Latest news with #Nutella
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
The truth about Nutella (and the healthiest ways to eat it)
Spread it on toast, drizzle it on pancakes, add it to desserts – or spoon it sneakily straight from the jar. Nutella, which is manufactured by Ferrero, is one of Italy's most famous exports – is so revered that the Italian prime minister presented King Charles and Queen Camilla with personalised 'Carlo' and 'Camilla' jars of Nutella during their state visit earlier this year. Now celebrating its 60th anniversary – and with a new 'plant-based' variety – Nutella was first developed to satisfy the Italian sweet tooth in the Second World War when cocoa was in short supply. The result was a sweet paste, made from ground hazelnuts, sugar and a little cocoa, shaped into a solid block, known as giandujot, that could be sliced and spread on bread. A few years later, it was developed into a spreadable paste called Super Crema, before being rebranded as Nutella. Globally, a jar of Nutella is sold every 2.5 seconds, and around a quarter of the world's hazelnuts are used in its production. You can find it on supermarket shelves next to the nut butter – and it's clearly a family favourite – but is it doing us any good? What is actually in Nutella? 'Nutella is advertised as a nut-based spread, but the health-conscious of you look away now over 56 per cent of Nutella is sugar [almost all from free sugars] and another 30 per cent is fat, mostly from palm oil. It's a processed product and it has minimal nutritional benefit compared to whole nut butters,' explains dietitian Emma Shafqat. It also contains hazelnuts, skimmed milk powder, fat-reduced cocoa (7.4 per cent) and then the additives: emulsifiers, soya lecithins and flavourings (vanillin). The graphic below shows what is in a jar of Nutella (they don't reveal the exact percentages of sugar or palm oil on their website, but we've estimated based on the nutritional information available): What's the nutritional breakdown? A 15g serving (about one heaped teaspoon) contains: About 80 calories 8.6g of carbohydrates (of which 8.4g is sugar) 4.6g of fat (of which 1.6g are saturates) Less than 1g of protein 0.016g salt What are the health benefits of Nutella? The main, and possibly only, health plus to Nutella lies in its hazelnuts. Hazelnuts offer a number of health benefits, primarily linked to heart health, by helping to reduce cholesterol and inflammation, which improves artery health. Studies show that eating hazelnuts could significantly lower cholesterol, increase levels of 'good' cholesterol, and improve blood glucose control. 'Hazelnuts have a good nutrient profile,' says Shafqat. 'Although they are high in calories, they are a rich source of mono and polyunsaturated fats and contain a good amount of omega-6 and 9 fatty acids. Hazelnuts are a rich source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, manganese and copper and are high in fibre. The major drawback with this sweet confection, however, is that only 13 per cent of Nutella is made of hazelnuts which in a 15g serving, is under 2g – too small to deliver any real benefit.' Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a dietitian and the author of How Not to Eat Ultra-Processed, adds: 'You'd be far better off eating a handful of whole hazelnuts or a 100 per cent nut butter.' Five reasons why Nutella is unhealthy 1. It's a sugar bomb 'A 15g portion of Nutella contains 8.4g of sugar,' explains Shafqat. To put this into context, the NHS recommends that adults should have no more than 30g of sugar a day, and children aged four to six should have no more than 19g. 'The high sugar content can contribute to energy spikes, increased cravings and, over time, weight gain or metabolic issues if eaten regularly in large amounts,' warns Ludlam-Raine. 2. Its palm oil offers no health favours Nutella is made of 30 per cent fat, most of it derived from palm oil. 'This is high in saturated fat, as approximately 50 per cent of its fat content is saturated, which is a higher percentage than other common vegetable oils, such as olive oil (around 14 per cent), but less than coconut oil (around 90 per cent). Excess saturated fat can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol,' warns Shafqat. While researchers can't agree on whether palm oil consumption harms cardiovascular health, its production has a negative impact on the environment; large areas of tropical rainforest have been cleared to make way for palm plantations. 3. It's an ultra-processed food (UPF) 'Nutella is a UPF due to its industrial formulation and additives, including emulsifiers and flavourings,' explains Ludlam-Raine. 