Nutrition Diet: Does Nutella Have Dairy, and What Are Your Alternatives?

October 3, 2025 •

4 min read

The classic Nutella recipe is not dairy-free, containing skimmed milk powder as one of its core ingredients. For those following a vegan, dairy-free, or lactose-intolerant nutrition diet, this is an important fact to consider. However, the brand has recently released a plant-based alternative in some regions, providing new options.

Quick Summary

Original Nutella contains skimmed milk powder and is therefore not suitable for dairy-free diets or vegans. While its nutritional profile is high in sugar and calories, new plant-based options are becoming available for those with dietary restrictions.

Key Points

Contains Skimmed Milk Powder: The original, classic Nutella recipe contains skimmed milk powder, making it unsuitable for dairy-free diets, milk allergies, and vegan diets.
High in Sugar and Fat: Traditional Nutella is primarily sugar and palm oil, and is calorie-dense, so it is best consumed in moderation as a dessert rather than a health food.
New Plant-Based Version: A new "Nutella Plant-Based" product exists in some European markets, replacing milk powder with chickpeas and rice syrup.
Cross-Contamination Risk: The plant-based Nutella may not be safe for those with severe milk allergies, as it is produced in a facility that also handles milk.
Dairy-Free Alternatives Exist: There are many commercially available vegan spreads and easy-to-make homemade recipes that offer dairy-free chocolate hazelnut flavor.
Be a Smart Label Reader: For a strict dairy-free diet, check food labels carefully for milk-derived ingredients like whey, casein, and lactose, which can be found in unexpected places.
Prioritize Whole Foods: A balanced nutrition diet should focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts, using sweet spreads only as occasional indulgences.

The Definitive Answer: Does Nutella Have Dairy?

For anyone on a dairy-free diet, whether for ethical, allergenic, or health reasons, the first step is always checking the label. The answer for the traditional, widely available Nutella is a clear yes—it contains dairy. The specific ingredient to look out for is skimmed milk powder, which is derived from cow's milk. Manufacturer Ferrero confirms that this dairy component is integral to giving the spread its characteristic creamy consistency. The presence of milk establishes Nutella as non-vegan by default, and also means it is unsuitable for individuals with a cow's milk allergy or severe lactose intolerance.

Understanding the Ingredients and Nutrition of Original Nutella

A deeper look at the ingredient list reveals why Nutella, while delicious, is not a health food and is primarily a high-sugar dessert item. Ingredients are listed in order of abundance, and sugar is the primary component.

Core Ingredients in Original Nutella

Sugar: The main ingredient by weight.
Palm Oil: Provides the creamy, spreadable texture.
Hazelnuts (13%): Despite its prominent marketing, hazelnuts make up a relatively small portion of the recipe.
Skimmed Milk Powder (8.7%): The dairy component.
Fat-Reduced Cocoa (7.4%): Contributes the chocolate flavor.
Emulsifier (lecithin) and flavoring (vanillin).

High in Sugar, Fat, and Calories

Nutella is a calorie-dense product. A standard 2-tablespoon (37-gram) serving contains roughly 200 calories, with 12 grams of fat and 21 grams of sugar. The high sugar and fat content is why it should be treated as a treat rather than a nutritional staple. It offers minimal nutritional benefits compared to healthier, whole-food options like natural nut butters.

New Plant-Based Nutella: A Dairy-Free Option

Recognizing the growing demand for plant-based foods, Ferrero has launched a "Nutella Plant-Based" version in select European markets, starting in September 2024. This new iteration offers a dairy-free choice for Nutella fans. The key differences are:

No Milk Powder: The new formula replaces skimmed milk powder with plant-based ingredients like chickpeas and rice syrup powder to maintain its signature texture and flavor.
Vegan Approved: It is certified as "vegan approved" by the Vegetarian Society.
Warning for Allergies: Ferrero explicitly states that while the new version does not contain lactose, it is produced in a facility that also handles milk. Therefore, it is not suitable for individuals with severe milk allergies due to potential cross-contamination.

