Is Nutella Vegan? Ingredients, Alternatives, and DIY Recipes
Explore whether Nutella is vegan, ethical concerns, and discover plant-based alternatives and homemade recipes.
Is Nutella Vegan?
Nutella, the iconic chocolate-hazelnut spread, is loved worldwide for its creamy sweetness, but whether it is vegan has been a persistent dietary question. As more consumers opt for plant-based diets for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, understanding the sources of our favorite treats becomes increasingly important. Here, we examine Nutella’s ingredients, ethical considerations, plant-based alternatives, and how to make your own vegan hazelnut spread.
What Is Nutella Made Of?
The classic Nutella sold across the globe contains a simple but carefully balanced blend of ingredients that deliver its signature flavor:
- Sugar
- Palm oil
- Hazelnuts (13%)
- Low-fat cocoa (7.4%)
- Skim milk powder
- Soy lecithin (emulsifier)
- Vanillin (artificial flavor)
The presence of skim milk powder is the primary reason that traditional Nutella is not considered vegan. While the spread is vegetarian (it contains no meat, gelatin, or rennet), the inclusion of a dairy-derived ingredient disqualifies it for those following a strict plant-based or vegan diet.
Why Nutella Isn’t Vegan
The critical non-vegan component in Nutella is skim milk powder, made from cow’s milk.
- Animal-Derived Ingredient: Skim milk powder provides creaminess and flavor. Its animal origin means the product is not suitable for vegans.
- Sugar Sourcing: In some regions, sugar processing uses bone char (animal-derived charcoal), but Ferrero, the manufacturer, states its sugar does not use animal bone char. However, this assurance may vary by region, so strict vegans sometimes avoid Nutella if unclear about sugar sourcing.
- Palm Oil: While technically plant-based, palm oil is controversial for environmental and ethical reasons due to links with deforestation and wildlife habitat loss. Some vegans avoid products containing palm oil, though it is not strictly an animal product.
Nutella’s official FAQ clarifies: “No, Nutella is not vegan because it contains skimmed milk powder, an ingredient of animal origin.”
Is There a Vegan Version of Nutella?
For many years, there was no official vegan Nutella option. However, in 2023, Ferrero, Nutella’s parent company, debuted Nutella Plant-Based in select European markets. This version specifically addresses vegan dietary needs by eliminating animal-derived ingredients:
- No dairy milk powder; replaced by chickpeas and rice syrup powder
- Same base: sugar, palm oil, 13% hazelnuts, 7.4% low-fat cocoa, soy lecithin
- Flavorings are still present but now not specified as vanillin
- Salt is included in the plant-based version
Why chickpeas and rice syrup powder? Ferrero designed this formula after five years of research. “Rice syrup allows you to obtain the same delicate sweetness as powdered milk, while chickpeas have such a balanced taste and texture that they integrate perfectly with the other ingredients,” the company states.
Nutritional Comparison: Classic Nutella vs. Nutella Plant-Based
| Nutella (Classic) | Nutella Plant-Based | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (per 100g) | 539 kcal | 534 kcal |
| Fat | 30.9g | 31.8g |
| Saturated Fat | 10.6g | 11g |
| Protein | 6.3g | 6.8g |
| Carbohydrates | 57.5g | 53.4g |
| Sugars | 56.3g | 45.4g |
The key takeaway: For those avoiding dairy or seeking a slightly lower-sugar, plant-based spread, Nutella Plant-Based offers a very similar taste and texture to the original, but with no animal-derived ingredients.
What others are reading
Vegan Alternatives to Nutella
Even before the arrival of Ferrero’s Nutella Plant-Based, many brands recognized the demand for vegan chocolate hazelnut spreads, offering plant-based alternatives free from both dairy and, often, palm oil as well.
- Nutiva: Organic, vegan, palm oil–free, and available in both creamy and crunchy versions.
- Nocciolata Dairy Free: Italian-made, organic, and free from milk powder.
- Pyure Organic Hazelnut Spread: Plant-based, sweetened with alternative sweeteners, and free from animal products.
- Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter: Not certified vegan but contains no dairy.
- Eliot’s Nut Butters: Several vegan chocolate hazelnut blends, often with minimal ingredients.
When shopping for vegan chocolate-hazelnut spreads, always check labels for the presence of milk, milk derivatives (whey, casein), or animal-based emulsifiers. Look for certifications (vegan, plant-based, or dairy-free), especially if food allergies are a concern.
