You’ve probably noticed the surge in popularity of Nutella in recent years. Some variation of the chocolate hazelnut spread has been popular in other parts of the world for hundreds of years. Over the past decade, it has become popular in the United States as a result of increased marketing.
According to Mental Floss, someone somewhere in the world buys a jar of Nutella every 2.5 seconds! It's a delicious, chocolatey treat. Who wouldn't want that, right?
Actually, a lot! This delicious hazelnut spread is loaded with sugar and some of the ingredients are questionable at best. Nutella, sold in stores, is often considered a healthy snack, but its high sugar content puts it in the same category as donuts and chocolate bars. And in 2012, Ferrero (the company that makes Nutella) settled a lawsuit for allegedly deceptively marketing it as a health food.
Healthy Homemade Nutella Recipe
When I introduced this nostalgic snack to my kids a few years ago (before I researched the ingredients), they absolutely loved it. So it was sad to see that it wasn’t a tasty treat that they could enjoy often (6 kids + so much sugar it’s not fun). Even though there are so many good things hidden under all that sugar (hazelnuts and dark chocolate)!
So I decided to make a healthy homemade version!
This homemade “notella” option is great if you're really trying to limit carbs/sugar. Some recipes call for melted chocolate, granulated sugar, or coconut sugar to sweeten it. This version uses maple syrup for a refined sugar-free version. Honey can also be used here. Liquid sweetener helps make it creamier.
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The downside to this homemade version? It’s not as creamy as the “real” stuff you get at the grocery store, and has a consistency similar to almond butter or natural peanut butter. If you want a better natural option than the original, this is the one for you. It has a nutty flavor, is easy to spread, and is free of granulated sugar, palm oil, or other additives.
I originally used room temperature coconut oil in this recipe, but I think water works better. It does reduce the shelf life a bit, but that hasn’t been an issue in our house. The kids gobble it up so quickly that I don’t have to worry about that!
Homemade “Notella” Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
This is my idea of Nutella. It's homemade, made with real food ingredients, dairy-free, and vegan. I've used this spread to make brownies, cupcake buttercream, cake fillings, bread, cookies, and more. It's not only delicious, it's versatile.
How to remove hazelnut shells
Homemade Nutella without the papery nutshells tastes better. But you don’t have to sit down with a peeler! There are a few different ways to peel them. I use the jar method, and just shake the freshly roasted hazelnuts in the jar and pick out the nuts.
Another option is to use a kitchen towel. Place the roasted hazelnuts on the towel, fold them, and rub them together.
Homemade Nutella Recipe
A delicious chocolate hazelnut spread recipe made with simple ingredients. Much less sugar and higher in protein than the leading brands.
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Preheat oven to 350° F. Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 12 to 15 minutes, until fragrant.
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Carefully place the roasted hazelnuts in a Mason jar with a lid and shake. The papery shells will fall off right away. Remove the shell-free nuts and place in a food processor or high-speed blender.
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Grind the hazelnuts for about 5 to 8 minutes until you have a creamy hazelnut butter.
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Mix the cocoa powder and warm water until dissolved and smooth.
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Add maple syrup, cocoa powder mixture, vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix for 2 to 3 minutes more, until all ingredients are combined and smooth.
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Transfer to a mason jar or other airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Nutritional Information
Homemade Nutella Recipe
Serving Size (1 tablespoon)
calorie 117
81 calories from fat
% Daily Value*
province 9g14%
1g saturated fat6%
1g polyunsaturated fat
7g monounsaturated fat
sodium 37mg2%
potassium 138mg4%
carbohydrate 8g3%
2g fiber8%
5g sugar6%
protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 3IU0%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
calcium 26mg3%
steel 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Intake is based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Feel free to use whatever sweetener you like in this recipe. Taste it to your liking.
How to Use Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
This classic Italian spread is versatile and great for so many things. Here are a few ways to make it:
Healthier Hazelnut Spread Options
I confess, I don’t make this recipe very often since I discovered a much better pre-made version. You can buy it here. I’m all for taking the DIY route whenever possible, but in this case, pre-made is a good option in many ways.
- Less sugar: 40% less sugar than other options. The brand name has 21 grams of sugar per 2 tablespoons, while Nutiva has just 12 grams.
- ethically sourced: Most hazelnut spreads use palm oil, which can be problematic if not ethically sourced. All of the Nutiva brand’s ingredients, including palm oil, are ethically sourced (rainforest and animal friendly).
- More nutritious: Unlike other brands, this one has 450 milligrams of omega-3 per serving, sourced from chia and flaxseed! (That’s more than sardines and tuna per serving. My kids definitely prefer the chocolate option!)
- Organic, Non-GMO Verified and Gluten Free Certified: Other brands are not organic and do not contain GMO ingredients.
Do you love chocolate hazelnut spread? Have you ever tried making homemade Nutella? Share it below!
