There are many addictive foods in the world, but few rival the allure of Nutella. Often referred to as the devil’s jam, Nutella is a hazelnut spread produced by the Italian company Ferrero. Ferrero, well-known for its Kinder chocolates and Ferrero Rocher, has established itself as one of the world’s top chocolate companies through these products, including Nutella. In this article, we will gather and introduce some interesting facts about Nutella.
The Origins of Nutella
Pietro Ferrero founded the company and faced challenges during World War II due to low cocoa imports, which made chocolate production difficult. However, he noticed the surplus of locally grown hazelnuts and decided to buy them in bulk. By mixing a small amount of chocolate with the hazelnuts and other ingredients, he developed a product with a texture similar to butter. This product was named Pasta Gianduja, which eventually evolved into Nutella.
From Supercrema to Nutella
Pietro Ferrero’s son inherited the business and further refined the texture of Pasta Gianduja, transforming it into a spreadable jam suitable for bread. This new product was named Supercrema Gianduja. Launched in 1951, Supercrema Gianduja received a new name in 1964, combining nut, from hazelnuts, and Ella, a common feminine name, to create Nutella. The success of Nutella propelled Ferrero’s management into the ranks of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
Do Not Refrigerate
Many jams require refrigeration to stay fresh for longer periods. However, Nutella should never be stored in the refrigerator. With its high sugar concentration, Nutella can remain fresh at room temperature, similar to honey. Keeping the lid tightly closed during storage is crucial to prevent moisture or saliva from contaminating it. If saliva mixes in, enzymes can cause Nutella to spoil.
Nutella’s Shelf Life
In Western countries, Nutella is widely recognized as a long-lasting food item, akin to peanut butter, that can be consumed indefinitely. However, Nutella does not always maintain its quality. If left open at room temperature for several months, it can develop a damp, chocolate-like consistency, and oil separation may occur, leading to spoilage. While the sugar content remains stable, if the oil spoils, it becomes inedible and must be discarded.
Is Nutella Chocolate?
The primary ingredient in Nutella is sugar. It has a sticky texture and a blend of rich chocolate sweetness with the nuttiness of hazelnuts, but its cocoa content is relatively low. In its home country of Italy, Nutella cannot be labeled as chocolate due to its low cocoa content. Therefore, Nutella is labeled as a cream rather than a chocolate spread in Italy. In South Korea, Nutella is classified as quasi-chocolate.
The Devil’s Taste and High Calories
Nutella has a very high sugar content. A serving of 15g—just under one spoonful—contains about 81 kcal, making it unsuitable for those on a diet. Spreading two spoonfuls of Nutella on a slice of bread, which has about 120 kcal, results in a total of over 300 kcal. While you can enjoy its intense sweetness in moderation, exceeding the recommended amount could mean facing an unexpected calorie bomb.
Addictive Flavor
Nutella’s signature appeal lies in its intense sweetness and the nutty richness of hazelnuts. This blend of flavors is what creates Nutella’s addictiveness. It’s also worth noting that Nutella’s calories are even higher than those of carbohydrates. Most chocolate spreads are similar in taste to Nutella—including Nutkao, hazelnut chocolate cream, Lotus, and Hershey’s chocolate spread—and are also high in calories.
Ferrero’s Efforts to Maintain Confidentiality
While many products have similar flavors to Nutella, few replicate its unique taste. This is due to Ferrero’s commitment to meticulously guarding its recipe. Although Ferrero has factories worldwide, access is restricted to non-employees, and tools or devices for recording are reportedly prohibited. The Ferrero family is also known for rarely giving interviews or promotional appearances.
Nutella for Vegans
Recently, a vegan version of Nutella has gained popularity. Ferrero has launched Nutella Plant-Based, a vegan alternative, in select European markets, including Italy, France, and Belgium. This product, aimed at vegetarian consumers avoiding animal products, was released to celebrate the brand’s 60th anniversary. It reportedly meets vegetarian associations’ strict vegan certification standards, replacing milk with plant-based ingredients.
The Inventor of Nutella Passed Away on Valentine’s Day
Though the founder developed the original concept, the current form of Nutella is attributed to Francesco Ribella, an Italian chemist who reportedly named the product. He passed away on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025. Interestingly, Michele Ferrero, the founder’s son, also passed away on February 14, 2015.
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