As delicious as it might be, Nutella has become almost synonymous with unhealthy indulgence – a glossy brown spread loaded with oil and more than 50 per cent sugar.
Far from the wholesome, hazelnut-filled ‘breakfast staple’ it is often marketed as, nutrition experts say it sits much closer to confectionary than anything you should be regularly starting your day with.
And yet, its popularity has never waned – with millions still happily spreading it on toast each morning.
Now, a new wave of rivals is trying to rewrite the script.
From ‘plant-based’ and ‘no added sugar’ versions to jars boasting higher nut content, more protein or fewer carbs, supermarket shelves are brimming with alternatives claiming to be the more savvy choice.
Yet nutritionist Rob Hobson warns: ‘These spreads are typically high in sugar and relatively low in protein and fibre, so can’t really be called ‘healthy’.
‘Having said that, some do look better than others, nutritionally speaking.’
So which spreads are genuinely better for you – and which are just clever rebrands of the same sugary formula?
According to experts, chocolate spread sits much closer to confectionary than anything you should be regularly starting your day with
First… what IS in original Nutella?
Nutella Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
Nutrition (per 15g portion – approx. 1 tablespoon)
Energy: 80 kcal
Fat: 4.6 g
of which saturates: 1.6 g
Sugar: 8.4 g
Ingredients
Sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts (13%), skimmed milk powder (8.7%), fat-reduced cocoa (7.4%), emulsifier: lecithins (soya), vanillin
Rob Hobson says: At 56 per cent sugar, Nutella is best viewed as confectionery rather than something with meaningful nutritional value. The relatively low hazelnut content (13%) means you’re not getting much in terms of fibre or micronutrients, and the combination of sugar and saturated fat makes it very easy to overconsume. However the overall impact comes down to portion size and how often you eat it.
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THE GENUINELY BETTER OPTIONS
Pip & Nut Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Nutrition (per 15g portion)
Energy: 93 kcal
Fat: 7.8 g
of which saturates: 1.2 g
Sugar: 1.4 g
Ingredients
Californian almonds (39.2%), hazelnuts (24%), sunflower seeds, agave syrup, cocoa mass (7%), vegetable oils (coconut, shea, rapeseed), sea salt
Rob Hobson says: This is quite different nutritionally from most chocolate spreads. The much lower sugar content is a meaningful improvement, while the higher fat reflects the large proportion of nuts and seeds rather than added oils. That also brings more fibre and protein, which can help with satiety. It is more calorie-dense per serving, but you’re getting more nutritional value with that energy. In reality, this sits closer to a nut butter than a traditional chocolate spread.
Health rating: 8/10
Novi Hazelnut and Chocolate Spread
Nutrition (per 15g portion)
Energy: 83 kcal
Fat: 5.4 g
of which saturates: 0.9 g
Sugar: 6.1 g
Ingredients
Hazelnuts (45%), sugar, fat-reduced cocoa (9%), skimmed milk powder, cocoa butter, emulsifier: soya lecithin
Rob Hobson says: The very high hazelnut content makes this stand out. You’re getting more fibre, protein and unsaturated fats, along with a lower sugar content than many other spreads. That shifts it closer to a nut-based product rather than a typical chocolate spread, and gives it more nutritional value overall. It still contains added sugar, so it’s not a health food, but it’s one of the better options within this category.
Health rating: 7.5/10
Sunfly Cocoa Sunflower Seed Butter
Nutrition (per 15g portion)
Energy: 92 kcal
Fat: 7.6 g
of which saturates: 1.1 g
Sugar: 2.6 g
Ingredients
Roasted sunflower kernels (76.8%), powdered chocolate (cocoa powder, cane sugar), emulsifier, sea salt, natural vanilla flavouring
Rob Hobson says: This is quite different from most chocolate spreads. The much lower sugar content is a positive, while the higher fat reflects the large proportion of sunflower seeds rather than added oils. That also brings more protein and fibre, which can help with satiety. It is more calorie-dense per serving, but you’re getting more nutritional value with that energy. In effect, this sits closer to a seed butter than a traditional chocolate spread.
Health rating: 7/10
BETTER – BUT STILL TREATS
Lindt Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
Nutrition (per 15g portion)
Energy: 84 kcal
Fat: 5.0 g
of which saturates: 0.7 g
Sugar: 6.9 g
Ingredients
Sugar, hazelnut (25%), vegetable oil (sunflower, safflower, rice), skimmed milk powder, low-fat cocoa powder, cocoa butter, anhydrous milk fat, emulsifier (soya lecithin)
Rob Hobson says: The higher hazelnut content is a meaningful improvement, contributing more favourable fats along with small amounts of protein and micronutrients. It’s also lower in sugar and saturated fat than many standard spreads, which puts it towards the better end of the spectrum. However, it’s still relatively high in sugar overall, so while it’s a step up, it remains an indulgent product rather than a health food. The dark version contains slightly less sugar, but this is offset by much higher saturated fat, so it doesn’t offer a clear nutritional advantage.
