Is there a healthier alternative to Nutella?

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

Nutella's top ingredient is sugar, comprising a shocking 57% of its weight. This fact alone makes many wonder: is there a healthier alternative to Nutella? The answer is a resounding yes, and these options range from cleaner, store-bought spreads to simple, nutrient-dense homemade recipes that put you in control of the ingredients.

Quick Summary

Explore the best store-bought and homemade alternatives to Nutella. This article reveals how to find and create delicious, low-sugar, and palm oil-free spreads. It details brand comparisons, healthy ingredients, and a simple DIY recipe to satisfy your cravings nutritiously.

Key Points

Nutella is primarily sugar and palm oil: The original contains over 50% refined sugar and palm oil, not hazelnuts, as its main ingredients.
Store-bought options exist: Brands like Pyure and Nocciolata offer lower sugar, palm oil-free, and organic versions.
Homemade is the healthiest route: Making your own spread puts you in full control of ingredients, eliminating refined sugar and unhealthy oils completely.
Natural sweeteners are key: Use dates, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten your homemade version naturally, adding nutrients and fiber.
Homemade spreads are nutrient-dense: They contain a much higher percentage of beneficial hazelnuts, which provide healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.

Understanding the Problem with Conventional Nutella

Nutella is a widely loved chocolate-hazelnut spread, but its nutritional profile leaves much to be desired. Primarily, it's a sugar delivery system with some hazelnut flavoring. With sugar as the primary ingredient by weight and palm oil as the second, Nutella is calorie-dense and low in nutritional value. Consuming high amounts of added sugar is linked to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The use of palm oil is also a concern for both health and environmental reasons, as it is high in saturated fat and its production is tied to deforestation. These factors highlight the need for a truly healthier alternative to Nutella.

Healthier Store-Bought Alternatives to Nutella

For those who prefer the convenience of a ready-made spread, several brands offer healthier alternatives with better ingredients and less sugar. Here are some options worth considering:

Pyure Hazelnut Spread: A low-carb and keto-friendly choice that boasts a 90% reduction in sugar compared to Nutella, using organic, sugar-free sweeteners instead.
Nocciolata Organic Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa & Milk: This spread is certified organic, uses raw ingredients, and contains no palm oil. It is often praised for a better flavor balance of chocolate and hazelnut than Nutella.
Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter: This option includes almonds, giving it a slightly different, earthier flavor. It is often a bit less sweet and uses fewer processed ingredients.
Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread: A raw and organic option that relies on a simple ingredient list. It appeals to those on a raw food diet or seeking a minimally processed choice.
Nutzo Paleo Chocolate Power Fuel: A unique blend of seven nuts and seeds, this organic spread is low in sugar and packed with protein and Omega-3s. It offers a very different, nutty profile.

The Best Option: Making Your Own Homemade Spread

For maximum control over ingredients, making a homemade healthier alternative to Nutella is the best approach. It allows you to eliminate processed sugars and unhealthy oils entirely, replacing them with whole, nutrient-dense ingredients. Homemade versions prioritize the natural goodness of hazelnuts and cocoa, creating a spread that is both delicious and wholesome.

Simple Homemade Recipe (Refined Sugar-Free)

Ingredients:

2 cups raw hazelnuts
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa or raw cacao powder
½ cup pitted Medjool dates (or maple syrup for a different flavor profile)
¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 10-12 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
Let the nuts cool slightly, then rub them in a clean kitchen towel to remove most of the skins. Don't worry if a few skins remain.
Place the skinned hazelnuts in a high-powered food processor. Blend until they form a smooth, creamy butter. This may take up to 10-15 minutes, with frequent scraping of the sides.
Add the cocoa powder, dates (or maple syrup), almond milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue to blend until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
For a thinner consistency, add a little more almond milk. For a thicker spread, reduce the amount of milk. Transfer the spread to an airtight jar and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Comparison: Nutella vs. Healthier Alternatives


Feature	Conventional Nutella	Healthier Store-Bought	Homemade Alternative
Primary Sweetener	Refined Sugar (57%)	Organic/Plant-Based Sweeteners	Dates, Maple Syrup, or Stevia
Oil Content	Palm Oil (high in saturated fat)	Healthier fats like coconut or sunflower oil	Coconut Oil, Hazelnut Oil, or just nut's natural oils
Hazelnut Percentage	Low (around 13%)	Higher (often a primary ingredient)	Very High (main ingredient)
Additives	Emulsifiers, flavorings	Often none or natural additives	None
Nutritional Profile	Low in nutrients, high in empty calories	Better, higher fiber/protein, lower sugar	Highest nutritional value, high in healthy fats and fiber

Conclusion

While the original Nutella is a familiar and indulgent treat, it is far from being a healthy dietary staple. The good news is that for those seeking a more nutritious option, there are plenty of excellent, healthier alternatives. Store-bought brands like Pyure and Nocciolata offer cleaner ingredient lists and significantly lower sugar content, addressing the most significant issues with the original spread. However, for the ultimate in health benefits and flavor customization, making a homemade version is the superior choice. By using natural sweeteners like dates and high-quality hazelnuts and cocoa, you can create a delicious, guilt-free spread that is rich in flavor and nutrients. Making a healthier switch means satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising your health goals. For more healthy recipe inspiration, consider exploring a wide range of natural food blogs and resources online.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference lies in the ingredient list. Healthier spreads use natural sweeteners like dates or maple syrup instead of refined sugar and avoid controversial palm oil, opting for healthier fats or relying solely on the nuts' natural oils.

Yes, Pyure Hazelnut Spread is specifically formulated to be low-carb and keto-friendly, using organic, sugar-free sweeteners to achieve a flavor similar to traditional spreads.

Absolutely. You can use natural sweeteners like dates, maple syrup, or even stevia to create a delicious, refined sugar-free homemade hazelnut spread. Dates add a caramel-like sweetness and a fudgy texture.

Many recipes use coconut oil or avocado oil. Some rely on the natural oils released from the hazelnuts themselves during processing. Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily converted to energy.

Palm oil is a concern due to its high saturated fat content, which can impact heart health when consumed in excess. Its production also has significant negative environmental impacts, including deforestation.

A homemade spread should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It is typically good for up to two weeks. It may thicken when chilled, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before use.

Dates are naturally sweet and high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. They are also packed with vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and copper.