Is there a healthier version of Nutella?

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

A single two-tablespoon serving of traditional Nutella contains 21 grams of sugar—more than some brands of chocolate frosting. This high sugar content has led many to question, "Is there a healthier version of Nutella?" The answer is a resounding yes, and these healthier alternatives can offer a superior nutritional profile without sacrificing flavor.

Quick Summary

Nutella is an ultra-processed food high in sugar and saturated fats like palm oil, but numerous healthier commercial and homemade alternatives exist. By selecting options with fewer, higher-quality ingredients and natural sweeteners, consumers can enjoy a delicious chocolate hazelnut spread with added nutritional benefits like protein and healthy fats.

Key Points

Nutella is primarily sugar and palm oil: The original spread is not a health food; its main ingredients are sugar and processed fats, not nuts.
Store-bought alternatives offer better options: Brands like Pyure and Nocciolata provide low-sugar, organic, and palm-oil-free spreads.
Homemade spread is the healthiest choice: Making your own allows for complete control over ingredients, eliminating refined sugars and processed fats.
Focus on whole ingredients: The best healthy alternatives use real hazelnuts, high-quality cacao, and natural sweeteners.
Look for low sugar and no palm oil: When shopping, prioritize spreads with a short ingredient list that is low in sugar and free of palm oil.
Boost nutrients with homemade spreads: Homemade recipes allow you to enrich your spread with fiber from dates and antioxidants from cacao.
Don't mistake Nutella for a nut butter: Unlike natural almond or peanut butter, Nutella is nutritionally inferior and should be treated as a high-sugar dessert.

The Truth About Traditional Nutella

Despite being marketed as a breakfast spread, a closer look at Nutella's ingredient list reveals it is primarily sugar and palm oil, not hazelnuts. With sugar comprising over 50% of the jar by weight, it functions more as a dessert topping than a nutritious breakfast staple. A two-tablespoon serving contains 200 calories, 12 grams of fat, and 21 grams of sugar. These numbers quickly add up, contributing to excess calorie and sugar intake, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues over time. Additionally, the use of processed palm oil, high in saturated fat, is a concern for cardiovascular health and has been linked to potential environmental damage. For health-conscious consumers, seeking a better-for-you hazelnut spread is a logical step.

The Rise of Healthier Store-Bought Alternatives

As consumer demand for cleaner, more nutritious products grows, several brands have introduced healthier versions of chocolate hazelnut spread. These alternatives often feature a simpler ingredient list, less sugar, and the absence of palm oil.

Here are some popular options:

Pyure Hazelnut Spread: A keto and low-carb option sweetened with organic, sugar-free sweeteners. It boasts 90% less sugar than traditional Nutella.
Nocciolata by Rigoni di Asiago: An organic Italian spread that avoids palm oil and uses natural ingredients. Many find its flavor richer and less sweet than Nutella.
Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread: A raw, organic, and vegan option with a minimalist ingredient list, focusing on the natural flavors of hazelnuts and cacao, sweetened with coconut sugar.
Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter: This spread includes almonds, providing a grainier texture and a slightly different flavor profile. It uses organic cane sugar and less sugar than Nutella.
Chosen Foods Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Made with avocado oil, this vegan and palm-oil-free option contains 40% less sugar than the leading brand.

When choosing a store-bought alternative, always check the ingredient list. The best options will have a nut listed as the first ingredient and use natural, low-glycemic sweeteners.

The DIY Route: Making Your Own Healthy Hazelnut Spread

For maximum control over ingredients and nutritional content, nothing beats a homemade spread. With just a few simple ingredients and a powerful blender, you can create a delicious and genuinely healthy version at home. A basic recipe typically includes:

Hazelnuts: The foundation of the spread, providing healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and fiber.
Cacao or Cocoa Powder: For that rich, chocolatey flavor. Using raw cacao powder adds antioxidants and nutrients not present in traditional spreads.
Natural Sweeteners: Instead of refined sugar, use alternatives like maple syrup, coconut sugar, or pitted Medjool dates.
Healthy Oil: A small amount of coconut oil or avocado oil can help achieve a smoother, creamier texture.
A Pinch of Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chocolate and nuts.

