What is hazelnut butter
Hazelnut butter is a simple spread made from ground hazelnuts, sometimes with a small amount of salt or oil. It has a strong toasted, nutty flavor and a thick, grainy or creamy texture depending on how finely the nuts are ground. Because it is typically just hazelnuts, it delivers the inherent protein, fiber, and fats from the nuts themselves. It is commonly used in nut-based desserts, on toast, in smoothies, or as an ingredient in sauces and baked goods.
What is Nutella
Nutella is a branded hazelnut cocoa spread that combines sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and milk powder, along with emulsifiers and flavoring. It is designed to be sweet, creamy, and easy to spread straight from the jar. Its formulation prioritizes shelf stability, mild sweetness, and a soft texture that appeals to a broad audience, including children. While it contains some hazelnuts, sugar is typically the largest ingredient by weight.
Ingredient breakdown comparison
- Hazelnut butter: usually just hazelnuts, occasionally added salt or oil.
- Nutella: sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa, milk powder, emulsifiers, flavorings.
Nutrition comparison at a glance
Because brands and formulations vary, the values below represent typical ranges for one tablespoon (about 16 grams). Use these numbers as general guidance rather than a strict rule.
| Nutrient (typical per tablespoon) | Hazelnut butter | Nutella | Source type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 90–110 kcal | 80–100 kcal | Label estimates |
| Total fat | 8–12 g | 6–8 g | Label estimates |
| Saturated fat | 2–4 g | 2–3 g | Label estimates |
| Carbohydrates | 3–5 g | 14–18 g | Label estimates |
| Sugars | 1–2 g | 12–15 g | Label estimates |
| Protein | 3–5 g | 1–2 g | Label estimates |
| Fiber | 2–4 g | 1–2 g | Label estimates |
Flavor, texture, and culinary uses
Hazelnut butter is typically rich, toasty, and nut-forward, with a thicker, sometimes grainier texture. It shines in recipes where you want hazelnut to be the main taste, such as in frosting, ganache, or smeared on dense breads. Nutella is distinctly sweet, creamy, and cocoa-accented with a very smooth, spreadable texture. It is popular on toast, as a dip for fruit or marshmallows, and as a quick flavor booster for milk, coffee, or simple desserts.
How to choose between them
If you want a more nutrient-dense, lower-sugar option that highlights hazelnuts, hazelnut butter is the better fit. If you prefer a sweet, dessert-like spread for convenience and familiar flavor, Nutella may be preferable. For everyday use, consider using hazelnut butter where you want the taste of nuts to stand out, and Nutella for quick flavoring or treats. Small jar size, cost per unit, and whether you prefer a granular or ultra-smooth texture can also guide your choice.
Practical storage and handling tips
- Check the jar for any changes in smell, mold, or off flavors before using.
- Store hazelnut butter in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator after opening to slow rancidity.
- Keep Nutella in a cool, dry place; avoid high heat that can soften or separate the product excessively.
- Wipe the rim of jars after use to maintain seal integrity and freshness.