What's a Healthier Version of Nutella? Ultimate Guide to DIY & Store-Bought Spreads

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, the first ingredient in Nutella is sugar, making up a shocking 57% of its weight. For those seeking a more nutritious option, the question, "what's a healthier version of Nutella?" is a critical one for managing sugar intake without sacrificing flavor. This guide explores homemade and store-bought spreads that offer a superior nutritional profile while delivering that decadent, chocolatey-hazelnut taste you love.

Quick Summary

This article examines numerous delicious and healthier alternatives to Nutella, detailing homemade recipes with wholesome ingredients and reviewing lower-sugar, palm-oil-free options available in stores. It provides practical tips for making informed choices and reducing added sugar in your diet.

Key Points

Homemade spreads offer superior nutrition: Blending your own roasted hazelnuts with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or dates puts you in control of sugar and ingredient quality.
Nutella is primarily sugar and palm oil: The original product is over 57% sugar by weight, not a health food as often marketed.
Look for low-sugar, palm-oil-free alternatives: Brands like Nocciolata, Justin's, and Pyure offer significantly less sugar, healthier oils, and higher nut content.
Read ingredient labels carefully: The first ingredient should be a nut, not sugar. Be mindful of artificial flavors and preservatives.
Homemade options are often richer in nutrients: Homemade versions made with whole ingredients provide more protein, healthy fats, and fiber compared to the traditional, ultra-processed product.
Moderation is key for all sweet spreads: Regardless of the version, all chocolate spreads should be treated as a treat, not a dietary staple.

Why Nutella Isn't the Healthiest Choice

While Nutella is undeniably delicious, it is important to understand why it is not considered a healthy food. The primary ingredients are sugar and palm oil, not hazelnuts. A single two-tablespoon serving can contain 21 grams of sugar—over four teaspoons—which approaches the American Heart Association's recommended daily limit for women and children. Regular, high consumption of added sugar and excess calories can contribute to health issues like weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. Moreover, its status as an ultra-processed food and use of certain additives also raises concerns for health-conscious consumers.

Healthier Homemade Alternatives

Making your own healthier chocolate hazelnut spread is a rewarding process that gives you complete control over the ingredients. Most homemade versions replace refined sugar with natural sweeteners and use a higher percentage of actual hazelnuts for better flavor and nutrition.

Here are some popular, simple recipes:

Classic Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: This version requires just hazelnuts, cocoa powder, a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey, and a pinch of salt. The key is blending roasted hazelnuts until they form a smooth, creamy butter, which can take several minutes and requires patience. Adding a splash of plant-based milk or melted coconut oil can help with a smoother consistency if needed.
Date-Sweetened Vegan Spread: For a truly no-added-sugar version, soak pitted Medjool dates in warm water to soften them before blending with roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and a little vanilla extract. This recipe provides natural sweetness and adds beneficial fiber from the dates.
High-Protein Nut-Free Spread: Cater to allergies or just shake things up by using a different base. A recipe using sunflower seeds, cocoa powder, a low-calorie sweetener like monk fruit, and almond milk can create a luxuriously creamy and nutritious spread without hazelnuts. Some also use chickpeas to boost the protein content.

Store-Bought Healthier Nutella Alternatives

If you lack the time or inclination to make your own, many brands offer healthier pre-made spreads. They typically contain less sugar, healthier oils (or no palm oil), and a higher nut content.

Nocciolata Organic Hazelnut Spread: A well-regarded option, Nocciolata is organic, GMO-free, and contains no palm oil. It is noted for its creamy texture and a balanced, authentic flavor that is very similar to Nutella.
Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Blend: This spread includes almonds, resulting in a slightly grainier texture and an earthier flavor than traditional hazelnut spreads. It is lower in sugar and a good source of protein, making it a popular choice for those prioritizing nutrition.
Pyure Hazelnut Spread: For those following a ketogenic diet or watching their carbs, Pyure offers a low-carb, keto-friendly spread. It uses organic sweeteners and boasts a 90% reduction in sugar compared to Nutella.

