What Is Healthier Than Nutella? A Guide to Nutritious Spreads

Did you know a two-tablespoon serving of Nutella contains 21 grams of sugar, nearly the entire recommended daily limit for women? When looking for a better option, many ask: what is healthier than Nutella, and what should I spread instead?.

Quick Summary

This guide compares Nutella to healthier, nutrient-dense alternatives, including easy homemade recipes and superior store-bought brands, focusing on lower sugar, better fats, and higher protein.

Key Points

• High Sugar & Fat: Nutella's primary ingredients are sugar and palm oil, with 21 grams of sugar in a two-tablespoon serving, classifying it as a dessert spread rather than a healthy food.

• Healthier Store-Bought Options: Brands like Pyure (low-sugar), Nocciolata (organic, no palm oil), and Justin's offer more nutritious alternatives with fewer additives.

• DIY Alternatives: You can make a more nutritious spread at home by blending roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and natural sweeteners like dates or maple syrup.

• Pure Nut Butters: Unsweetened peanut or almond butter contains more protein, healthy fats, and less sugar, making it a superior everyday spread compared to Nutella.

• Creative Spreads: Alternatives like chocolate hummus or seed butters offer unique, protein-packed, and lower-sugar options for a chocolatey treat.

The Truth About Nutella: An Ultra-Processed Treat

Before diving into healthier options, it's important to understand why the popular chocolate-hazelnut spread is not the most nutritious choice. While it's marketed with imagery of hazelnuts and milk, the ingredient list tells a different story. The primary ingredients are sugar and palm oil, not hazelnuts, making it a high-calorie, high-sugar, and high-fat product with minimal nutritional value. A standard two-tablespoon serving packs around 200 calories and is particularly high in added sugar, contributing to blood sugar spikes and crashes. Additionally, its use of palm oil adds saturated fat and raises environmental concerns. It is best viewed as a dessert to be enjoyed in moderation rather than a breakfast staple.

Healthier Store-Bought Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads

For those who love the chocolate-hazelnut flavor but want to avoid the drawbacks of Nutella, several brands offer healthier formulations. These spreads typically use less sugar, omit palm oil, and contain a higher percentage of nuts.

• Pyure Hazelnut Spread: This keto-friendly, vegan option boasts a significant reduction in sugar compared to traditional spreads, using organic, sugar-free sweeteners instead.
• Nocciolata Organic Hazelnut Spread: Made in Italy, this organic spread is palm oil-free and offers a richer, less sugary flavor, focusing on high-quality ingredients.
• Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter: This spread includes almonds in its blend, offering a slightly less sweet, earthier flavor. It's often packaged in single-serving packs for better portion control.
• Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread: For those following a raw food diet or seeking a minimally processed option, Artisana offers a spread with a simple ingredient list and intense nutty flavor.

Wholesome Homemade Nutella Alternatives

Making your own healthier version of Nutella at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use natural sweeteners and healthier oils. Most recipes require only a handful of ingredients and a food processor.

Simple DIY Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

1. Roast the hazelnuts: Spread 1.25 cups of raw hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until fragrant.
2. Make hazelnut butter: Rub the nuts in a clean kitchen towel to remove most of the skins. Blend the nuts in a high-speed blender or food processor until a creamy butter forms.
3. Add sweeteners and cocoa: Add 0.25 cups of pitted Medjool dates (soaked in warm water) or a few tablespoons of maple syrup or honey. Add 0.33 cups of unsweetened cocoa powder.
4. Finish blending: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. For a smoother consistency, add 2-3 tablespoons of a healthy oil (like canola or coconut) or a splash of milk and blend until fully incorporated.

Beyond the Hazelnut: Exploring Other Healthy Spreads

If you're not committed to the hazelnut flavor, a variety of other spreads offer superior nutritional benefits.

Nut and Seed Butters

• Peanut Butter: A long-standing staple, natural peanut butter (made with just peanuts and salt) offers a great source of protein and healthy fats with much less sugar than Nutella.
• Almond Butter: Rich in Vitamin E, fiber, and monounsaturated fats, almond butter is another excellent, nutrient-dense choice.
• Seed Butters: For those with nut allergies, spreads made from sunflower, sesame (tahini), or pumpkin seeds provide healthy fats, protein, and minerals.

Creative Alternatives

• Chocolate Hummus: A protein-rich spread made from chickpeas, cocoa powder, and a natural sweetener. It's an innovative and surprising alternative for a healthy, chocolatey treat.
• Mashed Avocado: For a simple, whole-food spread, mashed avocado provides healthy fats and can be paired with cocoa powder and a sweetener for a chocolatey twist.

Nutritional Comparison: Nutella vs. Healthier Spreads

This table highlights the stark nutritional differences between Nutella and a few popular, healthier alternatives, based on an approximate two-tablespoon (37g) serving.

Feature	Nutella	Natural Peanut Butter	Homemade Hazelnut Spread	Chocolate Hummus
Main Ingredients	Sugar, palm oil	Peanuts	Hazelnuts, Dates	Chickpeas
Calories	~200 kcal	~190 kcal	~220 kcal	~120 kcal
Total Fat	12g	16g	20g	4g
Saturated Fat	4.8g	3g	2.5g	0.5g
Sugar	21g	2g	~5-10g	~5-10g
Protein	2g	8g	5g	5g
Fiber	1g	2g	4g	4g

Note: Homemade and Chocolate Hummus values are estimates and can vary based on the specific recipe.