How to Make Vegan Nutella at Home
If you prefer homemade treats or want complete control over ingredients, making your own vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread is easy, economical, and delicious. Most homemade versions use real hazelnuts, dark chocolate or cocoa, and a plant-based sweetener. Here are two popular recipes:
Simple 3-Ingredient Vegan Nutella
- 2 cups (about 9 oz) hazelnuts
- 3/4 cup vegan dark chocolate chips (or chopped vegan chocolate bar)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Roast hazelnuts: Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F (176°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove skins: Wrap roasted nuts in a tea towel and rub to loosen skins. Discard as much skin as possible for a creamier spread.
- Blend: Place hazelnuts in a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and buttery (up to 8-10 minutes).
- Add chocolate: Gently melt vegan chocolate. Add to the nut butter with salt and blend again.
- Store: Pour into a jar. Keeps several weeks at room temperature.
4-Ingredient Vegan Nutella (Cocoa Version)
- 3 cups raw or roasted hazelnuts
- 3 tablespoons cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1–2 tablespoons coconut sugar or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Follow the same roasting and skinning process as above.
- Blend hazelnuts until buttery.
- Add cocoa powder, vanilla, sea salt, and sweetener if desired. Blend until creamy and smooth.
- Adjust to taste. Store as above.
Tips: Using cocoa powder provides a more pronounced chocolate flavor while keeping the recipe lower in sugar. Liquid sweeteners will firm up the spread; add sparingly for best texture.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
Veganism often extends beyond diet to include concerns about environmental impact and animal welfare. Two Nutella ingredients commonly draw ethical scrutiny:
- Palm Oil: Sourced from tropical countries, palm oil’s production is linked to rainforest destruction, loss of endangered species’ habitat, and human rights issues. Ferrero has stated it sources sustainable palm oil, but critics argue that even “sustainable” certifications may not prevent all harm.
- Hazelnuts: While naturally vegan, large-scale cultivation can raise environmental concerns, depending on farming practices.
For the most ethically sound spread, look for brands that use certified sustainable palm oil—or avoid it entirely—and organic, fair-trade cacao and hazelnuts. Homemade versions give you total transparency and control.
Does Nutella Label Its Products as Vegan?
No, traditional Nutella is not labeled as vegan. The new Nutella Plant-Based carries the vegan label in some regions, clearly identifying it as free from animal products. For any store-bought alternative, always double-check labels for changes in formulation and regional differences in ingredient sourcing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Nutella dairy-free?
A: No, classic Nutella contains skim milk powder made from cow’s milk. The new Nutella Plant-Based is dairy-free.
Q: Is Nutella suitable for vegetarians?
A: Yes, Nutella is vegetarian as it contains no animal flesh, gelatin, or rennet, but it is not vegan.
Q: Are there vegan Nutella alternatives?
A: Yes, several brands offer vegan chocolate-hazelnut spreads, including Nutiva, Nocciolata Dairy Free, Pyure, and Eliot’s, as well as Ferrero’s own Nutella Plant-Based in some countries.
Q: Can I make vegan Nutella at home?
A: Absolutely! Homemade vegan Nutella is easy to make with hazelnuts, vegan chocolate or cocoa, and a plant-based sweetener. See recipes above.
Q: Does Nutella use bone-char processed sugar?
A: According to Ferrero, its sugar does not use bone char. However, details can vary by region, so strict vegans may wish to verify by location.
Q: Is palm oil in Nutella ethical?
A: Ferrero sources “sustainable” palm oil, but environmental groups express ongoing concerns about palm oil’s impact on rainforests and wildlife. Some vegan alternatives avoid palm oil entirely.
Summary: Enjoying Chocolate-Hazelnut Spreads on a Vegan Diet
Nutella remains a beloved treat for many, but its classic formula is not vegan due to the inclusion of skim milk powder and ongoing debates about ethical ingredient sourcing. Fortunately, a growing number of certified vegan and plant-based chocolate hazelnut spreads are now available, including Ferrero’s own Nutella Plant-Based in select markets. For full transparency, control, and fun, homemade vegan Nutella is an accessible, satisfying option for any chocolate lover.
- Review labels for animal-derived ingredients and environmental certifications when buying chocolate-hazelnut spreads.
- Enjoy homemade spreads for a customizable, fully plant-based treat.
- Palm-oil–free or organic brands may align better with broader vegan values.
References
- https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/nutella-plant-based-vegan-ferrero-ingredients-nutrition/
- https://minimalistbaker.com/4-ingredient-nutella-vegan-gf/
- https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/3-ingredient-vegan-nutella/
- https://www.germanfoods.shop/Nutella-Plant-Based-vegan-350g_1
- https://www.ferrero.com/int/en/news-stories/news/ferrero-launches-new-nutella-plant-based
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
