Nutella is a beloved spread that has taken the world by storm. With its creamy texture and delicious taste, it’s no wonder that people can’t get enough of it.
But have you ever wondered how much hazelnut is actually in Nutella? Despite its name, hazelnuts make up only a small percentage of the spread.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients in Nutella and explore just how much hazelnut is used to create this iconic treat.
So, grab a jar of Nutella and get ready to learn something new!
What Percentage Of Hazelnuts In Nutella
According to Nutella’s website, each jar of Nutella contains 13% hazelnuts. While this may not seem like a lot, it’s important to remember that Nutella is a combination of many different ingredients.
The main ingredients in Nutella are sugar and palm oil, which make up over 50% of the spread. Cocoa solids and skimmed milk are also used in smaller amounts.
Nutella is actually a play on gianduja, a mixture of hazelnut paste and chocolate that was invented in Turin during Napoleon’s reign around 1800. Ferrero, the company that makes Nutella, uses about a quarter of the world’s hazelnut supply each year – more than 100,000 tons.
Despite the relatively small percentage of hazelnuts in Nutella, they play a crucial role in creating its unique flavor. Hazelnuts are known for their rich, nutty taste and are a key ingredient in many popular desserts and snacks.
The History Of Nutella: From Italy To The World
Nutella has become a household name, loved by people all over the world. But how did this sweet and nutty spread come to be?
The story of Nutella begins in post-World War II Italy, where cocoa was scarce and expensive. Pietro Ferrero, a pastry maker from Piedmont, Italy, had the idea to create a sweet paste made from hazelnuts, sugar, and just a little bit of cocoa. The result was a delicious and affordable alternative to chocolate.
Ferrero’s creation was called Giandujot, named after a popular carnival character in Turin. The paste was so popular that it soon became a staple in Italian households. In 1964, Ferrero’s son Michele took the recipe and improved upon it, creating what we now know as Nutella.
The popularity of Nutella quickly spread beyond Italy, and the Ferrero family began exporting the spread to other countries. Today, Nutella is produced in 11 factories worldwide and is sold in over 160 countries.
Nutella’s success has not only made it a household name but has also made hazelnuts an increasingly valuable crop. Ferrero is the number one user of hazelnuts in the world, buying up 25% of the entire world production. This has led to hazelnut prices increasing and more people wanting to grow them.
The Ingredients Of Nutella: What Makes It So Addictive?
Nutella’s addictive taste is due to a combination of its ingredients, including sugar, palm oil, cocoa solids, skimmed milk, and hazelnuts. The hazelnuts, which make up 13% of the spread, provide a rich, nutty flavor that is a defining characteristic of Nutella.
However, it’s important to note that Nutella has been criticized for containing a high amount of sugar and palm oil. In fact, over 50% of the spread is made up of these two ingredients. This has led some to question the healthiness of Nutella and whether it should be consumed in moderation.
Despite these concerns, Nutella remains a popular and beloved spread around the world. Its unique blend of ingredients creates a delicious and satisfying taste that keeps people coming back for more.
The Role Of Hazelnuts In Nutella: How Much Is Actually Used?
Hazelnuts are an essential ingredient in Nutella, and each jar contains about 50 hazelnuts. That may not sound like a lot, but it’s important to remember that hazelnuts are just one of many ingredients used in the spread.
According to Nutella’s website, each jar of Nutella contains 13% hazelnuts. While this may seem like a small amount, it’s actually a significant quantity when you consider the volume of Nutella that is produced and consumed worldwide.
Ferrero, the company that makes Nutella, purchases a quarter of the world’s hazelnuts every year to meet its production needs. This amounts to more than 100,000 tons of hazelnuts annually.
Hazelnuts are sourced from Turkey, Italy, and Chile and are harvested from the start of August to the end of September in the Northern Hemisphere. To ensure a constant supply of fresh hazelnuts, Ferrero also sources from the Southern Hemisphere, where harvest time is from February to March.
Nutella’s popularity has made hazelnuts a trendy crop, driving up prices for this valuable ingredient. In 2014, a late frost cut Turkey’s hazelnut supply in half, causing prices to skyrocket by 60%. As a result, people in places where hazelnuts had never been grown before, like New Jersey, are now trying to grow these valuable nuts.
While sugar and palm oil make up the bulk of Nutella’s recipe, hazelnuts are a crucial component that give the spread its unique flavor. Each jar contains 52 sought-after hazelnuts that are combined with cocoa, palm oil, sugar, and milk powder to create the dreamy, creamy spread that is loved by millions around the world.
The Nutritional Value Of Nutella: Is It Good For You?
When it comes to the nutritional value of Nutella, opinions are divided. On one hand, Nutella contains a good amount of key vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. For example, it is rich in fibre, which helps in controlling cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart diseases. It also contains calcium, which strengthens bones and teeth, and iron, which helps in making red blood cells and protecting the immune system.
On the other hand, Nutella is high in sugar and unhealthy fats. A two-tablespoon serving contains 21 grams of sugar and 12 grams of fat, with palm oil being one of the main ingredients. Palm oil is loaded with saturated fats that can contribute to cardiovascular disease if consumed in excessive amounts.
Moreover, excess sugar intake has been linked to various health problems such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and cognitive decline. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25 grams of sugar a day for children, and a serving of Nutella already contains 21 grams.
The Alternatives To Nutella: Healthier Options For Hazelnut Lovers.
While Nutella may be a beloved spread, it’s important to consider the high sugar and palm oil content. Luckily, there are several healthier alternatives available for hazelnut lovers.
One option is Nocciolata Organic Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa & Milk. Made with all natural, raw ingredients and certified organic, this spread is also free of palm oil and GMOs. Tasters have described it as “creamy,” “milky,” and “incredibly smooth,” with a perfect balance of chocolate and nut flavors.
Another alternative is Barefoot and Chocolate, a Fair Trade Certified spread that is heavy on the nutty flavor but still packs a chocolatey punch. It contains more natural ingredients than Nutella but still has a high fat and sugar content.
For those looking for a darker chocolate flavor, Hey, Hey Hazelnut! is a good choice. It has a rich cocoa flavor but lacks in the nutty department. It’s also on the pricier side at $13 per jar.
Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter is another option, with a very strong nutty flavor and barely any chocolatey taste. While it’s less sugary than Nutella, it’s not a substitute for those looking for a similar taste.
Finally, Artisana Organic Hazelnut Cacao Spread is a healthier alternative made with organic hazelnuts, coconut sugar, cacao powder, and vanilla. It’s vegan-friendly and contains no palm oil.
While Nutella may still hold the top spot in many people’s hearts, these alternatives offer a delicious and healthier option for those looking to indulge in hazelnut spreads.
