7 Best Nutella Alternatives That Actually Taste Better Than The Original

Key Takeaways

• TBH leads with 50% hazelnut content versus Nutella’s 13%, delivering genuine nut flavor that transforms spreads from sugar vehicles into protein-rich alternatives
• Justin’s reduces sugar to 8g per serving compared to Nutella’s 21g while maintaining creamy texture through 30% organic hazelnuts
• Nocciolata eliminates palm oil entirely using Italian sunflower oil and cocoa butter from sustainable cooperatives
• Premium alternatives cost $8-15 per jar but provide 2-3x more hazelnuts and eliminate artificial ingredients
• Artisana preserves 40,000 ORAC antioxidants through raw processing versus Nutella’s heat-treated cocoa losing 90% of beneficial compounds

1. Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter – Best Overall Alternative

Justin’s revolutionizes chocolate spreads from their Boulder, Colorado facility by dry-roasting 30% organic Oregon hazelnuts at precise temperatures that develop caramelized flavors while their Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa maintains natural antioxidants, creating spreads that deliver authentic taste with 7g protein per serving versus Nutella’s 2g.

Product Specifications:

• 30% organic hazelnuts from Pacific Northwest farms
• 8g sugar per 37g serving (62% less than Nutella)
• Palm oil-free using sustainable palm fruit oil
• $8.99 per 16oz jar at Whole Foods, Target, Kroger
• Non-GMO Project Verified with gluten-free certification

Why Justin’s Beats Nutella: Justin’s transforms breakfast spreads through genuine nut content that provides sustained energy rather than sugar crashes. Their 30% hazelnuts deliver vitamin E, magnesium, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats while organic cane sugar at 35% total content prevents the blood glucose spikes caused by Nutella’s 56.3% refined sugar composition.

Where Nutella Falls Short

Sugar Overload Creating Energy Crashes: Nutella contains 56.3% sugar as its primary ingredient, delivering 21g per serving that causes rapid blood glucose elevation followed by crashes. Justin’s reduces sugar to 8g using organic cane sugar that metabolizes slower, providing steady energy without the 3pm slump.

Minimal Hazelnut Content: Nutella’s 13% hazelnuts barely qualify as nut spread, relying on sugar and palm oil for volume. Justin’s 30% hazelnuts provide genuine nut flavor, 7g protein, and beneficial nutrients including 4mg vitamin E supporting immune function.

Environmental Palm Oil Issues: Despite RSPO certification, Nutella’s palm oil contributes to deforestation with Greenpeace documenting continued habitat loss in Indonesia. Justin’s eliminates conventional palm oil using sustainable alternatives that protect rainforest ecosystems.

2. TBH (To Be Honest) Hazelnut Cocoa Spread – Highest Nut Content

TBH disrupts the category with revolutionary 50% Turkish hazelnut content that positions chocolate as accent rather than foundation, creating protein-rich spreads with 8g per serving that satisfy hunger while delivering genuine nut flavor impossible in sugar-dominated alternatives.

Premium Formulation:

• 50% dry-roasted Turkish Giresun hazelnuts
• Organic coconut sugar with 35% lower glycemic index
• Virgin coconut oil providing MCT energy
• 5g net carbs supporting ketogenic diets
• $14.99 per 10oz jar at Sprouts, Amazon

Superior Nutrition Profile: TBH’s minimal ingredient list—hazelnuts, coconut sugar, cocoa, coconut oil, salt—eliminates industrial additives while maximizing nutrition. Each serving provides 21g healthy fats including omega-3s, 8g complete protein, and only 5g net carbs making it suitable for paleo, Whole30, and low-carb lifestyles.

Where TBH Falls Short

Intense Nut Flavor Overwhelming Chocolate: The 50% hazelnut content creates predominantly nutty spreads where chocolate becomes subtle background note. Consumers expecting balanced chocolate-hazelnut harmony find TBH too nut-forward for traditional applications like spreading on crepes or mixing into milk.

Premium Pricing Limiting Accessibility: At $14.99 for 10oz, TBH costs $2.40 per ounce versus Nutella’s $0.35, creating nearly 7x price differential. Families consuming spreads daily face $45 monthly costs that strain budgets despite superior nutrition.

Grainy Texture From High Nut Content: Even extensive stone-grinding cannot achieve industrial smoothness with 50% nuts, producing slightly granular consistency. Children accustomed to silky Nutella often reject TBH’s natural texture.

3. Nocciolata Organic Hazelnut Spread – Best Organic Choice

Rigoni di Asiago crafts Nocciolata in Northern Italy using 16% Tonda Romana hazelnuts from certified organic groves combined with cocoa beans sourced through direct partnerships ensuring farmers receive 40% above commodity prices while maintaining biodiversity through shade-grown cultivation.

