What's a Healthier Alternative to Nutella?

The Short Answer

If you want a spread that tastes exactly like Nutella but uses cleaner ingredients, buy Rigoni di Asiago Nocciolata. It swaps the palm oil for sunflower oil, uses organic ingredients, and has a rich, authentic flavor that actually beats the original.

If you want a truly healthy option that isn't just "candy in a jar," buy Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread. It has less than half the sugar of Nutella and lists organic hazelnuts as the very first ingredient.

Avoid Nutella. It is 58% sugar and roughly 20% palm oil. You are eating frosting, not nut butter.

Why This Matters

Marketing has convinced us that Nutella is a "hazelnut spread" suitable for breakfast. It isn't.

It’s a sugar bomb.

A 2-tablespoon serving of Nutella contains 21 grams of sugar. That is more sugar than you'd find in five Oreo cookies. In fact, sugar is the first ingredient, meaning there is more sugar in the jar than hazelnuts or cocoa.

The palm oil problem.

Palm oil gives Nutella its smooth, spreadable texture, but it’s highly controversial due to deforestation and habitat destruction. While some brands use "sustainable" palm oil, many health-conscious consumers prefer to avoid it entirely due to its high saturated fat content and processing methods. Is Palm Oil Healthy

Real hazelnuts are missing.

Nutella is only about 13% hazelnuts. The "nutty" flavor is largely supported by synthetic vanillin and massive amounts of sugar. Real hazelnut butter should be mostly nuts.

What's Actually In Nutella

Nutella's ingredient list reveals why it's a dessert, not a breakfast food.

• Sugar — The #1 ingredient. Over 50% of the jar is pure white sugar. Is Sugar Bad
• Palm Oil — The #2 ingredient. Used for texture and shelf stability.
• Hazelnuts (13%) — A surprisingly small amount for a "hazelnut" spread.
• Skim Milk Powder — Adds creaminess but makes it non-vegan.
• Fat-Reduced Cocoa (7.4%) — Provides the chocolate flavor.
• Lecithin (Soy) — An emulsifier to keep the oil and water mixed.
• Vanillin — An artificial flavor. Real vanilla extract is complex and expensive; vanillin is cheap and one-dimensional.

What to Look For

When shopping for an alternative, flip the jar and check the back.

Green Flags:

• Hazelnuts are #1 — The first ingredient should be nuts, not sugar.
• Palm Oil Free — Look for cocoa butter, coconut oil, or sunflower oil instead.
• Low Sugar — Aim for under 12g per serving (Nutella has 21g).
• Real Vanilla — Look for "vanilla bean" or "vanilla extract," not "vanillin" or generic "natural flavors."

Red Flags:

• Sugar is #1 — If sugar is first, put it back.
• "Chocolatey" Flavor — Often a code word for low cocoa content.
• Hydrogenated Oils — A sign of heavy processing.

The Best Options

Here is how the top healthier alternatives stack up.

Note: Nutiva previously made a popular organic hazelnut spread, but it has been discontinued. Don't waste time looking for it.

The Bottom Line

1. Swap for Nocciolata. If you have picky kids (or a picky partner) who demands the "Nutella taste," this is the one. It’s organic, palm-oil free, and delicious.

2. Go Raw for Health. If you want the actual health benefits of hazelnuts (Vitamin E, healthy fats), choose Artisana. It’s less sweet but far more nutritious.

3. Check the Label. Even "healthy" brands can be high in sugar. Always ensure sugar is not the first ingredient.

FAQ

Is the Kirkland (Costco) Hazelnut Spread healthy?

Depends. In Canada and Europe, the Kirkland spread is palm oil free (using sunflower oil), which is a step up. However, in the US, formulations have varied and often still list sugar as the first ingredient. It is a cost-effective "cleaner" dupe, but nutritionaly it is still very high in sugar—similar to Nutella.

Is Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter good for you?

It is better than Nutella, but not perfect. It has significantly less sugar (8g vs 21g), which is a huge win. However, it still uses palm oil and contains "powdered sugar" as a primary ingredient. It’s a decent accessible option if you can't find Nocciolata or Artisana.

Can I make my own healthy Nutella?

Yes. Roast 2 cups of hazelnuts, remove the skins, and blend in a food processor until creamy (about 10 mins). Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup powdered sweetener (like monk fruit or coconut sugar), 1 tsp vanilla, and a pinch of salt. It takes 15 minutes and is healthier than anything you can buy.

Does Hu Kitchen make a spread?

No. Hu Kitchen makes delicious "Hazelnut Butter Dark Chocolate Bars" and chocolate "Hunks" which are incredibly clean (paleo/vegan), but they do not currently sell a jarred spread. If you just need the flavor of chocolate and hazelnut, their bars are an excellent low-sugar fix.

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