Health rating: 6.5/10
Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
Nutrition (per 15g portion)
Energy: 83 kcal
Fat: 5.1 g
of which saturates: 0.8 g
Sugar: 7.7 g
Ingredients
Sugar, hazelnuts (20%), vegetable oils (sunflower, rapeseed), skimmed milk powder, fat-reduced cocoa powder (5.5%), cocoa butter, emulsifier: sunflower lecithin, vanilla extract
Rob Hobson says: The higher hazelnut content is a positive and improves the overall fat profile slightly, while the lower saturated fat is a meaningful shift. However, with around 50 per cent sugar, that still defines the product. In practical terms, you’re still getting close to 8g of sugar per serving, so while it’s a better formulation than many, it remains an indulgent spread rather than a health-focused choice.
Health rating: 6/10
‘HEALTH HALO’ OPTIONS (NOT MUCH DIFFERENT)
Nutella Plant-Based
Nutrition (per 15g portion)
Energy: 80 kcal
Fat: 4.8 g
of which saturates: 1.7 g
Sugar: 6.8 g
Ingredients
Sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts (13%), chickpeas, cocoa powder, rice syrup, emulsifier, salt, flavourings
Rob Hobson says: This is slightly lower in sugar than the original, but still high overall, so the difference is modest rather than meaningful. The slightly higher saturated fat doesn’t change the picture much. The addition of chickpeas may sound beneficial, but without meaningful quantities, they’re unlikely to contribute anything significant nutritionally. Overall, it sits in the same category as the original – an energy-dense, sweet spread best enjoyed occasionally.
Health rating: 4.5/10
Biona Organic Milk Cocoa Hazel Velvety Smooth Spread
Nutrition (per 15g portion)
Energy: 85 kcal
Fat: 5.4 g
of which saturates: 1.0 g
Sugar: 7.7 g
Ingredients
Cane sugar, sunflower oil, hazelnuts (10%), cocoa butter, cocoa powder, skimmed milk powder, rice syrup, emulsifier, vanilla
Rob Hobson says: The organic and palm oil-free positioning doesn’t materially change the nutritional profile. Sugar still makes up a large proportion of the product, which is the key issue here, and the relatively low hazelnut content limits any meaningful nutritional benefit. While the ingredients may appear more ‘natural’, this is still very similar to traditional chocolate spreads. There is also a vegan dark version, but nutritionally it’s very similar – high in sugar and offering no clear advantage.
Health rating: 4/10
LOW-SUGAR (BUT WITH CAVEATS)
Valsoia Plant Based Hazelnut & Cocoa No Added Sugar
Nutrition (per 15g portion)
Energy: 65 kcal
Fat: 4.5 g
of which saturates: 0.8 g
Sugar: 0.6 g
Ingredients
Maltitol, sunflower oil, hazelnuts (14%), cocoa powder, maltodextrin, cocoa butter, emulsifier, flavourings
Rob Hobson says: This looks very low in sugar, but that’s because it’s been replaced with polyols, mainly maltitol. While that can help reduce sugar intake, the overall carbohydrate content is still high, so it’s not a low-carb product in real terms. Polyols can also cause digestive issues such as bloating in some people. It’s slightly lower in calories, but still energy-dense, so the ‘no added sugar’ claim needs to be seen in context.
Health rating: 6/10
JimJams Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
Nutrition (per 15g portion)
Energy: 75 kcal
Fat: 5.5 g
of which saturates: 1.1 g
Sugar: 1.5 g
Ingredients
Maltitol, vegetable oil, skimmed milk powder, cocoa, whey powder, emulsifier, flavouring
Rob Hobson says: This is lower in sugar because it uses polyols instead. That can help reduce sugar intake, but it doesn’t mean the product is low in carbohydrates or calories overall. Like similar products, it can also cause digestive discomfort. It’s still an energy-dense spread rather than a clear health alternative.