How to Choose Your Perfect Nutella Alternative

When selecting a healthier spread, consider these factors to make an informed choice:

Read the Ingredient List

• Look for spreads where the primary ingredient is the nut or seed itself, not sugar or oil.
• Prioritize products with simple, recognizable ingredients. A short list is often a good sign.

Scrutinize the Nutrition Label

• Compare the sugar content. Look for spreads with low to no added sugars. If sweetened, opt for those using natural alternatives like dates, maple syrup, or stevia.
• Check the saturated fat. While nuts contain healthy fats, palm oil adds high levels of saturated fat. Opt for versions with less saturated fat.
• Compare the protein and fiber content. Higher levels of these nutrients will make you feel fuller for longer.

Consider Your Dietary Needs

• Keto/Low-Carb: Seek out spreads like Pyure that use sugar-free sweeteners.
• Vegan: Many options are naturally vegan, but check for milk powder in commercial spreads.
• Allergy-Friendly: If you have a nut allergy, explore seed butters or chocolate hummus.

Conclusion: Making Smarter Spread Choices

While Nutella's irresistible taste and texture have made it a global favorite, it is important to recognize its nutritional shortcomings. Thankfully, a wide array of healthier alternatives exists, from superior store-bought brands that use less sugar and no palm oil to simple, wholesome homemade recipes. By understanding the nutritional differences, like the contrast between Nutella's high sugar content and the higher protein in a natural nut butter, consumers can make more informed decisions. Whether you choose to blend your own or pick a better option from the store shelf, the key is moderation and prioritizing nutrient-dense ingredients over sugar and processed fats. For more information on making healthy dietary choices, you can refer to reputable sources like Consumer Reports on Health.

Consumer Reports: The Healthiest Spreads for Your Bread

What is healthier than Nutella FAQs

Question: Is Nutella actually healthy for you? Answer: No, Nutella is not a healthy food. Despite containing hazelnuts, its main ingredients are sugar and palm oil, making it high in sugar, fat, and calories with minimal nutritional benefits.

Question: What are some healthy store-bought alternatives to Nutella? Answer: Look for brands that prioritize whole ingredients and use minimal or natural sweeteners. Examples include Pyure Hazelnut Spread, Nocciolata, and Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter.

Question: How can I make a healthier Nutella at home? Answer: Homemade recipes typically involve blending roasted hazelnuts with cocoa powder and a natural sweetener like dates or maple syrup, avoiding palm oil and excess sugar found in the commercial version.

Question: Is peanut butter healthier than Nutella? Answer: Generally, yes, especially unsweetened peanut butter. It offers significantly more protein and healthy fats with much less sugar than Nutella.

Question: What should I look for on a label when buying a healthier spread? Answer: Check the ingredients list for whole foods at the top, like nuts, and avoid spreads where sugar is listed as the first ingredient. Also, compare the sugar and saturated fat content per serving.

Question: Can I make a Nutella substitute without using nuts? Answer: Yes, you can make spreads from seeds like sunflower or use options like chocolate hummus for a nutty-free alternative.

Question: What is palm oil and why is it unhealthy in Nutella? Answer: Palm oil is a type of vegetable oil high in saturated fats, which can raise bad cholesterol levels. Its use is also linked to environmental concerns due to deforestation.

Question: Will a healthy alternative taste exactly like Nutella? Answer: Probably not, as the high sugar and palm oil in Nutella contribute to its distinct flavor profile. However, healthier versions often offer a richer, nuttier, and more complex taste that many find equally satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nutella actually healthy for you?

No, Nutella is not a healthy food. Despite containing hazelnuts, its main ingredients are sugar and palm oil, making it high in sugar, fat, and calories with minimal nutritional benefits.

What are some healthy store-bought alternatives to Nutella?

Look for brands that prioritize whole ingredients and use minimal or natural sweeteners. Examples include Pyure Hazelnut Spread, Nocciolata, and Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter.

How can I make a healthier Nutella at home?

Homemade recipes typically involve blending roasted hazelnuts with cocoa powder and a natural sweetener like dates or maple syrup, avoiding palm oil and excess sugar found in the commercial version.

Is peanut butter healthier than Nutella?

Generally, yes, especially unsweetened peanut butter. It offers significantly more protein and healthy fats with much less sugar than Nutella.

What should I look for on a label when buying a healthier spread?

Check the ingredients list for whole foods at the top, like nuts, and avoid spreads where sugar is listed as the first ingredient. Also, compare the sugar and saturated fat content per serving.

Can I make a Nutella substitute without using nuts?

Yes, you can make spreads from seeds like sunflower or use options like chocolate hummus for a nutty-free alternative.

What is palm oil and why is it unhealthy in Nutella?

Palm oil is a type of vegetable oil high in saturated fats, which can raise bad cholesterol levels. Its use is also linked to environmental concerns due to deforestation.

Will a healthy alternative taste exactly like Nutella?

Probably not, as the high sugar and palm oil in Nutella contribute to its distinct flavor profile. However, healthier versions often offer a richer, nuttier, and more complex taste that many find equally satisfying.