Nutella is one of the most popular chocolate spreads, but from a nutritional standpoint it's closer to desserts than a healthy breakfast food.
With over 50% sugar and relatively low hazelnut content, food experts warn that it should be consumed in moderation.
However, many alternatives have appeared on the market that claim to be better – from “no added sugar” versions to products with more nuts or protein. But are they really healthier?
What does Nutella contain?
One tablespoon (about 15g) contains about 80 calories and over 8g of sugar. With only 13% hazelnuts, it doesn't offer much fiber or nutritional value – and the combination of sugar and saturated fat makes it easy to overdo it.
The best real alternatives
These products are distinguished by less sugar and more nutritional ingredients:
Nut and seed-based spreads (e.g. with almonds, hazelnuts or sunflower seeds) have much less sugar and more protein and fiber.
The high nut content (up to 40–45%) makes them more filling and nutritious.
Bottom line: They're closer to nut butter than a classic dessert, although they have more calories.
Better options… but still “treatments”
Creams with a higher hazelnut content (20–25%) and slightly less sugar are a step forward.
However, they remain sweet products and should not be seen as a healthy everyday food.
Conclusion: Better than Nutella, but still for limited consumption.
Products with a “healthy image” (but not too different)
"Plant-based" or "organic" versions often seem healthier, but in reality they have almost the same sugar level.
Additives like chickpeas or "natural" ingredients don't change the nutritional value much.
Conclusion: Clever marketing, but little real benefit.
"Sugar-free" products – beware!
These use sweeteners like maltitol instead of sugar.
They may have less sugar, but not necessarily fewer carbohydrates or calories.
They can also cause digestive problems (bloating, discomfort).
Conclusion: Not necessarily healthier – just different.
Products that are practically the same as Nutella
Many popular brands and “supermarket copies” have almost the same formula: lots of sugar + oil + a few hazelnuts.
Conclusion: The label changes, not the content.
Lower calorie options
Some creams have less fat and calories, but still contain a lot of sugar (even if it comes from fruit).
Conclusion: Lighter, but not necessarily healthier.
There is no “perfect healthy chocolate spread.” Differences exist, but they are more relative than absolute.
The best solutions are those with more nuts/seeds and less sugar.
The main factors remain: the amount and frequency of consumption
In the end, even the best alternative remains an occasional treat – not a daily staple. /GazetaExpress/
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