Is Nutella Dairy-Free?
Nutella is not dairy-free. It contains skim milk powder, which is a dairy ingredient. Avoid Nutella or look for dairy-free alternatives if you are vegan or following a dairy-free diet. Many dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spreads are available on the market, some specifically designed for people with dietary restrictions.
Is Nutella Gluten-Free?
Yes, Nutella is considered gluten-free. It is free from wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients. The main ingredients in Nutella are sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa, skim milk, and a few other components like soy lecithin and vanillin. However, you cannot be sure about Nutella-based recipes. So, don’t forget to check ingredients and labels before buying or eating out.
Dairy-Free Alternatives for Nutella
We know Nutella is irresistible. Don’t worry; here are a few alternatives you can eat on a dairy-free or vegan diet.
Rigoni di Asiago Dairy-Free Organic Spread
A creamy, dairy-free, organic hazelnut-cocoa spread with an authentic flavor, free from artificial additives and GMOs.
Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut and Almond Butter
A delicious combination of chocolate, hazelnuts, and almonds, offering a unique twist on traditional hazelnut spreads with added almond butter.
All Natural Hazelnut Cocoa Spread by GOOEY
A rich and indulgent dairy-free hazelnut cocoa spread made from all-natural ingredients, perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings.
Organic Chocolate Date Spread
A unique and healthy spread made from organic dates and cocoa, offering a natural sweetness and chocolate flavor without added sugars or dairy.
Noka Superfood Nut Butter
A nutrient-dense nut butter packed with superfoods, providing a delicious and wholesome option for those seeking a dairy-free alternative.
TBH Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
A creamy and smooth dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread made from high-quality ingredients and free of artificial additives.
Artisana Organics Cashew Cacao Spread
A rich and creamy spread made from organic cashews and cacao, offering a delicious dairy-free alternative to traditional chocolate spreads.
Ghianduja Vegan Hazelnut Spread
A luxurious vegan hazelnut spread with a traditional Italian Ghianduja flavor, perfect for those seeking a dairy-free option without compromising taste.
Tips for Buying Dairy-Free Nutella/Chocolate Spread
Read the ingredients list: Always check the label for ingredients like milk, milk powder, whey, casein, or lactose, which are common dairy components. A dairy-free spread should not contain these ingredients.
Look for specific allergen information: Many products have an allergen statement highlighting common allergens, including milk. Ensure that your spread does not have a milk allergen warning.
Search for vegan labels: Vegan products are always dairy-free, so looking for a vegan certification or label on the packaging can help you find a suitable spread.
Research the brand: Familiarize yourself with brands that offer dairy-free or vegan chocolate hazelnut spreads. Some examples are Rigoni di Asiago, Justin’s, and Artisana Organics. Knowing the brands lets you quickly identify their products on store shelves.
Check specialty stores and sections: Health food stores, organic markets, or specialty diet sections in supermarkets often have dairy-free or vegan products. You may have more success finding dairy-free Nutella alternatives in these places.
Use smartphone apps: Several apps can help you identify dairy-free and vegan products by scanning barcodes or searching for specific items. Examples of such apps include Spoon Guru, AllergyEats, and HappyCow. Using these apps can help you make more informed decisions while shopping.
Dairy-Free Nutella Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) raw hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup (60g) dairy-free dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) unsweetened almond milk or any plant-based milk
- 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar or any sweetener of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast them for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Allow the hazelnuts to cool slightly.
- Once the hazelnuts are cool enough to handle, rub them between your hands or a clean kitchen towel to remove most of the skins. It’s okay if some skins remain.
- Process the hazelnuts in a food processor or high-powered blender until they form a smooth paste. This may take a few minutes, and you may need to scrape down the sides of the processor periodically.
- Melt the dairy-free chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring after each increment until fully melted. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler to melt the chocolate.
- Add the melted chocolate, almond milk, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt (if using) to the hazelnut paste in the food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your preference. Add more almond milk to achieve the desired consistency if the mixture is too thick.
- Transfer your dairy-free Nutella to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Allow it to come to room temperature before using it for easier spreading.
Enjoy your homemade dairy-free Nutella on toast, fruit, waffles, or as a dip for your favorite snacks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dairy-Free Chocolate Spread Healthy?
Dairy-free chocolate spreads can be healthier than traditional spreads, as they avoid dairy and saturated fats. However, most are high in sugar and calories. Opt for spreads with natural sweeteners, low sugar content, and minimal processing for healthier options.
Is Nutella Vegan?
It is not vegan as it contains skim milk powder, a dairy ingredient. To enjoy a vegan chocolate hazelnut spread, look for alternatives specifically labeled as vegan or dairy-free.
Is Nutella Vegetarian?
Nutella is vegetarian, as it does not contain meat or animal-derived ingredients apart from dairy. It is suitable for those following a lacto-vegetarian diet.
Is Nutella kosher?
Yes, Nutella is certified kosher. It has been approved by a kosher certification agency as meeting the dietary requirements of Jewish law.
Can Celiacs eat Nutella?
Nutella is considered gluten-free, as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients. However, if you are celiac or highly sensitive to gluten, always check labels and contact the manufacturer for any concerns regarding cross-contamination.
Are Hazelnuts okay for Celiacs?
Yes, hazelnuts are naturally gluten-free and safe for celiacs. However, be cautious with flavored or processed hazelnut products, as they may contain gluten or be processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing items.
