What is a Healthy Thing to Put Nutella On? Simple & Delicious Combos

Did you know that Nutella's primary ingredients are sugar and palm oil, not hazelnuts? While indulging can be fun, you can make smarter choices by learning what is a healthy thing to put Nutella on, pairing it with nutritious whole foods to create balanced and delicious snacks.

Quick Summary

Explore smarter pairings for enjoying Nutella in moderation. Learn how to combine this hazelnut spread with fruits, whole grains, and protein for satisfying snacks that balance sweetness with nutrition.

Key Points

• Moderation is Key: Use Nutella sparingly as a flavor accent, not the main component, to manage sugar intake.

• Pair with Whole Foods: Combine it with fruits, whole grains, and protein-rich ingredients like yogurt for a more balanced snack.

• Excellent Fruit Combos: Bananas, strawberries, and apples are classic, high-fiber choices that complement Nutella's sweetness perfectly.

• Boost Breakfasts: Stir a small amount into oatmeal or Greek yogurt for a satisfying and flavorful morning treat.

• Make Your Own: Consider healthier homemade alternatives using dates, natural hazelnut butter, and raw cocoa to control sugar and fat.

• Add Crunch: Combine Nutella with whole-grain toast, rice cakes, or a small handful of mixed nuts for extra texture and nutritional value.

Understanding Moderation with Nutella

Nutella is, at its core, a dessert spread. A two-tablespoon serving contains 21 grams of sugar, which is a significant portion of a person's recommended daily intake. The key to including it in a healthy diet isn't to demonize it, but to use it wisely and in moderation. This means using it as a flavor accent rather than the main event, and pairing it with foods that offer valuable fiber, vitamins, and protein to create a more balanced snack.

The Best Healthy Combos for Your Nutella

Fresh Fruit: The Classic Healthy Partner

Fruit is arguably the most classic and healthiest pairing for Nutella. The natural sweetness and fiber in fruits help balance the richness of the spread. The fiber also helps slow the absorption of sugar, preventing a rapid spike in blood glucose.

Here are some excellent options:

• Strawberries: The bright, slightly tart flavor of strawberries cuts through the richness of the chocolate-hazelnut spread perfectly. They are also packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Bananas: A match made in heaven. The creamy texture of bananas complements the spread, and they provide potassium and fiber. Consider slicing a banana and using a light drizzle of Nutella on top.
• Apple Slices: For a crunchy, satisfying snack, dip crisp apple slices into a small amount of Nutella. Apples offer great fiber and a refreshing contrast.
• Mango: The tropical sweetness of mango pairs surprisingly well with Nutella. Diced mango with a tiny drizzle is a delightful, indulgent treat.
• Raspberries: For those who love a sweet and tart combination, raspberries are an ideal choice. They are rich in fiber and antioxidants.

Whole Grains: Fiber-Rich Foundations

Using a whole-grain base provides a foundation of complex carbohydrates and fiber, making your Nutella snack more filling and nutritious. This helps prevent overindulgence and keeps you satisfied longer.

• Whole-Wheat Toast: Instead of white bread, choose a high-fiber, whole-grain option. A very thin layer of Nutella on toasted whole-wheat bread is a classic and satisfying breakfast or snack.
• Oatmeal: Stir a small teaspoon of Nutella into a warm bowl of oatmeal with fresh berries or nuts. This adds a decadent flavor without turning a healthy breakfast into a dessert.
• Rice Cakes: For a gluten-free and crunchy option, spread a thin layer of Nutella on a plain or lightly salted rice cake. Top with sliced fruit or a sprinkle of chia seeds for added nutrition.

Protein-Packed Bases: Extra Sustenance

Incorporating protein into your Nutella snack helps with satiety and provides essential nutrients. It's a great way to make a treat more substantial and less of a sugar bomb.

• Greek Yogurt Parfait: Swirl a tiny amount of Nutella into a bowl of plain Greek yogurt. Layer with fresh berries and granola for a dessert-like experience that's packed with protein and probiotics.
• Smoothies: A spoonful of Nutella can transform a standard banana or berry smoothie into a rich, flavorful delight. Blend it with milk, banana, and a scoop of protein powder for a filling, nutrient-dense treat.

