Nutella Plant-Based: The Official Dairy-Free Option
For years, those avoiding dairy had to sadly forgo the classic taste of Nutella. That all changed in late 2024 when Ferrero, Nutella's parent company, introduced Nutella Plant-Based to certain European markets, including Italy, France, and Germany. The new recipe replaces the traditional skim milk powder with plant-based ingredients like chickpeas and rice syrup to achieve a creamy texture without any dairy. The company developed this product to meet growing consumer demand for vegan and plant-based foods, and early reviews suggest it is a solid substitute, capturing the nostalgic flavor of the original. While this product’s availability is currently limited, its success could lead to a wider global rollout in the future. For North American markets, Ferrero has also strategically launched Nutella Peanut, a dairy-free spread featuring a hint of roasted peanut, scheduled for spring 2026.
The Problem with Traditional Nutella
The reason the original Nutella is not dairy-free lies in its ingredients. The classic formula contains skim milk powder and whey powder, which are milk-derived and not suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets. While the core components of hazelnuts and cocoa are plant-based, the milk additives provide a specific creaminess and flavor profile that has been a challenge for alternatives to replicate perfectly. Vegans also often raise concerns about Nutella's use of palm oil, which has ethical and environmental implications, though Ferrero maintains commitments to responsible sourcing.
The World of Third-Party Dairy-Free Hazelnut Spreads
If Nutella Plant-Based isn't available in your area yet, or if you prefer to support other brands, the market offers a wide variety of excellent dairy-free alternatives. Many of these brands also focus on creating healthier or more ethically sourced products.
- Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread: A fan favorite known for its organic, fair-trade, and palm oil-free recipe, sweetened with coconut sugar.
- Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut & Almond Butter Blend: A widely available option that mixes hazelnuts with almonds and uses organic cane sugar, though it does contain palm oil.
- Vego Fine Hazelnut Chocolate Spread: Famous for its chunky texture from whole hazelnut pieces, this spread is a popular vegan choice, often available online and in health food stores.
- Rigoni's Nocciolata Dairy-Free: An organic and rich Italian chocolate nut spread that offers a dairy-free version, considered by some to be even more indulgent than its rival.
- Nutiva Organic Hazelnut Spread: A blend that includes flaxseed and chia seed oils, providing a boost of omega-3s and fiber alongside its classic flavor.
How to Create Your Own Dairy-Free Nutella at Home
For total control over ingredients and freshness, making a homemade version is a great option. It’s surprisingly simple and often requires only a handful of ingredients and a food processor. This DIY method allows you to adjust sweetness and richness to your preference, and avoids palm oil entirely.
- Ingredients: Raw hazelnuts, unsweetened cocoa powder or high-quality vegan chocolate chips, a liquid sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar, and a plant-based milk (almond, soy, or coconut milk). You can also add a pinch of salt and a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Instructions:
- Roast the hazelnuts in the oven until fragrant. Let them cool slightly, then rub them in a kitchen towel to remove most of the skins.
- Process the roasted, skinned hazelnuts in a food processor for several minutes until they form a smooth, creamy nut butter.
- Add the cocoa powder, sweetener, vanilla, and salt. Continue to blend, adding a little plant-based milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- If using chocolate chips, melt them separately and incorporate them into the hazelnut butter for an extra-rich flavor.
Comparing Dairy-Free Spreads
This table provides a quick overview of how the different dairy-free options compare based on key attributes.
| Feature | Nutella Plant-Based (Europe) | Third-Party Alternatives (e.g., Artisana) | Homemade Dairy-Free Nutella |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Limited European markets; US-specific version in 2026 | Varies by brand and store; often found in health food or vegan sections | Everywhere, assuming you have the ingredients and a food processor |
| Main Sweetener | Sugar, rice syrup | Varies; often coconut sugar or maple syrup | Your choice (maple syrup, dates, etc.) |
| Palm Oil | Yes | Varies; many brands offer palm oil-free versions | No, optional replacement with coconut or other oil |
| Nutritional Profile | Very similar to original; slightly less sugar, more protein | Varies; often lower in sugar and higher in fiber/protein | Fully customizable; can be made low-sugar or oil-free |
| Flavor Profile | Attempts to closely mimic classic Nutella | Unique to each brand; can be richer, less sweet, or chunkier | Completely customizable based on ingredient quality and quantity |
Conclusion: Enjoying Chocolate Hazelnut Flavor Without Dairy
The answer to the question, "Is there a dairy-free version of Nutella?" is a resounding yes. The market has expanded significantly, moving beyond just alternatives to include an official offering from Ferrero itself. The launch of Nutella Plant-Based in Europe provides a direct, branded option, while the Nutella Peanut version is poised to serve the US dairy-free market. For those with broader ethical concerns or a desire for more control over ingredients, a wealth of high-quality third-party brands and simple homemade recipes offer equally delicious and sometimes healthier alternatives. The iconic taste of chocolate and hazelnut can be savored by everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. Ferrero Launches New Nutella Plant-Based
