Before You Buy Nutella Again, Read This (Your Kids Will Thank You)

Nutella: A Treat or a Daily Staple? 🍫🥄

Nutella is loved worldwide — creamy, chocolatey, and oh-so-sweet. It’s a childhood favorite that often sneaks into breakfast bowls, school snacks, and desserts. But what’s really inside that jar, and should it be on your weekly shopping list? Let’s take a closer look.

What’s Inside Nutella?

Per 100g of Nutella (that’s less than half a jar):

Sugar: 56.3g ⚠️ (More than half sugar)

Saturated fat: 10.6g ⚠️ (Quite high)

Calories: 539 kcal ⚠️ (Dense in energy)

Protein: 6.3g ✅ (Some benefit from hazelnuts)

Salt: 0.11g ✅ (Low)

Additives: 1 (E322 Lecithin – a safe emulsifier, no health risks)

The Upsides 👍

Low salt → Not a hidden sodium bomb.

Safe additive → Lecithin (E322) is considered risk-free.

Some protein → Thanks to hazelnuts.

The Downsides 👎

Very high sugar → Over 50% sugar makes Nutella more dessert than breakfast.

High calories → Two tablespoons = about 200 kcal.

Saturated fat → Consistent overuse can affect heart health.

A Healthier Alternative 🌱

Instead of Nutella, try homemade chocolate hazelnut spread or natural nut butters. Here’s a quick swap idea:

👉 DIY Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

1 cup roasted hazelnuts

2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (instead of refined sugar)

A splash of vanilla extract

Blend until smooth

This version skips refined sugar, reduces saturated fat, and still gives you that creamy, nutty, chocolate flavor.

Other options:

100% Peanut Butter or Almond Butter – packed with protein and healthy fats.

Avocado + Cocoa Mash – creamy, chocolatey, and nutrient-rich.

Smart Shopping Tips 🛒

Enjoy Nutella in small amounts, not daily.

Pair it with wholegrain bread, fruits, or oats to balance the sugar.

Rotate spreads — keep natural nut butters or homemade alternatives handy.

Teach kids moderation: Nutella is a treat, not a breakfast essential

Final Word

Nutella can bring joy, but it’s best treated like dessert. By choosing healthier spreads most of the time and keeping Nutella for special moments, families can enjoy the best of both worlds — flavor and health.