Organic Excellence:

• 16% Italian IGP certified hazelnuts
• USDA Organic and EU Organic certifications
• Cold-pressed sunflower oil replacing palm oil
• Raw cane sugar preserving trace minerals
• $11.99 per 9.52oz jar at Whole Foods

Clean Ingredient Profile: Nocciolata’s commitment to organic agriculture eliminates synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and artificial processing aids. Their cocoa undergoes traditional fermentation methods versus Dutch processing, preserving flavonoids that support cardiovascular health while maintaining rich chocolate notes.

Where Nocciolata Falls Short

Limited Retail Availability: Nocciolata distribution remains concentrated in natural food stores and online, lacking presence in conventional supermarkets. Justin’s offers nationwide availability at Walmart, Target, and Kroger providing easier regular access.

Runnier Consistency From Sunflower Oil: The sunflower oil base creates thinner texture that drips from vertical surfaces and separates in storage. Palm oil alternatives maintain better stability for sandwich applications without messy dripping.

Higher Cost Without Proportional Benefits: At $1.26 per ounce, Nocciolata costs 40% more than Justin’s despite similar 16% hazelnut content. The organic premium doesn’t translate to superior taste or nutrition justifying price differential.

4. Nutiva Organic Hazelnut Spread – Best Value Organic

Nutiva leverages supply chain efficiency to deliver organic spreads at $7.99 per 13oz, making clean ingredients accessible through direct relationships with farmers and minimal packaging that reduces costs without compromising quality.

Value Engineering:

• 14% organic European hazelnuts
• Fair Trade certified cocoa from Ghana cooperatives
• Coconut sugar providing minerals and lower glycemic impact
• Sustainable red palm oil from Colombia
• Flaxseed adding 500mg omega-3 ALA

Sustainability Leadership: As a certified B Corporation, Nutiva demonstrates environmental commitment through carbon-neutral shipping, glass packaging reducing plastic waste, and 1% of sales supporting regenerative agriculture projects worldwide.

Where Nutiva Falls Short

Red Palm Oil Flavor Issues: Despite sustainable sourcing, red palm oil imparts distinct earthy notes many find unpleasant. The orange tint also creates visual differences from familiar brown spreads affecting children’s acceptance.

Minimal Hazelnut Improvement: At 14% hazelnuts, Nutiva barely exceeds Nutella’s 13%, failing to deliver meaningful flavor enhancement. Competitors offering 20-30% nuts provide noticeable taste advantages worth premium pricing.

Coconut Undertones Conflicting: Combined coconut sugar and oil create tropical notes that clash with traditional European flavor expectations. Classic spreads using cane sugar maintain more authentic profiles.

5. Artisana Organic Raw Hazelnut Cacao Spread – Best Raw Option

Artisana preserves maximum nutrition through raw processing below 118°F, maintaining enzymes and heat-sensitive compounds while sprouting hazelnuts increases bioavailability of nutrients by 30% compared to conventional roasting methods.

Raw Advantages:

• Sprouted hazelnuts improving digestibility
• Raw cacao preserving 40,000 ORAC value
• Coconut sugar processed without heat
• Live enzymes supporting gut health
• $13.99 per 8oz jar at natural stores

Nutritional Density: Raw processing maintains compounds destroyed by heat including vitamin C, B vitamins, and polyphenols. The spread delivers 285mg magnesium per 100g supporting energy production, muscle function, and stress management.

Where Artisana Falls Short

Six Month Shelf Life Requiring Planning: Raw spreads expire within 6 months versus 18-24 months for processed alternatives. Short windows increase waste potential and prevent bulk purchasing advantages during sales.

Mandatory Refrigeration Creating Hardness: After opening, Artisana requires refrigeration that solidifies coconut oil creating concrete-like texture. Users must remove jars 20 minutes before use or microwave portions defeating raw benefits.

Bitter Raw Cacao Flavor: Unroasted cacao delivers intense, astringent notes that differ markedly from familiar chocolate sweetness. Mainstream palates often find raw cacao unpleasantly bitter requiring acquired taste development.

6. Good & Gather Hazelnut Spread (Target) – Best Budget Alternative

Target’s private label delivers marginal improvements over Nutella at $3.99 per 13oz through responsible sourcing and cleaner processing while maintaining familiar flavor profiles that ease transition for price-conscious families.

Budget Features:

• 13% hazelnuts matching Nutella
• UTZ certified sustainable cocoa
• Cane sugar replacing high fructose corn syrup
• RSPO certified palm oil
• Available nationwide at 1,900+ Target stores

Incremental Improvements: Good & Gather eliminates artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives while maintaining competitive pricing through Target’s supply chain efficiency. Their satisfaction guarantee allows risk-free trials with easy returns.

Where Good & Gather Falls Short

No Innovation Beyond Sourcing: Good & Gather essentially duplicates Nutella’s formula with slightly better ingredients, missing opportunities to increase hazelnuts or reduce sugar. Premium alternatives offer substantial improvements justifying higher investment.

