Maybe you noticed Nutella's rapid rise in popularity in recent years. Several variations of the chocolate hazelnut spread have been popular in other parts of the world for hundreds of years. Thanks to the growth of marketing in the last decade, it has also gained popularity in the US.
According to Mental Flosssomeone buys a jar of Nutella every 2.5 seconds somewhere in the world! This is the very best of chocolate. And what's not to love, right?
A lot, actually! This delicious hazelnut spread is high in sugar and some of the ingredients are questionable at best. While store-bought Nutella is often thought of as a healthy snack, I'd pair it with donuts and chocolate chips due to its high sugar content. And in 2012 Ferrero (which makes Nutella) settled a lawsuit for deceptive marketing as health food.
A healthy, homemade recipe for Nutella
When I introduced this nostalgic treat to my kids a few years ago (before I researched the ingredients), they loved it. So I was sad that it's not a tasty treat they could enjoy often (six kids + so much sugar = no fun). Although there are some healthy ingredients (hazelnuts and dark chocolate) hidden under all that sugar!
So of course I set out to try and recreate a healthy, homemade version!
This homemade “no-tella” option is great if you're really trying to cut down on carbs/sugar. Some recipes call for melted chocolate, granulated sugar or coconut sugar to sweeten. This version uses maple syrup for a refined sugar-free version. Honey will also work here. Liquid sweetener helps make it creamier.
Recipe changes
The downside to this homemade version? It's not as creamy as the “real” stuff from the grocery store and is more of the consistency of almond butter or natural peanut butter. If you want a natural option that is better than the original, I recommend this one. It's nutty, spreadable and skips granulated sugar, palm oil and other additives.
I originally used room temperature coconut oil in this recipe, but water seems to work better. It does reduce the lifespan somewhat, but that hasn't been a problem in our house. My kids eat it so fast I don't have to worry!
“No-tella” hazelnut chocolate spray at home
This is my take on Nutella. It's homemade, made with real food ingredients, and is dairy-free and vegan. I have used this spread to make brownies, buttercream for cupcakes, cake toppings, bread, cookies and more. It is as versatile as it is delicious.
How to remove hazelnut skins
Homemade Nutella tastes best when made without the paper nut skins. However, you don't need to carefully sit there with a peeler! There are several different ways to remove them. I use the jar method and put the freshly roasted hazelnuts in a jar, shake and then pick out the nuts.
Another option is to use a kitchen towel. Simply place the roasted hazelnuts on a towel, fold and rub together.
Homemade Nutella Recipe
A delicious chocolate hazelnut recipe with simple ingredients, much less sugar and more protein than the main brand.
-
Preheat the oven to 350° F. Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 12 to 15 minutes, until fragrant.
-
Carefully pour the roasted hazelnuts into a jar with a lid and shake. The paper skins will fall off immediately. Remove the skins from the nuts and place them in a food processor or high-speed blender.
-
Grind the hazelnuts for about 5-8 minutes until they turn into a creamy hazelnut butter.
-
Mix the cocoa powder and warm water until dissolved and smooth.
-
Add the maple syrup, cocoa powder mixture, vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Blend for another 2-3 minutes until all ingredients are combined and smooth.
-
Transfer to a mason jar or other airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Nutrition facts
Nutella recipe at home
Amount Per Serving (1 TBSP)
Calories 117
Calories from fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9 g14%
Saturated fat 1 g6%
Unsaturated fat 1 g
Monounsaturated fat 7 g
Sodium 37 mg2%
potassium 138 mg4%
Carbohydrates 8 g3%
Fiber 2 g8%
Sugar 5 g6%
Protein 3 g6%
Vitamin A 3 IU0%
Vitamin C 1 mg1%
Calcium 26 mg3%
Iron 1 mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Feel free to use any sweetener you want in this recipe, just sweeten to taste.
How to use hazelnut chocolate
This classic Italian spread is versatile and great for many things. Here are some ways
A healthier option for the hazelnut spread
Confession: I don't make this recipe as much since I discovered an even better pre-made version. You can get here. I'm all for taking the DIY route whenever possible, but in this case, pre-made is a good choice in several ways:
- Less sugar: Has 40% less sugar than other options. The brand name has 21 grams of sugar per 2 tablespoons, while Nutiva has only 12 grams.
- Ethically sourced: Most hazelnut sprays use palm oil, which can be problematic if not ethically sourced. All Nutiva brand ingredients, including palm oil, are ethically sourced (rainforest and animal friendly).
- More nutritious: Unlike other brands, this one contains 450 milligrams of omega-3s per serving from chia and flax! (That's more than sardines and tuna contain per serving. My kids definitely prefer the chocolate option!)
- Organic, Verified Non-GMO and Certified Gluten Free: Other brands are not organic or have no GMO ingredients.
Are you a fan of chocolate hazelnut spread? Have you ever tried making Nutella at home? Share below!
