If you’re a fan of Nutella, you may have wondered just how many hazelnuts go into each jar of the beloved chocolate spread.
Well, wonder no more! According to the company, approximately 50 hazelnuts are used in every jar of Nutella.
But that’s just the beginning – Ferrero, the maker of Nutella, purchases a quarter of the world’s hazelnuts every year to meet its production needs. This has made hazelnuts a trendy and valuable crop, with farmers around the world trying to grow them.
In this article, we’ll explore just how many hazelnuts Nutella uses, where they come from, and what makes them so special.
How Many Hazelnuts Does Nutella Use
As mentioned earlier, each jar of Nutella contains approximately 50 hazelnuts. This may not seem like a lot, but when you consider that Ferrero purchases a quarter of the world’s hazelnuts every year, it adds up quickly. In fact, more than 100,000 tons of hazelnuts are used by Ferrero annually to produce Nutella.
These hazelnuts come from various countries, including Turkey, Italy, and Chile. They are harvested from August to September in the Northern Hemisphere and from February to March in the Southern Hemisphere. Ferrero ensures that the hazelnuts it uses are sustainable and ethically sourced. The company aims to have 100% global traceability by 2023.
The History Of Hazelnuts In Nutella
The use of hazelnuts in Nutella can be traced back to its origins in Italy. Ferrero, the company behind Nutella, has its roots in the Piedmont region of Italy, where hazelnuts are a traditional crop. In fact, the region is known for its production of high-quality hazelnuts. This expertise and tradition with hazelnuts has been carried on by Ferrero, even as the company has expanded globally.
Today, hazelnuts are a key ingredient in Nutella, providing the spread with its distinct flavor and texture. Ferrero sources hazelnuts from various countries, but Turkey is the world’s largest producer of hazelnuts and the main source for Ferrero’s supply. The hazelnuts are harvested by hand by small family farmers who take pride in their crop and consider it a part of their family history.
While Nutella has certainly contributed to the popularity of hazelnuts worldwide, it has also driven up prices due to its high demand. In recent years, farmers in Chile, Australia, and even the Northeastern United States have started growing hazelnuts in an effort to meet this demand. Ferrero is committed to sourcing sustainable and ethically sourced hazelnuts and aims to have complete global traceability by 2023.
The Importance Of Hazelnuts In Nutella Production
Hazelnuts are a crucial ingredient in Nutella production, accounting for a significant portion of the spread’s flavor and texture. In fact, Nutella is the single largest user of hazelnuts in the world, buying up 25% of the entire world production.
To ensure that their hazelnuts are of the highest quality, Ferrero invests heavily in processing and transforming them. This has allowed them to acquire new expertise and improve their selection and processing capacity. They conduct crucial steps such as sorting hazelnuts by caliber and selecting only the best ones for use in Nutella.
The popularity of Nutella has also driven up hazelnut prices, making them a trendy crop. This has led to more people wanting to grow hazelnuts, with farmers now growing them in places like Chile, Australia, and even the Northeastern United States where they were previously unsuccessful.
Despite concerns about Nutella’s nutritional value, hazelnuts themselves have been shown to have potential health benefits. They may even make better baby formula. With Ferrero’s commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing, consumers can feel good about indulging in this delicious spread made with high-quality hazelnuts.
Where Do Nutella’s Hazelnuts Come From?
Nutella’s hazelnuts come from several countries, including Turkey, Italy, Chile, and the USA. Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnuts in the world, accounting for nearly 70% of global production and 82% of global exports. Ferrero, the company behind Nutella, is Turkey’s top hazelnut purchaser. However, sourcing hazelnuts from Turkey has not been without controversy. Turkish farmers who pick most of the hazelnuts going into Nutella spreads have complained of exploitation and meager pay, setting up a clash over labor rights.
To ensure sustainable and ethical sourcing of hazelnuts, Ferrero is committed to achieving full traceability of its sourced hazelnuts in its hazelnut value chain. This means being able to trace the hazelnuts back to their origin, either the individual farm or “farm cluster.” Achieving this commitment has been challenging in some countries where supply chains are larger and more complex. In other countries, higher levels of traceability have been reached. For example, in Chile and the USA, Ferrero has achieved full traceability.
