Is vegan Nutella healthy? A complete nutritional guide

The official Nutella Plant-Based spread is almost identical in calorie count to the original, with 534kcal vs 539kcal per 100g. But beyond calories, is vegan Nutella healthy? A closer inspection of the ingredients and nutritional information reveals a product that, while dairy-free, maintains many of the same characteristics as its predecessor.

Quick Summary

Vegan Nutella, while dairy-free, replaces milk with other processed ingredients like rice syrup. It remains high in sugar, saturated fat, and palm oil, classifying it as an ultra-processed food similar to the original. Healthier alternatives, including homemade versions, offer better nutritional profiles.

Key Points

• Nutritional Profile: Vegan Nutella has a nearly identical calorie and fat count to the original, despite replacing dairy with plant-based ingredients.

• Ultra-Processed Nature: Both versions are considered ultra-processed foods due to their ingredient formulation and manufacturing process.

• Palm Oil Content: The plant-based spread still contains palm oil, which raises ethical concerns for many environmentally-conscious consumers.

• Healthier Alternatives: Many commercial brands and homemade recipes offer genuinely healthier, lower-sugar, and palm oil-free spreads.

• Moderation is Essential: Like the traditional version, vegan Nutella is a high-sugar, high-fat treat that should be consumed sparingly.

• Sugar Reduction: The plant-based version contains less sugar than the original Nutella, a notable positive, though the amount remains high.

What's in Vegan Nutella and How Does it Compare?

When Ferrero launched its official Nutella Plant-Based version, many in the vegan community were hopeful for a healthier, guilt-free indulgence. The key difference is the replacement of skimmed milk powder with a combination of chickpeas and powdered rice syrup. However, the core ingredients—sugar and palm oil—remain the first two on the list, just as they are in the original Nutella. This means that despite being vegan, the spread's basic composition is still far from what most nutritionists would consider "healthy." Both the classic and plant-based versions are classified as ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which have been linked to various health concerns. The vegan version is a suitable alternative for those avoiding dairy, but it does not represent a significant nutritional upgrade. For many vegans, the continued use of palm oil also remains a concern, given its well-documented environmental impact.

Vegan Nutella vs. The Original: A Nutritional Showdown

To truly understand if vegan Nutella is a healthier option, we need to compare the nutritional information head-to-head. The differences, while present, are marginal.

Nutritional Aspect	Original Nutella (per 100g)	Vegan Nutella (per 100g)	Difference
Calories	539 kcal	534 kcal	Slightly lower
Fat	30.9 g	31.8 g	Slightly higher
Saturated Fat	10.6 g	11 g	Slightly higher
Sugar	56.3 g	45.4 g	Lower (approx. 11g)
Protein	6.3 g	6.8 g	Slightly higher
Ingredients	Sugar, Palm Oil, Skimmed Milk Powder	Sugar, Palm Oil, Chickpeas, Rice Syrup Powder	Dairy vs. Plant-based milk replacers

The Truth About Sugar and Fat

As the table shows, while the sugar content is lower in the plant-based version, it still contains a very high amount. A single 15g serving, which is the recommended portion size, still delivers around 6.8g of sugar. The overall fat content is also slightly higher in the vegan version. These levels of sugar and fat mean that consuming vegan Nutella can still lead to unhealthy habits and weight gain if not strictly limited. The presence of powdered rice syrup in the vegan version is also noteworthy, as it has a high glycaemic index, which can cause rapid blood sugar spikes. In comparison, truly healthy spreads made from just nuts and cocoa offer a much more balanced nutritional profile, higher in protein and fiber, and lower in refined sugars.

The Palm Oil Dilemma

Both the original and vegan Nutella contain palm oil, a critical ingredient for achieving its creamy texture. The production of palm oil has been widely criticized for its negative environmental and social impacts, including deforestation and habitat destruction. While Ferrero states it uses 100% RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil, many vegans and eco-conscious consumers still choose to avoid it due to the complex ethical issues surrounding its production. For these consumers, a vegan product with palm oil may not align with their values, even if it is technically dairy-free.

Healthier Vegan Chocolate Spread Alternatives

If you're seeking a genuinely healthy chocolate hazelnut spread, your best bet is to look beyond the major supermarket brands. There are two main paths: choosing from specialized commercial brands or making your own from scratch.