Comparing Spreads: Classic Nutella vs. Dairy-Free Alternatives


Feature	Classic Nutella	Nutella Plant-Based (EU)	Alternative Vegan Spread (e.g., Nutiva)
Dairy	Yes (Skimmed Milk Powder)	No (Uses Chickpeas & Rice Syrup)	No (Plant-based ingredients)
Suitability for Vegans	No	Yes, Vegan Approved	Yes
Lactose Content	Yes	No (Lactose-free)	No
Milk Allergy Warning	Contains Milk	May contain milk (cross-contamination)	Depends on brand (Check labels)
Primary Ingredients	Sugar, Palm Oil	Sugar, Palm Oil	Often: Cane Sugar, Cocoa, Flaxseed Flour, Hazelnut
Availability	Worldwide	Limited EU markets initially	Varies by brand and region

How to Follow a Dairy-Free Nutrition Diet

Adopting a dairy-free diet involves being mindful of your food choices and ensuring you get adequate nutrients from alternative sources.

Become a label-reading expert: Always check the ingredients list for milk and milk-derived products like casein, whey, and lactose. Even seemingly non-dairy items can contain hidden milk. For strict diets, be wary of cross-contamination warnings.
Embrace plant-based milks and cheeses: The market is full of dairy alternatives like almond, soy, coconut, oat, and rice milks. There are also excellent dairy-free cheeses, yogurts, and ice creams available.
Discover dairy-free protein and calcium sources: You can replace the protein and calcium from dairy with lean meats, eggs, fish, and vegan sources like tofu, lentils, nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables such as kale. Calcium-fortified products are also widely available.
Focus on whole foods: A dairy-free diet is a great opportunity to increase your intake of whole foods. Prioritize fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil and avocado. This approach naturally reduces your consumption of processed foods, which often contain hidden dairy.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Nutritional Needs

Classic Nutella contains dairy, making it unsuitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. Its high content of sugar and fat means it should be consumed in moderation as a dessert, regardless of dietary restrictions. However, the landscape is changing, with the introduction of new products like Nutella Plant-Based in some regions and a wide array of existing dairy-free alternatives from other brands. For a truly balanced nutrition diet, focusing on whole foods and treating spreads as an occasional indulgence is the best approach. By reading labels carefully and exploring the many delicious options now available, you can enjoy rich, chocolatey flavors without compromising your health goals or dietary requirements.

Making Your Own Homemade Dairy-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

For the ultimate control over ingredients, making a homemade version is a great option. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup (125g) roasted hazelnuts
- 4 tbsp cacao or cocoa powder
- 4 tbsp maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- 4 tbsp milk alternative (e.g., almond, soy, or coconut milk)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Method:
1. Place the roasted hazelnuts in a food processor and blend until they form a smooth butter. This may take several minutes, requiring occasional scraping of the sides.
2. Add the cacao powder, maple syrup, milk alternative, vanilla, and salt. Blend until well combined and creamy.
3. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk alternative as needed. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

This simple recipe allows you to enjoy a spread with more hazelnuts, less sugar, and no dairy, perfectly aligning with a conscious nutrition diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the original Nutella formula contains skimmed milk powder, which is a milk-derived ingredient. This makes it unsuitable for vegans and those avoiding dairy.

No, original Nutella is not suitable for people with lactose intolerance because it contains skimmed milk powder and whey powder, which contain lactose.

The new plant-based version is formulated without dairy and is lactose-free. However, it is produced in a factory that handles milk, so it may contain trace amounts due to cross-contamination, making it potentially unsafe for those with a severe milk allergy.

Many brands offer dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spreads, including Nutiva, Justin's, and Nocciolata. You can also make your own version at home using hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and a liquid sweetener like maple syrup.

Nutella is not considered a health food. It is high in sugar, fat, and calories, and should be consumed in moderation as a dessert rather than a daily staple, especially compared to more nutritious nut butters.

Original Nutella is not vegan because it contains skimmed milk powder. However, the new Nutella Plant-Based version, available in some countries, is certified vegan.

Nutella contains palm oil, an ingredient that some consumers avoid due to environmental and ethical concerns related to its sourcing. It is also very high in added sugar.