'It's a highly-processed, energy-dense food and, technically, it's a HFSS (high in fat, sugar and salt) UPF.' Studies show that HFSS foods are linked to obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while UPFs, which contain heavily processed ingredients and additives and minimal whole foods, have been linked to a range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease and depression. 4. It's high in calories A single serving of Nutella (around a heaped teaspoon) contains 80 calories – and many of us are eating more than this, especially if we're using it to top pancakes, waffles or toast. This quickly adds up if it becomes a regular part of breakfast. 5. It's low in nutrients 'Even though Nutella contains trace amounts of calcium and iron, you would need to eat a large amount to deliver any benefits,' says Shafqat. 'For example, you would need to eat half a jar of Nutella to get just 10 per cent of your daily iron needs, which also contains around 500 calories and 57g of sugar.' How does Nutella compare to other spreads? 'Compared to 100 per cent nut butters (like peanut or almond butter), Nutella is much higher in sugar and lower in protein and healthy fats,' says Ludlam-Raine. 'Jam is also high in sugar but contains some fruit – however it lacks the fat and protein that can help keep you full. Nut butters win on overall nutritional value, particularly when they contain just nuts and a pinch of salt.' How does the vegan Nutella compare to the usual kind? Plant-based Nutella is made from: sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, chickpeas, fat-reduced cocoa, powdered rice syrup, emulsifiers, soya lecithins, salt and flavourings. Plant-based Nutella is slightly lower in sugar than the original version, and it also contains a little extra protein, due to the addition of chickpeas to replace the skimmed milk powder. Even though it contains the same amount of calories per portion, it's slightly higher in saturated fat. Unless you're following a plant-based diet, the original recipe still has the edge simply because the plant-based Nutella contains powdered rice syrup which has an extremely high glycaemic index, which means it can cause rapid blood sugar spikes. So the original is still the best. A 15g serving (about one heaped teaspoon) contains: About 80 calories 8g carbohydrates (of which 6.8g is sugar) 4.8g fat (of which 1.7g are saturates) 1g protein 0.011g salt What is the best way to eat Nutella? Try the following ways to get your Nutella fix: 1. Enjoy it with fruit 'Pairing it with nutrient-rich foods like strawberries adds fibre and slows down digestion,' recommends Ludlam-Raine. Shafqat adds: 'This is far preferable to eating it by the spoonful on its own!' 2. With wholegrain toast 'Spreading Nutella on thick white bread or toast and eating it as a quick breakfast isn't ideal – it's essentially sugar on sugar with minimal fibre or protein, which can lead to blood sugar spikes followed by crashes,' explains Ludlam-Raine. 'Instead, serve it with wholegrain toast, banana slices and a sprinkling of seeds for extra fibre,' suggests Safqat. 3. As a treat or dessert 'I'd consider Nutella more of a treat than part of a regular breakfast,' says Ludlam-Raine. 'Save it for weekend pancakes, or drizzled over dessert rather than a daily staple. It's not the best way to start the day – especially for children.' The healthy alternatives to Nutella If you're keen to find a healthier alternative to Nutella, Shafqat suggests looking for a spread that contains more nuts (ideally at least 50 per cent) and less sugar (less than 5g per 100g). This is made from both hazelnuts (39.1 per cent) and almonds (39.1 per cent), with cocoa mass (9 per cent), agave syrup, cocoa butter, rapeseed oil and sea salt. This is the healthiest option, made from 100 per cent hazelnuts with no added sugar or salt – and 10g of fibre per 100g. The verdict: Is Nutella healthy or unhealthy? Sadly, for all the billions of fans out there, it resides firmly in the unhealthy camp. Shafqat says: 'I don't believe in banning foods, but Nutella is high in sugar, so should be eaten in moderation. However, there are healthier options available, which would be better for children to reduce their sugar intake.' Ludlam-Raine says: 'If you're sticking to the recommended one to two teaspoons and enjoying Nutella occasionally, that's perfectly reasonable. However, it's very easy to over-consume and it's particularly appealing to children due to its taste and texture, so portion sizes can creep up and it can easily become a daily habit.' One that might be hard to kick.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Major restaurant chain with 96 locations is giving away pizza & pasta for just 99p – but you'll have to be quick