Health rating: 5.5/10
BASICALLY THE SAME AS NUTELLA (OR MAYBE WORSE)
Cadbury Milk Chocolate Spread
Nutrition (per 15g portion)
Energy: 86 kcal
Fat: 5.7 g
of which saturates: 1.3 g
Sugar: 8.0 g
Ingredients
Sugar, Vegetable Oil (Rapeseed, Palm), Lactose (Milk), Milk Chocolate Crumb (7%) (Milk, Sugar, Cocoa Mass), Full Cream Milk Powder (7%), Fat Reduced Cocoa (5.5%), Whey Powder (Milk), Emulsifier: Lecithins, Flavouring
Rob Hobson says: Nutritionally, this is very similar to Nutella, with high levels of sugar and fat defining the product. There’s little to separate it from other mainstream chocolate spreads.
Health rating: 3/10
Milky Way Spread
Nutrition (per 15g portion)
Energy: 86 kcal
Fat: 5.5 g
of which saturates: 1.4 g
Sugar: 7.5 g
Ingredients
Sugar, Vegetable Oils (Rapeseed and Palm), Maltodextrin, Whole Milk Powder (5%), Skimmed Milk Powder (3%), Fat-Reduced Cocoa Powder (3%), Lactose (Milk), Sweet Whey Powder (Milk), Emulsifier (Lecithins), Salt, Natural Vanilla Flavouring
Rob Hobson says: This is nutritionally very similar to other chocolate spreads, with high sugar and fat defining the product. It sits firmly in the confectionery category.
Health rating: 3/10
SUPERMARKET DUPES (NO BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL)
Waitrose Essential Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
Nutrition (per 15g portion)
Energy: 85 kcal
Fat: 5.3 g
of which saturates: 1.0 g
Sugar: 7.3 g
Ingredients
Sugar, rapeseed oil, hazelnuts (13%), palm oil, fat reduced cocoa powder (8%), skimmed milk powder, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin)
Rob Hobson says: This is very similar to Nutella in terms of both ingredients and nutritional profile. Sugar still makes up a large proportion of the product, and the hazelnut content is relatively low, so there’s no meaningful nutritional advantage. These small variations between brands don’t significantly change how it fits into the diet.
Health rating: 4/10
Tesco Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
Nutrition (per 15g portion)
Energy: 82 kcal
Fat: 5.1 g
of which saturates: 1.1 g
Sugar: 7.2 g
Ingredients
Sugar, Rapeseed Oil, Hazelnut (13%), Palm Oil, Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder (7%), Dried Skimmed Milk, Whey Powder (Milk), Maltodextrin, Emulsifier (Lecithins), Flavouring
Rob Hobson says: Nutritionally, this is almost identical to mainstream chocolate spreads, with similar levels of sugar and fat. Most products in this category follow the same core formulation, so brand choice doesn’t make a meaningful difference. The bigger factor is portion size and frequency of consumption.
Health rating: 4/10
Stamford Street Co. Chocolate Spread
Nutrition (per 15g portion – approx. 1 teaspoon)
Energy: 50 kcal
Fat: 3.2 g
of which saturates: 0.8 g
Sugar: 4.4 g
Ingredients
Sugar, rapeseed oil, palm oil, fat-reduced cocoa powder (8%), maltodextrin, whey powder (cow’s milk), carob powder, emulsifier: lecithins, flavouring, hazelnuts
Rob Hobson says: Although slightly lower in calories per serving, this follows the same basic formulation as most chocolate spreads, with sugar and added oils making up the bulk of the product. The differences are relatively small, so nutritionally it sits in the same category as more recognisable brands.
Health rating: 3/10
Morrisons Hazelnut & Chocolate Spread
Nutrition (per 15g portion)
Energy: 85 kcal
Fat: 5.0 g
of which saturates: 1.6 g
Sugar: 6.9 g
Ingredients
Sugar, Vegetable Oils (Rapeseed, Palm), Hazelnuts (13%), Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder (7%)*, Dried Skimmed Milk, Whey Powder (Milk), Emulsifier (Lecithins), Flavouring, *Rainforest Alliance Certified
Rob Hobson says: This is slightly lower in sugar and contains added fibre, which may offer a small benefit. However, the overall profile is still dominated by sugar and fat, so it doesn’t fundamentally change the nature of the product. It remains an energy-dense sweet spread rather than a nutritionally balanced option.
Health rating: 4.5/10
LOWER CALORIE – BUT STILL SUGARY
Sweet Freedom Choc Pot Rich & Velvety Chocolate Spread
Nutrition (per 15g portion)
Energy: 41 kcal
Fat: 1.2 g
of which saturates: 0.4 g
Sugar: 5.6 g
Ingredients
Fruit extracts, cocoa, oil, emulsifier, salt
Rob Hobson says: This is lower in calories largely because it contains much less fat, but the sugar content is still relatively high. Using fruit extracts may sound healthier, but the body still processes these as sugars. So while it’s lighter, it doesn’t fundamentally change the nutritional picture.
Health rating: 5/10
