Nutella is a popular spread made from sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa, milk, lecithin, and vanillin. Nutella is not dairy-free as it contains skimmed milk powder, a dairy product.
Nutella is generally considered gluten-free as none of its main ingredients — sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa, milk, lecithin, and vanillin — contain gluten. However, those with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease should always check the label for trace gluten ingredients.
Ingredients Of Nutella
Palm Oil, Hazelnuts (13%), Skimmed Milk Powder (8.7%), sugar, Fat-Reduced Cocoa (7.4%), Emulsifier: Lecithins (Soya), Vanillin.
Ingredients Which Make Nutella Dairy Product
Skimmed Milk Powder: This is a dehydrated version of skimmed milk, where the water content is removed, leaving a powdered product rich in protein and low in fat.
Whey Powder: Whey powder, if present in some Nutella recipes, is a byproduct of the cheese-making process. It is the liquid portion of milk that separates from the curds. It’s rich in protein and is often used to improve texture and flavor.
Dairy-Free Nutella Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or agave nectar
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast them for 10-12 minutes until fragrant. Allow them to cool slightly.
- Once the hazelnuts have cooled, transfer them to a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Rub the hazelnuts in the towel to remove their skins. Some skins may not come off, ultimately, and that’s okay.
- Place the skinned hazelnuts in a food processor or high-powered blender. Process them for a few minutes until they become smooth hazelnut butter.
- Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup or agave nectar, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the hazelnut butter. Process again until all the ingredients are well combined and have a creamy Nutella-like texture.
- Taste the homemade Nutella and adjust the sweetness or cocoa level to your preference by adding more maple syrup or cocoa powder if desired.
- Transfer the dairy-free Nutella to a clean jar or airtight container. Store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
Enjoy your homemade dairy-free Nutella on toast, baked goods, or as a delicious indulgence straight from the jar!
Dairy-Free Spreads like Nutella
Nocciolata
Nocciolata is a dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread that closely resembles the taste of Nutella. Made with organic ingredients and a smooth, creamy texture, it offers a rich and indulgent flavor experience.
Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter
Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter is a popular dairy-free spread that combines high-quality hazelnuts with rich chocolate for a Nutella-like taste. It has a slightly thicker consistency and a satisfying balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
JEM Organics Hazelnut Raw Cacao Spread
JEM Organics Hazelnut Raw Cacao Spread is a decadent and creamy dairy-free option. It uses organic ingredients and raw cacao to create a smooth and velvety texture with a deep chocolatey flavor reminiscent of Nutella.
Rawmio Hazelnut Spread
Rawmio Hazelnut Spread is a natural and organic alternative to Nutella. It combines stone-ground hazelnuts with raw cacao, coconut sugar, and vanilla for a rich and satisfying taste. Its smooth consistency and natural ingredients make it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers.
NutiLight Hazelnut Spread
NutiLight Hazelnut Spread is a dairy-free option that closely mimics the taste of Nutella. Its creamy texture and balanced sweetness make it a delicious choice for those looking for a dairy-free Nutella substitute.
Tips for Buying Dairy-Free Nutella/Chocolate Spreads
Read Ingredient Labels: Carefully read the ingredient labels to ensure the product is dairy-free. Look for hidden dairy sources, such as milk solids, whey, or casein.
Look for Certified Dairy-Free Labels: Seek products with certifications such as “vegan,” “dairy-free,” or display relevant symbols like the Vegan Society logo. These certifications ensure that the product has been thoroughly checked for dairy ingredients.
Check for Nut Allergen Warnings: If you have a nut allergy or sensitivity, read the packaging for any nut allergen warnings. Some dairy-free Nutella or chocolate spreads may contain traces of nuts, which could pose a risk.
Consider Quality Ingredients: Opt for spreads made with high-quality ingredients like organic cocoa, natural sweeteners, and real nuts. This ensures a better flavor profile and a healthier product overall.
Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations: Before purchasing a dairy-free Nutella or chocolate spread, read reviews from other consumers or seek recommendations from friends, family, or online communities. Their experiences can help you find reliable and tasty options in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Any Risk of Cross-Contamination in Nutella?
Ferrero, the manufacturer of Nutella, has issued statements that there is a risk of cross-contamination with dairy. They have stated that Nutella is unsuitable for people with severe dairy allergies or lactose intolerance due to the possibility of trace amounts of dairy in the production facilities. Checking with Ferrero or reading their official statements for the most up-to-date information regarding cross-contamination risks is recommended.
Is Nutella Healthy?
Nutella is not considered a healthy food due to its high sugar and fat content. While it contains hazelnuts, which provide some nutritional benefits, they are outweighed by added sugars and unhealthy fats. Nutella should be consumed in moderation as a treat rather than as a regular part of a healthy diet.
Is Nutella Vegan?
Nutella is not considered vegan as it contains skim milk powder derived from milk. Therefore, it is not suitable for individuals following a vegan diet.
Is Nutella Vegetarian?
Nutella is considered vegetarian as it contains no meat or fish ingredients. However, it does contain dairy in the form of skim milk powder.
Is Nutella Lactose-Free?
Nutella is not entirely lactose-free as it contains skim milk powder, which may contain lactose. Individuals with lactose intolerance should be cautious when consuming Nutella and consider alternatives specifically labeled lactose-free.
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