Homemade Healthier "Nutella" Alternatives

For those who want more control over the sugar content, making a healthier homemade version is a great option. Many recipes use dates, raw cacao powder, and natural hazelnut butter.

• Dates and Nuts: Blend dates, roasted hazelnuts, and a bit of raw cacao powder in a high-speed blender until creamy. This provides natural sweetness and healthy fats.
• Hazelnut Butter and Cocoa: Simply mix natural hazelnut butter with unsweetened cocoa powder and a touch of maple syrup or honey to taste.

Comparison Table: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Nutella

Feature	Homemade Alternative (Dates/Hazelnuts)	Store-Bought Nutella
Primary Sweetener	Natural fruit sugars from dates or maple syrup	Refined white sugar (first ingredient)
Oil Source	Natural oils from hazelnuts	Palm oil (second ingredient)
Nut Content	High; hazelnuts are the first ingredient	Low; 13% hazelnuts
Nutrient Density	Higher fiber and healthy fats from whole ingredients	Lower; high in empty calories from sugar and fat
Controllable Ingredients	Yes; you can adjust sweetness and ingredients	No; fixed ingredient list
Shelf Life	Shorter; must be refrigerated	Long; thanks to preservatives

Making Your Snacks with Intention

Mindful eating is a powerful tool. Rather than mindlessly eating a big spoonful, prepare a small, measured portion of your Nutella snack. Put your chosen fruit or whole grain on a plate and drizzle a teaspoon of Nutella over it. Savor each bite, appreciating the flavor and texture. This approach helps you enjoy the treat fully while keeping consumption in check.

Conclusion: Savoring Nutella the Smart Way

While Nutella should not be considered a health food, it can absolutely be enjoyed as part of a balanced and healthy diet. The trick is not just in what you put it on, but how you do it. By pairing a small, controlled amount with fiber-rich fruits, whole grains, and protein, you can create a satisfying snack that is much healthier and more filling than having it alone. Focusing on homemade alternatives can further reduce refined sugar intake. So go ahead, enjoy your delicious chocolate-hazelnut treat—just make sure it's on a nutritious and mindful foundation. For more in-depth nutritional information, consult the facts available from reliable sources, such as this article from Healthline on Is Nutella Healthy? Ingredients, Nutrition and More.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put Nutella on fruit and still be healthy?

Yes, absolutely. Pairing Nutella with fruit is a great way to make it a healthier snack. The fruit provides natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamins, helping to balance the higher sugar content of the spread. Just use a small, controlled portion of Nutella.

Is Nutella on toast considered healthy?

It depends on the bread and the portion size. Spreading a thin layer of Nutella on whole-wheat toast is a more nutritious option than using white bread, as whole grains offer fiber and complex carbohydrates. The key is moderation.

What's a good fruit to pair with Nutella for a snack?

Bananas, strawberries, and apple slices are among the best choices. Their natural sweetness and texture complement Nutella, and they provide essential fiber and vitamins to make it a more balanced snack.

How can I make a low-sugar Nutella snack?

The easiest way is to combine a small amount of Nutella with a larger portion of low-sugar or unsweetened foods. Try swirling a teaspoon into plain Greek yogurt, or drizzling it over oatmeal with a lot of fruit.

What's a truly healthy alternative to Nutella?

Homemade spreads offer the most control. You can blend dates, roasted hazelnuts, and raw cocoa powder for a naturally sweetened alternative, or simply mix natural hazelnut butter with cocoa powder for a lower-sugar, higher-protein spread.

Why is regular store-bought Nutella not considered a health food?

Regular Nutella is not a health food because its primary ingredients are sugar and palm oil, not hazelnuts. This makes it very high in sugar and calories with lower nutritional value compared to spreads made with more wholesome ingredients.

Is it okay to have Nutella as part of a balanced diet?

Yes, in moderation. As with any indulgent treat, Nutella can be enjoyed occasionally within a balanced diet. By controlling portion sizes and pairing it with nutritious foods, you can satisfy your craving without derailing your health goals.

What is the main nutritional difference between Nutella and natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter, typically made with just peanuts and salt, has a higher protein content and much lower sugar content than Nutella. Nutella, in contrast, lists sugar as its first ingredient and contains less protein.