Ferrero purchases a quarter of the world’s hazelnuts every year to meet its Nutella-making needs. The company aims to have 100% global traceability by 2023. As Nutella continues to grow in popularity, more people are trying to grow hazelnuts in places where they had never been grown before, like New Jersey. However, this has also led to hazelnut prices increasing due to high demand. Despite these challenges, Ferrero remains committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing of its hazelnuts for Nutella production.
The Hazelnut Market: Trends And Challenges
The global hazelnut market has seen significant growth in recent years, largely due to the popularity of Nutella and other hazelnut-based products. However, this growth has also brought about some challenges and concerns.
One major challenge is the impact of climate change on hazelnut production. Hazelnut trees require specific conditions to thrive, including a mild climate with adequate rainfall. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can lead to reduced yields and lower quality nuts. In 2020, Turkey, one of the largest producers of hazelnuts, experienced a significant drop in production due to a late frost that damaged the hazelnut trees.
Another challenge is the issue of sustainability in the hazelnut industry. Hazelnut farming can have negative impacts on the environment, including soil degradation and water pollution. There are also concerns about labor practices in some countries where hazelnuts are produced, including child labor and poor working conditions.
To address these challenges, companies like Ferrero are working to promote sustainable and ethical practices in the hazelnut industry. This includes initiatives to reduce water usage, improve soil health, and ensure fair labor practices. However, achieving these goals can be difficult in countries with complex supply chains and limited resources.
Hazelnut Nutrition And Health Benefits
Hazelnuts are a nutrient-rich snack that can provide numerous health benefits when consumed in moderation. They are a great source of protein, fiber, unsaturated fats, and many important vitamins and minerals. One serving of hazelnuts, which is about 21 nuts or 1 ounce, contains approximately 178 calories and just under 5 grams of carbohydrates. Most of the carbs in hazelnuts come from fiber, which can help regulate cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing heart diseases.
Hazelnuts also contain compounds that can help battle heart disease and diabetes, boost brain function, and even aid in weight loss. They are rich in calcium, which can strengthen bones and teeth, and contain iron that helps make red blood cells in the body while protecting the immune system. Additionally, hazelnuts have a low glycemic load, which means they have a minimal effect on blood sugar levels.
Despite their numerous health benefits, it’s important to consume hazelnuts in moderation as they are high in calories and fat. However, incorporating hazelnuts into a balanced diet can provide a range of health benefits and contribute to overall well-being. Hazelnuts are also versatile and can be enjoyed raw, roasted, in a paste or as an ingredient in countless healthy dishes. Overall, hazelnuts are one of the healthiest nuts available and should be included in a balanced diet for optimal nutrition.
Hazelnut Recipes To Try At Home
If you’re a fan of Nutella, why not try making your own homemade hazelnut spread? It’s easier than you think and can be customized to your taste preferences. Here are two hazelnut recipes to try at home:
1. Homemade Nutella: This recipe requires just seven ingredients and a blender or food processor. To make it, you’ll need hazelnuts, good quality milk or dark chocolate, vanilla extract, salt, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and coconut oil or any neutral oil. Start by roasting the hazelnuts in the oven and then rubbing off the skins. Process the hazelnuts in a food processor until they turn into a runny paste, then add in the melted chocolate, salt, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and oil. Process again until smooth and creamy. Spoon the spread into a jar and enjoy!
2. Hazelnut Butter: If you prefer a simpler recipe without chocolate, try making hazelnut butter instead. You’ll need just two ingredients: hazelnuts and salt. Roast the hazelnuts in the oven and then process them in a food processor until they turn into a smooth butter. Add in salt to taste and mix well. This hazelnut butter can be used as a spread on toast or as an ingredient in baking recipes.
Both of these recipes can be adapted to your liking by adding in other flavors like vanilla extract or orange zest. You can also experiment with different types of nuts like almonds or pistachios for a unique twist on the classic hazelnut spread. Give these recipes a try and see how easy it is to make your own Nutella at home!