The Fundamental Swap: Dairy vs. Plant-Based Ingredients
The primary distinction between classic Nutella and the plant-based version lies in their creamy base. The original recipe, beloved for over 60 years, relies on dairy. The seven key ingredients in regular Nutella are sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, skim milk powder, cocoa, soy lecithin, and vanillin. The inclusion of skim milk powder, which comes from cow's milk, is what makes the classic spread unsuitable for vegans and those with milk allergies.
To create a vegan-friendly alternative, Ferrero replaced the dairy ingredients with a combination of plant-based components. In place of the milk powder, the company's research and development team chose chickpeas and powdered rice syrup. This specific blend was chosen to replicate the delicate sweetness and smooth texture traditionally provided by milk, without compromising the overall 'Nutella experience'. Apart from this crucial substitution, the core ingredients like hazelnuts, cocoa, sugar, and palm oil remain consistent across both products.
Nutritional Breakdown and Comparison
While the goal was to create a near-identical experience, a few minor nutritional differences emerged from the ingredient swap. It's important to remember that neither product is considered a health food, with sugar and fat being the most prominent ingredients. A closer look at the nutritional information per 100g reveals some subtle shifts:
- Calories: The classic Nutella contains slightly more energy at 539 kcal per 100g, compared to the plant-based version's 534 kcal.
- Sugar: The plant-based spread contains nearly 11g less sugar per 100g than the classic version (45.4g vs 56.3g), a notable difference attributed to the formulation change.
- Fat: Plant-based Nutella is marginally higher in fat and saturated fat than its dairy counterpart.
- Protein: The introduction of chickpeas gives the vegan version a slight boost in protein content compared to the original.
Despite these slight variances, both spreads share a similar overall nutritional profile, primarily being energy-dense foods high in sugar and fat. The plant-based version's use of powdered rice syrup, which has a high glycemic index, is also a consideration for those monitoring blood sugar levels.
Taste, Texture, and Sensation
One of the biggest concerns for consumers when a beloved product gets a new formulation is how it will affect the taste and texture. Taste tests have indicated that while the experience is remarkably similar, there are noticeable differences when comparing the two side-by-side.
Reviewers have noted the following textural differences:
- Classic Nutella: Tends to have a stiffer, fudgier texture straight from the jar.
- Plant-Based Nutella: Is often described as slightly runnier and stickier.
When it comes to flavour, the comparisons reveal a subtle divergence in the flavor profile:
- Classic Nutella: Offers a more prominent chocolate flavour.
- Plant-Based Nutella: The flavour is often described as more hazelnut-forward, like a sweet hazelnut butter.
However, these differences become much less apparent once the spread is applied to warm toast or used in baking. Ferrero's dedication to maintaining the original flavour profile has paid off for many consumers.
Sustainability and Ethical Considerations
The shift to a plant-based recipe offers some clear environmental advantages, primarily by eliminating dairy, which is associated with significant environmental impacts like greenhouse gas emissions. The manufacturer estimates the plant-based version could reduce its annual production emissions. The new product also features packaging with a higher recycled content, including a jar with 60% recycled glass and a recycled plastic lid.
However, both versions continue to use palm oil, a controversial ingredient linked to deforestation and habitat destruction. While Ferrero states it uses 100% certified segregated sustainable palm oil and is committed to 'no deforestation', this is an important factor for ethically-minded consumers.
How to Choose Your Nutella
Selecting between classic and plant-based Nutella depends on your individual priorities. Both are ultra-processed indulgences, so nutritional content should not be the primary decision driver unless you have specific dietary restrictions. Below is a comparison table to help guide your choice:
| Feature | Regular Nutella | Plant-Based Nutella |
|---|---|---|
| Key Creamy Ingredient | Skim milk powder | Chickpeas & rice syrup |
| Dairy-Free | No | Yes (vegan certified) |
| Sugar per 100g | 56.3g (approx.) | 45.4g (approx.) |
| Fat per 100g | 30.9g (approx.) | 31.8g (approx.) |
| Protein per 100g | 6.3g (approx.) | 6.8g (approx.) |
| Texture | Stiffer, fudgier | Runnier, stickier |
| Taste Profile | More chocolate-forward | More nut-forward |
| Environmental Impact | Higher (contains dairy) | Lower (no dairy) |
| Palm Oil | Yes (RSPO certified) | Yes (RSPO certified) |
For those seeking a vegan or dairy-free spread, the plant-based version is the obvious choice. For everyone else, the decision comes down to a slight variation in flavour, texture, and sugar content. If you prefer a nuttier, slightly less sugary spread, the plant-based option may appeal to you, while loyal fans of the classic chocolatey taste will likely stick with the original.
Conclusion
The arrival of plant-based Nutella offers a legitimate and compelling alternative for a growing market of vegan and dairy-intolerant consumers. While the core experience has been meticulously replicated, the minor differences in ingredients, nutrition, and sensory profile give consumers a clear choice based on their dietary needs and taste preferences. Ultimately, it allows more people to enjoy the iconic chocolate-hazelnut flavour, whether they choose the dairy-based original or its innovative plant-based counterpart. For a wider selection of vegan hazelnut spreads, a quick search online can reveal many alternatives with varying nutritional profiles.