You can also get free doughnut balls with a side of Nutella HAVE A SLICE Major restaurant chain with 96 locations is giving away pizza & pasta for just 99p – but you'll have to be quick Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR restaurant chain with 96 locations is giving away pizza & pasta for just 99p - but you'll have to be quick. For one day only, the beloved Italian chain is doing a "99p offer" on selected pasta and pizza dishes. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 A major restaurant chain with 96 locations is giving away pizza & pasta for just 99p - but you'll have to be quick Credit: Getty 3 Customers can choose from favourites like Spaghetti Carbonara and Pepperoni Pizza Credit: Alamy 3 Prezzo is doing the one-day exclusive deal at every single one of their 96 locations on June 2nd Prezzo is doing the one-day exclusive deal at every single one of their 96 locations on June 2nd. The Prezzo website states: "99p Mains are back with Club Prezzo. "Celebrate the launch of Club Prezzo with a bang: enjoy selected pasta and pizza dishes for just 99p – all day, exclusively for app users." Club Prezzo, which is the restaurant's new loyalty app, will offer customers the deal for downloading the app. The 2nd June is the only day you can claim the offer and up to 12 people can redeem it per code. But they must each purchase a drink to redeem the deal. Prezzo will also be giving customers a free portion of doughnut balls with a side of Nutella for downloading the app, which does not have to be redeemed on the same day. Members will have access to reduced prices on Prezzo's Italian classics all week long and will be able to unlock rewards each time they dine. The pizza restaurant has a huge variety of locations, from London all the way to Glasgow. Customers can choose from favourites like Spaghetti Carbonara and Pepperoni Pizza. And dishes can be requested to be made gluten-free, where available. Why are so many pubs and bars closing? Also, with every visit, your rewards get even better, including: free birthday cake after your first visit, surprise gifts and exclusive offers. If you want to get in on the deal, all you have to do - are these two things. Firstly download the Prezzo loyalty app here. The next step is simple - as all you have to do is book a table using your code at your chosen Prezzo venue. Meanwhile, if you love a prawn mayo sandwich - we found a £1.89 winner that was a sumptuous snack in our supermarket taste test. And fast food chain KFC is splashing out £1.49billion to clip the wings of chicken rivals Popeyes and Wingstop. Also, Tesco shoppers have spotted a big change to its bakery aisles across stores and they're not impressed. And Morrisons are selling new cocktails for just £1.50 per drink which are ideal for your summer BBQs.
Hypebeast
4 days ago
- Business
- Hypebeast
Nutella Unveils First New Flavor in Over 60 Years: Nutella Peanut
Summary For the first time in its 61-year history,Nutellais introducing a brand-new flavor — exclusively for the U.S. market. Slated for release in spring 2026, Nutella Peanut blends the original hazelnut cocoa spread with roasted peanuts, marking a bold step toward expanding its American presence. Ferrero North America president Michael Lindseycalledthe launch 'a defining moment,' emphasizing the company's strategy of tailoring products for U.S. consumers. The new flavor, which took five years to develop, will be produced at Ferrero's Franklin Park, Illinois facility, where a $75,000,000 USD investment will support its rollout and create dozens of new jobs. This new flavor underscores Ferrero's growing momentum in the region as it looks to engage both long-time Nutella fans and new consumers. Nutella Peanut aims to strengthen the brand's position in a competitive spreads category, while also introducing a uniquely American twist to the classic European staple.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How A Pregnancy Craving Led To One Of The Most Viral Chocolate Bars Of Our Time