Commercial Brands with Better Credentials

Several companies focus on creating healthier, less processed spreads:

• Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Blend: Adds almonds for extra flavor and uses less sugar than Nutella.
• Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread: Palm oil-free and made with organic coconut sugar, offering a cleaner ingredient list.
• Nutiva Organic Hazelnut Spread: Includes flaxseed flour and chia seed oil for added fiber and Omega-3s.
• Rigoni Nocciolata Dairy-Free: An organic, dairy-free, and palm oil-free Italian option.

DIY Homemade Vegan Nutella

For maximum control over ingredients, making your own vegan Nutella is a great option. A simple recipe typically involves:

• Roasted Hazelnuts: Toasted and blended into a creamy butter.
• Natural Sweeteners: Such as maple syrup, dates, or agave nectar instead of refined sugar.
• Cocoa Powder: To deliver the chocolate flavor.
• Dairy-Free Milk: A small amount of almond or coconut milk helps achieve the desired consistency.
• No Palm Oil: Homemade versions naturally avoid this controversial ingredient.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Dairy-Free: Suitable for vegans, those with lactose intolerance, or milk allergies.
• Lower Sugar (than original): The official plant-based Nutella has approximately 20% less sugar than its classic counterpart.
• Authentic Flavor: Ferrero has developed a formulation that closely mimics the classic taste.

Cons:

• Ultra-Processed: Like the original, it's a highly processed food, not a whole-food product.
• High in Fat & Sugar: Despite a slight reduction in sugar, it remains an energy-dense product that should be consumed sparingly.
• Palm Oil Included: Retains the same palm oil, which many ethical vegans seek to avoid.
• Not a Health Food: It provides minimal nutritional benefit beyond being an energy-dense treat.

The Verdict: Is Vegan Nutella Truly a Healthy Choice?

While vegan Nutella successfully serves its purpose as a dairy-free alternative for those following a plant-based diet, it is not a "healthy" product in the conventional sense. The presence of sugar and palm oil as the primary ingredients means it offers very little nutritional advantage over the original. It remains a decadent, high-calorie treat that should be enjoyed in moderation. For individuals prioritizing health, weight management, or a cleaner, less-processed diet, superior alternatives exist, both commercially and as simple homemade recipes. Choosing one of these healthier options provides the rich chocolate and hazelnut flavor without the baggage of excessive sugar, saturated fat, and controversial palm oil.

Conclusion

In the final analysis, vegan Nutella is a step forward for dietary inclusivity but not for nutrition. It allows more people to enjoy the nostalgic taste of Nutella, but health-conscious consumers must remember that "vegan" does not automatically equate to "healthy." The best choice for overall wellness remains to consume this spread as an occasional treat or explore the genuinely healthier and less-processed alternatives available. For more information on dietary fats and healthy eating, consult authoritative sources on nutrition, such as the British Heart Foundation.

British Heart Foundation - Is vegan butter healthy?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main ingredient difference between regular and vegan Nutella?

The main ingredient difference is the replacement of skimmed milk powder with chickpeas and powdered rice syrup in the vegan version. The primary ingredients, sugar and palm oil, remain the same in both spreads.

Is vegan Nutella lower in calories than regular Nutella?

No, the calorie count is almost identical. The official Nutella Plant-Based has 534 kcal per 100g, while the original has 539 kcal, a negligible difference.

Does all vegan chocolate hazelnut spread contain palm oil?

No. While the official vegan Nutella includes palm oil, many other commercial brands and homemade recipes specifically avoid it due to ethical and environmental concerns.

How can I make a truly healthy homemade vegan Nutella?

To make a healthier version at home, use whole food ingredients like roasted hazelnuts, unsweetened cocoa powder, and natural sweeteners such as dates or maple syrup, blended with a little non-dairy milk.

Why is vegan Nutella still considered unhealthy by some experts?

It is considered unhealthy because it remains an ultra-processed food with a high content of sugar and saturated fat, primarily from palm oil and added sugars, offering minimal nutritional benefits.

Are there healthier, palm oil-free alternatives to vegan Nutella?

Yes, healthier alternatives exist. Brands like Artisana Organics offer a palm oil-free version, and homemade recipes can be made without it entirely, using nuts and natural ingredients.

Can vegan Nutella be part of a balanced diet?

Yes, but only in moderation. Just like its traditional counterpart, vegan Nutella is a high-calorie treat meant for occasional indulgence rather than a dietary staple.