Nutella is a beloved chocolate and hazelnut spread that has been a staple in many households for decades.
But have you ever wondered if Nutella is actually made with hazelnuts?
The answer is yes, hazelnuts are indeed a key ingredient in Nutella.
In fact, the hazelnut has always been the signature ingredient of Nutella, and it was during the post-war period that the creator of Nutella had the brilliant idea to combine the delicious hazelnut with cocoa.
But what else goes into making this delicious spread? And is it actually healthy for you?
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and manufacturing process of Nutella to find out.
Is Nutella Made With Hazelnuts
As mentioned earlier, hazelnuts are a key ingredient in Nutella. The hazelnuts used in Nutella come from hazelnut orchards, mainly found in Mediterranean type climates. The hazelnuts used in Nutella come from different parts of the world, with the main origins being Turkey, Italy, Chile, and the USA. Turkey’s Black Sea region is the world’s largest producer of hazelnuts and is where Nutella sources the main part of its hazelnuts. Ferrero, the company that produces Nutella, has expertise and tradition with this fruit that goes back to its roots in Italy.
The manufacturing process for Nutella is similar to that of a generic production of chocolate spread. The process begins with the extraction of cocoa powder from the cocoa bean. These cocoa beans are harvested from cocoa trees and are left to dry for about ten days before being shipped for processing. After the initial roast, the liquid paste is sent to presses, which are used to squeeze the butter out of the cocoa bean. The final products are round discs of chocolate made of pure compressed cocoa.
The second process involves the hazelnuts. Once the hazelnuts have arrived at the processing plant, a quality control is issued to inspect the nuts so they are suitable for processing. After this process, the hazelnuts are cleaned and roasted. A second quality control is issued by a computer-controlled blast of air, which removes the bad nuts from the batch. Approximately 50 hazelnuts can be found in each jar of Nutella.
The cocoa powder is then mixed with the hazelnuts along with sugar, vanillin, and skim milk in a large tank until it becomes a paste-like spread. Modified palm oil is then added to help retain the solid phase of Nutella at room temperature, which substitutes for the butter found in the cocoa bean. Whey powder is then added to act as a binder for the paste. Similarly, lecithin, a form of a fatty substance found in animal and plant tissues, is added to help emulsify the paste. It also aids the lipophilic properties of the cocoa powder, which keeps the product from separating. Vanillin is added to enhance the sweetness of the chocolate.
The History Of Nutella And Hazelnuts
The history of Nutella and hazelnuts dates back to the 1940s, when Piedmontese pastry chef Pietro Ferrero created a thick paste using hazelnuts, sugar, and what little cocoa was available during World War II. He shaped the paste into a loaf and named it “Giandujot.” However, Giandujot was too expensive for a mass audience. In 1951, Ferrero revolutionized the industry with the first spreadable version of his sweet loaf: “La Supercrema.” The availability and affordability of La Supercrema turned the chocolate-hazelnut spread into a household staple throughout Italy.
In 1961, Ferrero’s son, Michele, adjusted the recipe again by adding palm oil and scaling it up for mass production. The new spread was rebranded as Nutella and went on to become a common breakfast and snack item throughout Europe. Nutella’s world domination would surely have turned Napoleon green with envy.
The hazelnuts used in Nutella come from different parts of the world, with the main origins being Turkey, Italy, Chile, and the USA. Turkey’s Black Sea region is the world’s largest producer of hazelnuts and is where Nutella sources the main part of its hazelnuts. Ferrero has expertise and tradition with this fruit that goes back to its roots in Italy.
The Ingredients Of Nutella
The main ingredients of Nutella, as listed on the label, are sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, skimmed milk powder, fat-reduced cocoa, emulsifier: lecithin (soya), and vanillin. However, a closer look at the breakdown of these ingredients reveals that Nutella actually contains very few hazelnuts. In fact, hazelnuts make up only 13% of the recipe. The largest portion of Nutella is sugar and palm oil, which together make up more than 50% of the spread.
In addition to hazelnuts, Nutella also contains cocoa solids and skimmed milk powder. However, it’s worth noting that in the United States and the United Kingdom, Nutella contains soy products as well. Ferrero, the company that produces Nutella, uses 25% of the global supply of hazelnuts, although not all of this is used exclusively in Nutella.