Comparison of Spreads

To help you decide, here is a quick comparison table of Nutella and some of its healthier alternatives. Nutritional information is based on a standard 2-tablespoon serving size.


Feature	Nutella	Homemade (Maple Syrup)	Justin's Hazelnut Butter	Pyure Hazelnut Spread
Primary Sweetener	Sugar (1st ingredient)	Maple Syrup / Honey	Organic Cane Sugar	Organic Stevia Blend
Sugar per Serving	21g	~6-8g (variable)	~8g	2g
Oil Type	Palm Oil	Hazelnut's natural oil	Palm Oil (Sustainable)	Sunflower Oil
Hazelnuts %	13%	~60-70% (variable)	Included with Almonds	First Ingredient
Nutrient Density	Low	High	Higher	Low Sugar/Carb
Contains Palm Oil	Yes	No	Yes (Sustainably Sourced)	No

How to Choose Your Healthier Version

Selecting the best option depends on your specific health goals. When evaluating a product, start by reading the ingredient list, paying special attention to the first few items listed. A healthier spread will have hazelnuts or another nut butter listed first, not sugar.

Check the ingredients: Look for spreads with a minimal, recognizable list of ingredients. The fewer the ingredients, the better. Avoid artificial additives and preservatives.
Analyze the nutritional label: Compare the sugar and saturated fat content between brands. Opt for spreads with lower sugar and fat, especially those with low to no added sugars. Natural nut butters, for example, contain less than 1 gram of sugar per serving, a significant difference from Nutella.
Consider your dietary needs: If you're vegan, keto, or have allergies, ensure the product is aligned with your dietary requirements. Some brands offer excellent options for specific lifestyles, like nut-free or low-carb alternatives.
Don't mistake Nutella for a nut butter: Natural nut butters offer far more nutritional benefits, such as more protein and essential minerals, and should not be replaced by Nutella.

The Final Verdict: Moderation is Key

Ultimately, the healthiest version of Nutella, whether homemade or store-bought, is one consumed in moderation. Nutella itself is not inherently 'bad,' but it is high in sugar and calories and should be treated as an occasional dessert, not a daily breakfast staple. By understanding the nutritional differences and exploring healthier alternatives, you can make more mindful and enjoyable choices. For those truly dedicated to a healthy lifestyle, a homemade spread is the definitive winner, offering the freshest ingredients and full nutritional control.

Learn more about the health risks of added sugar from the American Heart Association.

Conclusion: Satisfy Cravings Guilt-Free

Finding a healthier version of Nutella is completely achievable. Whether you choose to blend your own from scratch using natural sweeteners and high-quality hazelnuts or opt for a carefully selected store-bought brand, you can enjoy a delicious chocolate-hazelnut spread without the excessive sugar and processed ingredients. Prioritizing ingredients like whole nuts and natural sweeteners empowers you to indulge your cravings while staying true to your health goals. A little effort can result in a more nutritious and satisfying treat for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutella is considered unhealthy primarily because sugar is its main ingredient, making up more than half of the product by weight. It is also high in calories and fat, particularly from palm oil, and is classified as an ultra-processed food with limited nutritional value.

The simplest homemade alternative involves blending roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, a natural sweetener like maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. The most important step is blending until the hazelnuts break down into a smooth, creamy butter.

Yes, several store-bought alternatives are made without palm oil. Nocciolata Organic Hazelnut Spread, for example, is a well-regarded organic and GMO-free option made without palm oil.

You can reduce the sugar by using less or replacing it with natural, whole-food sweeteners. Try soaking and blending pitted dates for a fibrous, naturally sweet flavor, or use a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit or stevia.

Yes, natural nut butters are a much healthier choice. They contain significantly less sugar and offer more protein and essential nutrients compared to Nutella, which is primarily sugar and fat.

Homemade hazelnut spread can last for a week or two in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Unlike commercial products, it does not contain preservatives, so it has a shorter shelf life.

You can substitute other nuts like almonds, cashews, or even seeds like sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. The process is similar: toast and blend with cocoa powder and your preferred sweetener.