Will there be a vegan Nutella? Yes, it's already launched

In autumn 2024, confectionery giant Ferrero officially launched its new vegan-approved product, Nutella Plant-Based, in select European markets. For years, consumers have speculated on and requested a dairy-free version of the iconic hazelnut spread, and now it is a reality.

Quick Summary

The beloved hazelnut spread, Nutella, now has a plant-based alternative called Nutella Plant-Based. The new recipe replaces milk powder with chickpeas and rice syrup, offering the familiar taste and texture for those on vegan or lactose-free diets. The product initially launched in Europe, with expansion expected to follow.

Key Points

• Yes, Nutella has a vegan version: Named Nutella Plant-Based, it was officially launched by Ferrero in late 2024 and early 2025 in Europe.

• Milk is replaced with chickpeas and rice syrup: The new recipe substitutes the dairy ingredient with chickpea flour and rice syrup powder to achieve a similar taste and texture.

• Nutritional profile is slightly different: The plant-based version has marginally less sugar and calories per serving compared to the original recipe.

• It is vegan approved: Nutella Plant-Based is certified vegan by the Vegetarian Society.

• Alternatives have been available for years: Other brands like Nocciolata and Vego have been offering vegan hazelnut spreads long before Nutella's official entry into the market.

• You can make your own: A homemade vegan Nutella can be created using toasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, a liquid sweetener, and melted vegan chocolate.

Nutella Plant-Based: What's the Story?

For decades, the classic Nutella recipe has remained unchanged, with its distinctive flavor coming from a blend of seven ingredients, including skimmed milk powder. The inclusion of this dairy ingredient has historically made it unsuitable for vegans or those with lactose intolerance. The launch of Nutella Plant-Based marks a significant expansion for the brand, developed to meet the growing global demand for plant-based foods.

The New Recipe and Ingredients

The most notable change in the vegan version is the replacement of milk powder with a combination of chickpea and rice syrup powder. This innovative formulation, which took Ferrero's R&D department five years to perfect, is what allows the company to replicate the classic Nutella experience without using dairy. Other key ingredients remain largely the same, including sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, and cocoa.

• Chickpea powder: Provides a balanced texture and taste that integrates seamlessly with the other ingredients.
• Rice syrup powder: Helps to create the same delicate sweetness found in the original, replacing the taste profile provided by powdered milk.
• Sustainable packaging: Nutella Plant-Based jars are made with 60% recycled glass, and the lids use recycled plastic based on a mass balance approach.

Launch and Availability

Nutella Plant-Based was initially released in selected European markets, such as Italy, Germany, Belgium, and France, in late 2024 and early 2025. The company is introducing the vegan version as an addition to the existing product line, not as a replacement for the classic Nutella. Future availability will likely expand to other regions, including the US, depending on market demand and testing.

Comparison: Nutella vs. Nutella Plant-Based

While the goal was to replicate the same experience, there are subtle differences between the two versions worth noting for consumers.

Feature	Classic Nutella	Nutella Plant-Based
Primary Dairy Replacement	Skimmed milk powder	Chickpea and rice syrup powder
Vegan Status	No (Contains milk)	Yes (Certified vegan by the Vegetarian Society)
Lactose Status	Contains lactose	Does not contain lactose (but may be produced in a facility with milk)
Energy (per 100g)	539 kcal	534 kcal
Sugar (per 100g)	56.3g	45.4g
Sustainability	Jar is recyclable	Jar uses 60% recycled glass;

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nutella Plant-Based available in the US?

As of early 2025, Nutella Plant-Based was primarily launched in select European markets. While an additional dairy-free hazelnut peanut spread is being tested in the US market, expansion of the original plant-based version to North America is expected to follow, but has not been finalized.

Does Nutella Plant-Based taste exactly like the original?

The product was developed over five years to replicate the iconic Nutella experience. While very similar, subtle differences exist due to the replacement of milk powder with chickpea and rice syrup powder.

Does Nutella Plant-Based contain palm oil?

Yes, like the original Nutella, the plant-based version uses palm oil to achieve its smooth consistency. Ferrero states that its palm oil is sourced sustainably and is RSPO certified.

Is the new vegan Nutella safe for people with milk allergies?

No, Nutella Plant-Based is not suitable for people with milk allergies. It is produced in a factory that uses milk for other Ferrero products, and while milk is not an ingredient, cross-contamination is a risk.

How do Nutella's vegan alternatives compare on sugar content?

The new Nutella Plant-Based has notably less sugar per 100g compared to the classic version (45.4g vs 56.3g). However, other brands and homemade recipes can offer even lower sugar options.

Why did Nutella create a plant-based version?

Ferrero created Nutella Plant-Based to meet evolving consumer demands for plant-based products, catering to vegans, lactose-intolerant individuals, and flexitarians. The move expands the brand's reach and keeps it competitive in the growing vegan market.

Is homemade vegan Nutella better than store-bought?

Homemade vegan Nutella allows for full control over ingredients, including sugar levels and other ethical considerations like palm oil. The quality of the final product depends on the recipe and equipment used.