If you're a chocolate lover with a social media account, you've probably indulged in, seen, or simply heard of Dubai chocolate. Arguably the most viral chocolate bars of our time, Dubai chocolate bars have an endearing origin story. As the name suggests, Dubai chocolate was born in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to satisfy a pregnancy craving that Egyptian-British mother-to-be Sarah Hamouda had back in 2021. While pregnant, Hamouda and her husband began a chocolatier business known as Fix Dessert Chocolatier to channel her cravings into a marketable reality. Pregnancy cravings often meld unlikely food pairings that may or may not be appetizing to the rest of us. But Hamouda's craving for a dessert-stuffed chocolate bar was a near-instant hit. While cream, syrup, and nut-butter-stuffed chocolates are nothing new, Fix chocolates draw from the flavors and recipes of the Middle East to create two desserts in one ultra-chunky, colorful, and creatively named chocolate bar. While the pistachio- and knafeh-filled Dubai chocolate is the most globally popular, Fix Dessert Chocolatier also offers a Biscoff cheesecake spread-stuffed bar and a "Cereously Chewsy" bar stuffed with Nutella, brownies, custard, and cereal, to name a few. In a 2024 interview with CNN, Hamouda revealed that the brand had seen an exponential increase in demand thanks to the bars becoming a viral sensation on TikTok. The small home-kitchen-based chocolatier cranks out 500 chocolate bars per day, which usually sell out in a matter of minutes. Read more: Where To Buy Dubai Chocolate In The US, And How Much It Costs The chocolate was well-received locally, but it took a TikTok video of Fix customer and food influencer Maria Vehera breaking apart and munching on these colorful and decadent creations for it to become the global sensation it is today. Since publishing the video on TikTok in 2024, it's received 126.5 million views and inspired countless foodies, chocolatiers, and even popular grocery chains to come up with their own versions. Since 500 chocolate bars a day isn't nearly enough to satisfy the global demand for Dubai chocolate, we've done a bit of research on where to buy Dubai chocolate in the U.S., including how much it costs. Local chocolate shops and online vendors sell high-quality dupes for around $25, only $5 more than Fix. Additionally, the wholesale giant, Costco, has created a new box of chocolate to mimic the viral treat. We've even come up with our own Dubai chocolate recipe to try at home. Pistachio cream like this Gusto Etna pistachio butter, UniqBite toasted kataifi, and even premade Gusto Etna Dubai pistachio chocolate bar filling are all available for purchase on Amazon. These chocolate bars are in such high demand that we've covered rumors of it causing a pistachio shortage. You can always opt for more plentiful fillings like Biscoff cookie butter or Nutella and brownie filings that are also part of Fix's delectable chocolate creations. Read the original article on Tasting Table.
NDTV
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Bizarre Food Combo Of Nutella With Fried Rice Gets Mixed Reactions From Foodies
The world of culinary experimentation never ceases to amaze us. With unusual food pairings constantly popping up online, some innovative combinations impress while others leave us scratching our heads. Recently, we stumbled upon a new contender of bizarre food fusions. Food blogger Calvin Lee dared to try Nutella fried rice, sharing his unconventional adventure on Instagram. In the clip, Calvin adds Nutella to the cooked white rice and cracks raw eggs in the bowl. Then, he adds garlic, soya sauce, chilli oil and veggies to the mix and cooks it for some time. Also Read: Bizarre Combo Of Ice Cream, Chocolate And Upma Goes Viral. Foodies React To Its Name His verdict? Surprisingly enthusiastic. 'Nutella and chilli oil go so well together and even better when fried," Calvin remarks, describing the taste as 'perfectly balanced.' Watch the full viral video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Calvin Lee | Singapore Foodie (@foodmakescalhappy) The Nutella and fried rice combination got a mixed reaction from the foodie community. One user wrote, "I don't know, but it looks good, not gonna lie." Another added, "I'm gonna wash my eyes." Someone else joked, "I am pretty sure an Italian assassination team is already on its way to your home." "I was wondering if you finished all the weird food... it is kind of a waste of food if you throw it away...I hope you don't waste food," remarked a user. "Bro should have added some olives, it will taste nicer," read a comment. A viewer wrote, "With all the rally and voting happening, I'm gonna vote you to be our leader of any food!" Amid this, some users were busy suggesting the food vlogger try some strange combinations of their own. The options included vegemite fried rice, banana with cheese and more. What do you think of this unique food combination? Would you like to try it? Share with us in the comment section below!
