Unpacking the Nutella & Go! Snack
When you open a Nutella & Go! pack, you are presented with a convenient, two-part snack. One side holds the rich, creamy hazelnut and cocoa spread, while the other contains crunchy breadsticks designed for dipping. While many people are familiar with the signature spread, fewer know the exact components that make up the sticks and their counterpart. A detailed examination of the Nutella & Go! product reveals its specific recipe, as outlined by the manufacturer, Ferrero.
The Anatomy of a Breadstick
The breadsticks in the Nutella & Go! snack are not just plain crackers; they are specifically formulated to be the perfect dipping vessel. Their crispy texture and light, slightly salty flavor provide an ideal counterpoint to the sweet, rich Nutella spread. The ingredients for the breadsticks are relatively straightforward:
- Enriched Wheat Flour: This is the primary ingredient, providing the structural base for the sticks. Enriched flour has added vitamins and minerals like niacin, iron, and folic acid.
- Palm Oil: A vegetable oil used for achieving the desired texture and crispiness. The Ferrero Group states that its palm oil is sustainably sourced.
- Barley Malt Extract: This provides a subtle malty flavor and contributes to the golden-brown color of the baked breadsticks.
- Baker's Yeast: The leavening agent that helps the dough rise during baking, giving the breadsticks their light, airy quality.
- Salt: Added for seasoning, it balances the sweetness of the Nutella and enhances the overall flavor.
The Ingredients of the Nutella Spread
The hazelnut spread itself follows the classic Nutella recipe, which has been cherished for decades. The seven key ingredients are combined to create its unique, creamy texture and flavor.
- Sugar: The primary and most prominent ingredient, giving the spread its signature sweetness.
- Palm Oil: Used to achieve the smooth, spreadable consistency and texture. Ferrero notes its commitment to sustainable sourcing.
- Hazelnuts: Making up 13% of the spread, these provide the distinct nutty flavor.
- Skim Milk Powder: This dairy component contributes to the creamy texture and flavor profile.
- Fat-Reduced Cocoa Powder: At 7.4%, this ingredient provides the chocolate flavor.
- Lecithin (Soy): An emulsifier that helps keep the ingredients blended and prevents the oil from separating.
- Vanillin: An artificial flavor used to enhance the overall taste.
Comparison: Standard vs. Pretzel Sticks
While the classic Nutella & Go! comes with crispy breadsticks, some markets offer a version with pretzels instead. A quick comparison reveals the differences in their composition and flavor profile.
| Feature | Classic Breadsticks | Pretzel Sticks (US Version) |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Wheat Flour, Palm Oil, Salt, Barley Malt Extract, Baker's Yeast | Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Palm Oil, Salt, Malt Extract, Canola Oil, Sodium Bicarbonate, Baker's Yeast, Sodium Hydroxide |
| Key Difference | Uses barley malt extract for a subtle, sweeter malt flavor. | Incorporates canola oil and uses sodium bicarbonate and hydroxide to create the classic alkaline pretzel taste. |
| Flavor Profile | Subtly salty with a hint of malt, designed to complement the sweet Nutella. | Saltier, more savory, and distinctly pretzel-like, offering a stronger contrast. |
| Texture | Crispy and crunchy. | Crisp with a denser, harder bite, typical of pretzels. |
Potential Concerns and Considerations
For consumers, it is important to be aware of the ingredients, especially concerning allergies and dietary choices. The Nutella & Go! snack is not suitable for those with dairy or wheat allergies due to the presence of skim milk powder and wheat flour. It also contains hazelnuts and soy, two other common allergens. Furthermore, because of the milk content, the product is not vegan. While the palm oil used is certified as sustainable by the manufacturer, some ethical concerns regarding palm oil production persist within certain consumer groups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding what Nutella sticks are made of requires a closer look at the two distinct parts of the Nutella & Go! snack. The sticks are straightforward breadsticks made from wheat flour, palm oil, malt extract, yeast, and salt. The dip is the familiar Nutella spread, a blend of sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, milk, cocoa, soy lecithin, and vanillin. The classic combination offers a satisfying blend of sweet and salty, and knowing the specific ingredients can help consumers make informed decisions based on their dietary needs and preferences. While the simple formula has created a global snacking phenomenon, being mindful of ingredients and potential allergens is always a good practice before enjoying this or any packaged food.
For a deeper look into Ferrero's sustainability efforts, including its palm oil sourcing practices, you can visit their official sustainability page.
