You may have noticed a surge in Nutella’s popularity in the last few years. Some variations of the chocolate-hazelnut spread have been popular in other parts of the world for hundreds of years, and with increased marketing over the past decade, it has become increasingly popular in the United States.
According to Mental FlossEvery 2.5 seconds, someone across the globe buys a jar of Nutella. It’s a ton of chocolatey goodness – what’s not to love?
A lot, actually! This delicious hazelnut spread contains a ton of sugar, and some of the ingredients are questionable at best. Although commercial Nutella is considered a healthy snack, its high sugar content puts it in the same league as a doughnut or chocolate bar. And in 2012, Ferrero (the makers of Nutella) The lawsuit was settled. Because it was deceptively marketed as a health food.
Healthy Homemade Nutella Recipe
When I introduced this nostalgic treat to my kids a few years ago (before I looked up the ingredients), they loved it, so it’s a shame it’s not a tasty treat they can enjoy often (6 kids + loads of sugar = no fun), even though underneath the sugar lumps are hidden beneficial ingredients like hazelnuts and dark chocolate!
So, of course, I set out to recreate a healthy homemade version!
This homemade “Noterra” option is great if you’re really trying to limit carbs and sugar. Some recipes sweeten it with melted chocolate, granulated sugar, or coconut sugar. This version uses maple syrup for a refined sugar-free version. Honey would also work. A liquid sweetener helps give it a creamy flavor.
RecipeEdit
The downside to this homemade version is that it’s not as creamy as the “real thing” from the supermarket, and has a consistency more like almond butter or natural peanut butter. If you want something natural that’s better than the original, this is the one for you. It’s nutty, spreadable, and free of granulated sugar, palm oil, and other additives.
Originally I used room temperature coconut oil in this recipe but water seems to work better, and although the shelf life is a little shorter, it’s not an issue in our house – my kids eat them up quickly so I’m not worried.
Homemade “Notera” Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
This is my take on Nutella. It’s homemade, made with real ingredients, dairy-free and vegan. I’ve used this spread to make brownies, cupcake buttercream, cake fillings, breads, cookies and more. It’s versatile and delicious.
How to peel hazelnuts
Homemade Nutella tastes better if you remove the papery skins from the nuts, but you don’t have to go to the trouble of using a peeler to do it. There are a few different ways to remove the skins. I use the jar method, where I put freshly roasted hazelnuts in a jar, shake it, and then remove the nuts.
You can also use a kitchen towel: place the roasted hazelnuts on the towel, fold it over and rub it together.
Homemade Nutella Recipe
A delicious chocolate hazelnut spread recipe with simple ingredients, much less sugar than the big brands, and plenty of protein.
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Preheat oven to 350° F. Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until fragrant.
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Carefully place the roasted hazelnuts into a covered mason jar and shake – the papery skins should fall off right away. Remove the skinned nuts and place them in a food processor or high-speed blender.
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Grind the hazelnuts for about 5-8 minutes to make a creamy hazelnut butter.
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Mix cocoa powder and warm water until dissolved and smooth.
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Add the maple syrup, cocoa powder mix, vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Beat for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until all ingredients are combined and smooth.
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Transfer to an airtight container such as a mason jar and store in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Nutritional Information
Homemade Nutella Recipe
Serving Size (1 tbsp)
calorie 117
Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
fat 9 grams14%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Polyunsaturated fats 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
sodium 37mg2%
potassium 138mg4%
carbohydrates 8 grams3%
Fiber: 2g8%
5g sugar6%
protein 3 grams6%
Vitamin A 3IU0%
Vitamin C 1 mg1%
calcium 26mg3%
iron 1 mg6%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Feel free to use your favorite sweetener in this recipe to sweeten it to your liking.
How to use hazelnut chocolate spread
This traditional Italian spread is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few ways to make it:
A healthier hazelnut spread
Confession: I don’t make this recipe as often anymore since I discovered a much tastier pre-made version. Get it hereWhile I’m all for taking the DIY route whenever possible, in this case a ready-made product is a better choice in some ways.
- Avoid sugar: Contains 40% less sugar than other products. Compared to big name brands that contain 21 grams of sugar per 2 tablespoons, Nutiva has only 12 grams.
- Ethically Sourced: Most hazelnut spreads contain palm oil, which can be problematic if not ethically sourced. All Nutiva brand ingredients containing palm oil are ethically sourced (rainforest-sourced and animal-friendly).
- More nutritiousUnlike other brands, this product contains 450 milligrams of omega-3s per serving from chia and flax (that’s more than you’ll find in one serving of sardines or tuna. My kids definitely prefer the chocolate option).
- Certified Organic, Non-GMO and Gluten FreeOther brands are not organic or contain GMO ingredients.
Are you a fan of chocolate hazelnut spread? Have you ever tried making homemade Nutella? Share it below!