Generic Flavor Without Complexity: The spread delivers one-dimensional sweetness lacking depth found in artisan options. Sophisticated consumers seeking nuanced chocolate-hazelnut experiences find Good & Gather unremarkable.

Minimal Nutritional Advancement: Despite cleaner label, nutrition facts mirror Nutella with high sugar (20g) and low protein (2g). Health-conscious buyers gain negligible benefits choosing Good & Gather over original.

7. Rawtella – Best Allergen-Friendly Alternative

Rawtella accommodates multiple dietary restrictions using innovative formulations that eliminate dairy, gluten, soy, and refined sugars while maintaining indulgent texture through premium ingredients sourced globally.

Allergen Solutions:

• Dairy-free using coconut milk powder
• Gluten-free certified facilities
• Date sweetened eliminating refined sugars
• Organic cocoa from sustainable cocoa sourcing partners Africa
• $12.99 per 10oz jar

Dietary Compliance: Rawtella meets vegan, paleo, and Whole30 requirements while providing school-safe options for nut-sensitive environments. Their dedicated allergen-free facility prevents cross-contamination ensuring safety for sensitive individuals.

Where Rawtella Falls Short

Date Sweetness Creating Different Profile: Dates provide distinct fruity sweetness with caramel notes that diverge from chocolate spread expectations. The natural sugars also crystallize over time affecting smoothness.

Online-Only Distribution: Rawtella lacks retail presence requiring online ordering with shipping costs. Mainstream alternatives offer immediate grocery store availability without delivery fees or wait times.

Separation Requiring Mixing: Natural ingredients separate during storage requiring vigorous stirring before each use. Emulsified commercial spreads maintain consistency without user intervention.

Understanding Premium Cocoa’s Impact on Spread Quality

Superior chocolate-hazelnut spreads begin with exceptional cocoa beans, with artisan manufacturers sourcing from specialized suppliers who understand what cocoa beans are used for in premium confections. These beans undergo careful selection for specific flavor profiles—fruity Trinitario varieties complement hazelnuts while robust Forastero provides chocolate depth—creating complexity impossible with commodity cocoa.

The transportation and storage of premium beans proves equally critical, with jute bags for cocoa beans premium packaging solutions maintaining optimal 6-8% moisture content while preventing contamination during intercontinental shipping. These breathable natural fiber bags preserve delicate flavor compounds that distinguish artisan spreads from mass-produced alternatives using bulk commodity cocoa.

Premium spread manufacturers often source directly from Cameroon cocoa bean exporters who provide single-origin beans with traceable quality standards, ensuring consistent flavor profiles and sustainable farming practices that protect both environment and farmer livelihoods through fair pricing that exceeds commodity rates by 40-60%.

Making the Switch: Practical Transition Strategies

Successfully replacing Nutella requires gradual adjustment allowing palates to appreciate reduced sweetness and enhanced nut flavors while discovering optimal applications for different alternatives based on texture, sweetness, and intended use.

Week 1-2 Mixing Method: Combine chosen alternative with Nutella at 25/75 ratio, increasing alternative proportion daily. This prevents flavor shock while training preferences toward quality ingredients.

Week 3-4 Brand Exploration: Try different brands identifying favorites for specific uses—TBH for protein boost, Justin’s for baking, Nocciolata for fruit dipping. Document preferences creating personalized selection guide.

Week 5+ Full Integration: Establish new routines using alternatives exclusively, discovering recipe modifications and applications unavailable with conventional spreads. Most users report preferring alternatives after full transition period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Nutella alternative provides the best nutritional upgrade?

TBH delivers the most substantial nutritional improvement with 50% hazelnuts providing 8g protein and 5g net carbs per serving, while Justin’s offers the best balance with 30% nuts, 7g protein, and mainstream availability at $8.99 making healthy upgrades accessible.

Can children successfully transition from Nutella to healthier alternatives?

Justin’s provides the smoothest transition maintaining familiar sweetness while reducing sugar by 62%, though gradual mixing over 2-3 weeks helps adjust young palates, and involvement in selection process increases acceptance of new flavors and textures.

Are organic hazelnut spreads worth the premium price for daily use?

Organic options like Nocciolata eliminate pesticide residues and support sustainable agriculture for $3-4 more per jar, making them worthwhile for daily consumers, though conventional alternatives like Justin’s provide similar nutritional benefits at lower cost.

Which alternative works best for baking and cooking applications?

Justin’s maintains stability at baking temperatures with balanced sweetness that complements desserts without overpowering, while Nutiva’s coconut sugar adds caramel notes enhancing cookies and brownies, making both excellent Nutella substitutes in recipes.

How do palm oil-free alternatives maintain creamy texture?

Brands like Nocciolata use sunflower oil and cocoa butter combinations, while TBH employs coconut oil that solidifies at cool temperatures but melts smoothly when spread, and Justin’s sustainable palm fruit oil provides similar functionality without environmental concerns.