Plant Based Nutella: Everything you need to know and comparison with classic Nutella
With the 60-year milestone, Ferrero celebrates the history of Nutella® by introducing a new plant-based variant. But how does this vegan version compare with the classic one? We analyze ingredients, price, sensory profile, and expert opinions to give you a complete overview.
Ingredients: What Changes in Plant Based Nutella
Plant Based Nutella replaces the milk in the traditional recipe with plant-based ingredients such as chickpea and rice syrup powder. These substitutes allow the typical sweetness and texture of the hazelnut cream to be maintained, making it suitable for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. Here is the list of main ingredients:
- Sugar
- Palm seed oil (certified sustainable)
- Hazelnuts (13%)
- Chickpeas
- Low-fat cocoa (7.6%)
- Rice syrup powder
- Emulsifiers: lecithins (soy)
- Halls
- Flavorings (replace vanillin)
Contains no gluten or lactose, but may contain traces of milk due to production in shared factories.
Sensory Profile: Tasting Comparison
Sensory-wise, Plant Based Nutella is almost identical to the classic version. The color, creaminess and stickiness to the spoon are unchanged, and the aroma is faithful to the mix of hazelnuts and cocoa that has made Nutella famous worldwide. The sweetness and texture are also maintained, with a rich, velvety texture.
However, some more careful tasters have noticed slight differences. However, these details are minor and do not compromise the overall experience.
Price and Packaging: Quality at a Higher Cost
Plant Based Nutella is priced significantly higher than the classic version. While a 450-gram jar of traditional Nutella costs about 4.49 euros, the 350-gram vegan version is offered at the same price, making it about 50 percent more expensive. This increase in cost is mainly attributed to the "plant based" claim, rather than the ingredients themselves.
In terms of packaging, Ferrero has taken a more sustainable approach, using 60 percent recycled glass for the jar and recycled materials for the cap. However, the slightly reduced size of the vegan container does not fully justify the higher price.
Nutritional Values: A Detailed Comparison
Nutritionally, Plant-Based Nutella has some differences from the classic version:
- Calories: 534 kcal/100g vs 539 kcal/100g
- Sugars: 45.4g vs 56.3g
- Saturated fat: 11g vs 10.6g
According to Dr. Giuseppe Scopelliti Biologist Nutritionist, these differences are actually negligible, especially in relation to the average portion size and suggested frequency of consumption.
Certifications and Sustainability
Plant Based Nutella is certified "Vegan Approved" by the Vegetarian Society, ensuring that it contains no animal-derived ingredients. In addition, Ferrero's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of recycled materials for packaging. However, those allergic to milk protein should be careful as the product is manufactured in factories that use milk.
Conclusion: Is it Worth Choosing Plant-Based Nutella?
Plant Based Nutella offers a viable alternative for those on a vegan diet or who are lactose intolerant, while retaining much of the sensory characteristics of the classic version. However, the higher price and presence of ultra-processed ingredients may not justify the choice for everyone. If the goal is to reduce the consumption of animal products, this variant is a good option. Conversely, for those seeking a healthier product, it may be preferable to opt for natural and organic spreads.
Ultimately, the decision depends on individual priorities: authentic taste and compatibility with a vegan diet at a higher cost or healthier alternatives at a more affordable price.
