For more insight into what constitutes a truly healthy eating plan, consult resources like the NHS's healthy eating guidelines.
Homemade Alternatives for a Healthier Choice
For those seriously considering a healthier alternative, making your own chocolate-hazelnut spread is the best option. A homemade version allows for full control over the ingredients, particularly the amount and type of sweetener used. You can use less refined options like maple syrup or dates, and opt for healthy oils or even make it oil-free. The base of roasted hazelnuts and cocoa powder creates a rich, natural flavor without the high sugar and processed oils of store-bought versions. This approach offers the taste you crave with far superior nutritional benefits.
