Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Is it Healthy? by Dana Angelo White in Is it Healthy?, August 20, 2011
- Is this stuff actually good for you?
Clever marketing has attempted to convince consumers that chocolate-hazelnut spreads make a nutritious breakfast. Can this chocolaty delight be a healthy part of any meal?
Yes?
Manufacturers tout that this creamy spread contains wholesome ingredients like hazelnuts and skim milk — and it does. There’s actually not much else to it, only a couple of other ingredients make up the recipe — but that’s where things start to get messy.
No?
The first 2 ingredients listed on the label of chocolate-hazelnut spreads are sugar, followed by palm oil, which means these ingredients out-weigh all others. When you break down the numbers you’ll find it contains 100 calories per tablespoon and more than 50-percent of that comes from fat. While there are some heart-healthy fats from nuts, one-third is the artery-clogging saturated kind. As for the sugar, it’s not looking much better – nearly 5 teaspoons per serving!
Most brands also include thickeners such as soy lecithin. While this food additive is considered safe, folks with soy allergies should be aware.
The Verdict
Just a smidge is all you need! While magically delicious, this choco-nutty spread isn’t to be confused with straight up health food (like natural peanut butter for instance). Use this product sparingly and preferably along with nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruit and whole grains. Always read ingredient labels carefully to get the real facts.
Tell Us: What’s your take on chocolate hazelnut spreads?
Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana’s full bio »
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Tags: chocolate hazelnut spread, nutella
This sentence in the article is wrong…. "While there are some heart-healthy fats from nuts, one-third is the artery-clogging saturated kind" Artery-clogging?? Really?
Maybe not healthy. But oh so good…
I love Nutella, but can't wait to try the Jstins Nut Butter spread. Thanks for the tip!
I've NEVER thought that it was healthy. But I don't care. It's delicious. I will make banana-nutella sandwiches on wheat toast, or spread it on waffles for breakfast. I've never had a weight problem, but there are a gazillion other things I could cut out of my life if I need to (like giant gas station fountain cokes).
I love Nutella! As with any treat or dessert it should be eaten in moderation of course…common sense should apply here. I love Giada's fried ravioli's with this yummy spread. You basically take wonton wrappers and put a dob of Nutella in the center and then fold and seal in a triangle shape. Fry until golden perfection and the Nutella is warm and slightly melty in the center. YUM! This of course I make maybe every other year for a special occasion, but when made it is worth the extra miles on the treadmill.
I am a recovering Nutella ADDICT. There was a time when I ate it by the spoonful straight out of the jar, and the entire jar was only two servings. I couldn't get enough. It was my guilty bedtime snack. Between the Nutella and my temporary ice-cream addiction, I became diabetic. Now I just look at it lovingly when I pass it on the supermarket shelf, and force myself to move-on. Just looking at the jar makes me swoon! Buyer beware!!!
Thanks for posting this! I LOVE Nutella, but I never thought it could be as nutritious as they make it sound. I was shocked when I saw a Nutella commercial where the mom served the kids bread with Nutella spread on it! "Hey kids, here's your sugar for breakfast, and maybe some bread, too!"
Everything in moderation, folks…. try a little on whole grain bread with smashed banana – it's yummy!.
Believe it or not, I've never HAD Nutella! Not even a taste of it. And honestly, I'm scared to buy it. lol Thank goodness our store sells this on the TOP shelf (and I'm 5'2"), so I rarely even SEE it while grocery shopping.
Nutella= icing
YUM!