The process involves roasting and blending the hazelnuts until they reach a creamy nut butter consistency, then incorporating the remaining ingredients. The result is a fresh, preservative-free spread rich in nutrients and low in sugar.

Comparison of Spreads

To illustrate the nutritional differences, let's compare Nutella to a representative healthy store-bought alternative and a homemade version.


Feature	Traditional Nutella	Healthy Store-Bought Alternative (e.g., Pyure)	Homemade Healthy Hazelnut Spread
Primary Ingredients	Sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, skim milk	Hazelnuts, sweeteners, coconut oil, cacao	Hazelnuts, cacao powder, natural sweetener, coconut oil
Sugar Content	Very high (21g per 2 tbsp)	Very low (2g per 2 tbsp)	Customizable (using maple syrup, dates, or coconut sugar)
Contains Palm Oil?	Yes	No	No
Type of Fat	Processed saturated fat	Healthy monounsaturated and medium-chain fats	Healthy monounsaturated and medium-chain fats
Nutrient Density	Minimal nutritional value	Higher protein and fiber	Rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
Additives	Emulsifiers (soy lecithin), artificial flavor (vanillin)	No artificial sweeteners or flavors	No additives or preservatives

Embracing a Healthier Hazelnut Habit

Shifting from Nutella to a healthier alternative doesn't mean giving up your favorite chocolate hazelnut flavor. It's about enjoying a better quality product that aligns with a more mindful and nutritious diet. Whether you opt for a carefully selected store-bought brand or make your own, the benefits are clear. You'll reduce your sugar and processed fat intake while boosting your consumption of healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients found naturally in hazelnuts and cacao. The creamy, rich taste of chocolate and hazelnut can be a delicious, guilt-free indulgence, rather than a sugar-laden treat. For more information on dietary choices, consult resources like Healthline: Is Nutella Healthy? Ingredients, Nutrition and More.

Conclusion

While a single jar of Nutella contains a significant amount of sugar and palm oil, consumers are not resigned to accepting these ingredients. The market is increasingly filled with delicious, healthier, and more ethical alternatives. The choice between commercially produced options and a homemade recipe allows for full control over ingredients, catering to various dietary needs and preferences. By moving away from Nutella, you can satisfy your cravings for a chocolate hazelnut spread with a product that truly offers nutritional value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutella is considered unhealthy due to its high sugar content and the use of processed palm oil, which is high in saturated fat. The high sugar and calorie count can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar spikes, offering minimal nutritional benefits.

Palm oil is a vegetable oil that provides Nutella with its creamy texture. It is often avoided for health reasons, as it is high in saturated fat and can negatively impact cholesterol levels. Environmental concerns surrounding deforestation caused by palm oil cultivation also motivate some consumers to avoid it.

Some popular healthier store-bought alternatives include Pyure Hazelnut Spread (low sugar, keto-friendly), Nocciolata (organic, no palm oil), and Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread (raw, organic). These products typically feature cleaner ingredients and less sugar.

Yes, you can easily make a healthier version at home. A basic recipe includes hazelnuts, unsweetened cacao powder, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup or dates. Making it at home gives you complete control over ingredients, sugar content, and fat sources.

To reduce sugar in a homemade spread, you can use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or dates, or simply reduce the quantity of any sweetener you use. Using a food processor to blend dates with the hazelnuts can add natural sweetness and fiber.

While Nutella has introduced a plant-based version, it may not be significantly healthier. Some plant-based versions still contain palm oil and high levels of sugar, sometimes using high-glycemic alternatives. It's important to check the specific ingredient list to assess the nutritional value.

Compared to natural nut butters like almond or cashew butter, Nutella is significantly higher in sugar and contains added processed oils. Natural nut butters typically contain more protein, less sugar, and beneficial micronutrients, making them a much healthier daily option.