Understanding the Vegetarian vs. Vegan Distinction
Before diving into Nutella's specific ingredients, it is vital to understand the difference between vegetarian and vegan diets. A vegetarian diet typically excludes meat, poultry, and fish but may include animal byproducts like dairy and eggs. A vegan diet, in contrast, strictly prohibits all animal products and byproducts, including dairy, eggs, and honey. Therefore, a food can be vegetarian but not vegan.
The Ingredients of Classic Nutella
According to Nutella's official website, the classic spread contains seven key ingredients: sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, skimmed milk powder, fat-reduced cocoa powder, soy lecithin, and vanillin. While most of these are plant-based and suitable for a vegetarian diet, two dairy-derived components prevent it from being vegan.
The Dairy Issue: Milk and Whey
The most definitive non-vegan ingredient is skimmed milk powder, which is made by removing the water from pasteurized non-fat milk. This makes the classic product unsuitable for vegans. In some markets, particularly outside the US, Nutella's recipe also includes whey powder. Whey is a byproduct of the cheese-making process, and its vegetarian status can be complicated. For instance, whey can be derived using either vegetarian microbial rennet or animal-based rennet. The presence of milk powder alone, however, is enough to exclude classic Nutella from a vegan diet.
The Ethical Consideration of Palm Oil
Beyond the dairy, Nutella also contains palm oil, a component that, while technically plant-based and therefore vegetarian, raises ethical concerns for many consumers. The production of palm oil has been linked to extensive deforestation in tropical rainforests, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. This has led to the destruction of natural habitats for endangered species such as orangutans. Nutella's manufacturer, Ferrero, states that its palm oil is certified as sustainable by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). However, the efficacy of this certification is a subject of ongoing debate among environmental groups, and some individuals choose to avoid palm oil-containing products entirely.
The Advent of Nutella Plant-Based
Responding to growing demand for dairy-free options, Ferrero officially launched Nutella Plant-Based in certain European markets in late 2024 and early 2025. This new version replaces the milk powder with plant-based ingredients like chickpeas and rice syrup, ensuring it is certified vegan by organizations such as the Vegetarian Society. This offers a new option for vegans and those with lactose intolerance who previously could not enjoy the spread.
Classic vs. Plant-Based Nutella: A Comparison
| Feature | Classic Nutella | Nutella Plant-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Suitability | Vegetarian (Ovo-Lacto) | Vegan |
| Contains Dairy | Yes (Skimmed Milk Powder, Whey Powder) | No |
| Milk Alternative | N/A | Chickpeas and Rice Syrup |
| Key Ingredients | Sugar, Palm Oil, Hazelnuts, Skimmed Milk Powder, Cocoa | Sugar, Palm Oil, Hazelnuts, Chickpeas, Rice Syrup, Cocoa |
| Availability | Worldwide | Select European markets (as of late 2024/early 2025) |
Finding Vegan-Friendly Alternatives
For those who do not have access to the new plant-based version or prefer an alternative without palm oil, many delicious vegan chocolate hazelnut spreads are available on the market. Brands like Vego, Nature's Store, and Justin's offer dairy-free products. Alternatively, making a homemade vegan spread is a straightforward process using ingredients such as roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and a plant-based milk or oil. This provides complete control over ingredients and allows for customization.
Conclusion
To answer the central question, classic Nutella is vegetarian but not vegan due to its dairy content, specifically skimmed milk powder and, in some regions, whey powder. However, the recent introduction of the certified Nutella Plant-Based version in certain areas offers a genuine dairy-free choice. For ethically-minded consumers, the use of palm oil in both versions is another consideration, leading many to seek alternatives from other brands or make their own. Ultimately, reading the label is the most reliable way to ensure a spread aligns with your dietary and ethical preferences.
For more information on dietary choices and product ingredients, a reliable resource is the Vegetarian Society, which has also certified the new Nutella Plant-Based.