It’s important to note that Nutella is marketed as a “hazelnut cream” in many countries because under Italian law, it cannot be labeled as a “chocolate cream” due to not meeting minimum cocoa solids concentration criteria. In November 2017, Ferrero modified the recipe slightly by increasing the sugar and skimmed milk powder content while reducing the cocoa content. This led to some consumers being outraged or upset.
The Manufacturing Process Of Nutella
The manufacturing process of Nutella involves several steps, starting with the sourcing and processing of cocoa beans and hazelnuts. The cocoa beans are first harvested from cocoa trees and left to dry for about ten days before being shipped for processing. The beans are then roasted to release the cocoa butter, which is separated from the remaining pure cocoa. The hazelnuts used in Nutella come from different parts of the world, mainly Turkey, Italy, Chile, and the USA. Once the hazelnuts arrive at the processing plant, they undergo a quality control check to ensure they are suitable for processing.
After the quality control check, the hazelnuts are cleaned and roasted. A computer-controlled blast of air is then used to remove any bad nuts from the batch. Approximately 50 hazelnuts can be found in each jar of Nutella. The roasted hazelnuts are then mixed with cocoa powder, sugar, vanillin, and skim milk in a large tank until it becomes a paste-like spread. Modified palm oil is added to help retain the solid phase of Nutella at room temperature, which substitutes for the butter found in the cocoa bean.
Whey powder is added to act as a binder for the paste and prevent coagulation of the product. Lecithin is also added to help emulsify the paste and promote homogenized mixing of the different ingredients, allowing the paste to become spreadable. It also aids the lipophilic properties of the cocoa powder, which keeps the product from separating. Vanillin is added to enhance the sweetness of the chocolate.
The final product is then packaged and ready for distribution. As we can see, Nutella is made with a combination of high-quality ingredients that undergo several quality control checks to ensure consistency in taste and appearance.
Health Benefits And Concerns Of Nutella
While Nutella is a popular chocolate hazelnut spread, it is important to consider its health benefits and concerns. On the one hand, Nutella contains hazelnuts, which are a good source of fiber and have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, Nutella contains calcium, iron, and other nutrients that can support bone health and immune function.
However, Nutella is also high in sugar, calories, and fat, which can lead to health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease if consumed in excess. The palm oil used in Nutella is also a concern as it contains a significant amount of saturated fat, which has been linked to poor cardiovascular health when eaten regularly.
Creative Ways To Enjoy Nutella With Hazelnuts
If you’re a fan of Nutella and hazelnuts, there are many creative ways to enjoy this tasty combination. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Hazelnut Nutella Spread: Take your Nutella game to the next level by adding chopped hazelnuts to the spread. Simply mix in a handful of chopped hazelnuts and enjoy on toast, crackers, or even as a dip for fruit.
2. Nutella Hazelnut Granola: Make your own granola by combining oats, chopped hazelnuts, and a generous dollop of Nutella. Bake in the oven until golden brown and enjoy as a crunchy breakfast or snack.
3. Hazelnut Nutella Smoothie: Blend together Nutella, hazelnut milk, frozen banana, and a handful of spinach for a delicious and nutritious smoothie that’s perfect for breakfast or a midday snack.
4. Nutella Hazelnut Ice Cream: Mix together Nutella and heavy cream, then churn in an ice cream maker until smooth and creamy. Fold in chopped hazelnuts for added crunch and enjoy as a decadent dessert.
5. Hazelnut Nutella Brownies: Add some hazelnuts to your favorite brownie recipe and swirl in some Nutella for an indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
6. Nutella Hazelnut Truffles: Roll Nutella into small balls, then coat in chopped hazelnuts for an easy and delicious dessert that’s perfect for parties or gifting.
7. Hazelnut Nutella Latte: Add a spoonful of Nutella to your morning latte and top with whipped cream and chopped hazelnuts for a cozy and indulgent drink.
These are just a few ideas to get you started on your Nutella and hazelnut journey. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your new favorite way to enjoy this delicious spread.
