The Seven Core Nutella Ingredients
At its heart, Nutella is built from seven specific ingredients, carefully combined to achieve its signature chocolate-hazelnut flavor and irresistibly smooth texture. While the exact proportions can vary slightly by region, the core components remain constant. The ingredients are, in descending order of weight, sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, skim milk powder, fat-reduced cocoa, soy or sunflower lecithin, and vanillin.
Sugar: The Primary Component
Ingredient lists are ordered by weight, and in the case of Nutella, sugar holds the top spot, making it the most dominant component. According to Foodwatch Australia, Nutella is over 50% sugar by weight, a fact that places it closer to a dessert topping than a health food. The high sugar content is a major reason behind the spread's sweetness and its energy density.
Palm Oil: The Creamy Texture and Controversy
Palm oil serves a critical function in the Nutella recipe, providing its creamy texture and spreadability at room temperature. It replaced hydrogenated oils in 2006 to reduce trans-fats, but its use has been mired in two key controversies:
- Health: Some studies have linked palm oil refined at high temperatures to potentially carcinogenic chemicals. Ferrero, the maker of Nutella, asserts its product is safe and processed at controlled temperatures.
- Environment: Environmental groups have long highlighted concerns over deforestation and habitat loss, particularly for endangered species like orangutans, tied to unsustainable palm oil production. In response, Ferrero has committed to sourcing 100% certified sustainable palm oil.
Hazelnuts: The Signature Flavor
Despite being heavily featured in marketing, hazelnuts are the third most abundant ingredient, typically making up around 13% of the spread. This relatively small percentage is still crucial, as the roasted and ground hazelnuts provide the distinct, nutty flavor that defines Nutella. For more on ethical sourcing and other concerns, check out this guide on sustainable consumer choices.
Other Key Components
- Skimmed Milk Powder: This ingredient is made by removing water from pasteurized non-fat milk, which gives the spread a creamy richness and helps extend its shelf life without refrigeration.
- Fat-Reduced Cocoa: The processed cocoa powder provides the chocolatey taste. The brand was born out of a WWII chocolate shortage, and its formulation has always balanced cocoa with other ingredients.
- Soy Lecithin: Acting as an emulsifier, lecithin is a fatty substance that prevents the oil and cocoa from separating, ensuring the spread remains smooth and homogenized. It is a common food additive derived from soybeans.
- Vanillin: This is a synthetic flavoring agent that provides the familiar vanilla notes, enhancing the overall sweetness. It is a much less expensive alternative to natural vanilla extract.
The Nutritional Profile of Nutella
Understanding what Nutella contains is key to appreciating its nutritional information. A standard two-tablespoon (37-gram) serving contains roughly:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12 grams
- Sugar: 21 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
This breakdown reveals that the spread is high in calories, fat, and sugar, and low in protein and other key nutrients. Because of its caloric density, it is best enjoyed in moderation as a treat rather than a primary source of nutrition.
Nutella vs. Natural Nut Butters
When comparing Nutella to natural nut butters, the differences in composition and nutritional value are striking. The table below illustrates the stark contrast between a serving of Nutella and a typical natural almond butter.
| Feature | Nutella (2 tbsp / 37g) | Natural Almond Butter (2 tbsp / 32g) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredient | Sugar | Almonds |
| Added Sugar | 21 grams | Less than 1 gram |
| Protein | 2 grams | 5 grams |
| Ingredients | Sugar, Palm Oil, Hazelnuts, Skim Milk Powder, Cocoa, Lecithin, Vanillin | Almonds, sometimes salt |
| Saturated Fat | ~4 grams | ~1.5 grams |
Conclusion: A Dessert Spread, Not a Health Food
Ultimately, the question of what does Nutella contain reveals it to be a dessert-style spread rather than a health-focused nut butter substitute. While the hazelnuts and cocoa add flavor, the composition is predominantly sugar and palm oil, which are high in calories and fat. As the manufacturer Ferrero continues to address sourcing and health concerns, it remains a beloved treat for many. The key for consumers is to enjoy it responsibly and be fully aware of its true ingredients and nutritional impact.
Is Nutella Gluten-Free?
Yes, the standard Nutella spread is considered gluten-free and is safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The manufacturer, Ferrero, states that the product does not contain any ingredients derived from gluten-containing cereals like wheat, barley, rye, or oats. However, certain Nutella snack products, such as Nutella & GO! that include breadsticks, are not gluten-free.
How Nutella's Recipe Has Evolved
The history of Nutella is a story of clever ingredient adaptation. It was first conceived during a post-WWII chocolate shortage in Italy by pastry chef Pietro Ferrero. The original recipe, named "Giandujot," was a thick, hazelnut-based paste. It was later reformulated into a creamier spread called "Supercrema" before being perfected and named Nutella in 1964 by Pietro's son, Michele. While the core flavor profile remains, the recipe has been slightly modified over the decades, most recently in 2017 when the sugar and skim milk content were adjusted.
