Is Nutella healthy for you? A look at the ingredients

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Is nutella healthy for you? (Image via Unsplash / Joao Pedro Freitas)
Is nutella healthy for you? (Image via Unsplash / Joao Pedro Freitas)

Is Nutella healthy for you? You've probably heard that Nutella is one of the most delicious and addicting foods on earth. You might also have heard that it's full of sugar, which can lead to all sorts of health problems.

While it's true that Nutella is high in sugar, it also contains other ingredients that may be beneficial to your health.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at your question, 'is nutella healthy for you?' and whether you should include it in your diet.


The ingredients in Nutella

The primary ingredients are sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa powder, skimmed milk powder, whey protein concentrate, and lecithin. While some of these ingredients are beneficial, others may raise some concerns.

One of the most controversial ingredients in Nutella is palm oil. Palm oil is high in saturated fats, which can increase cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.

In addition, palm oil production has been linked to deforestation, habitat destruction, and the extinction of wildlife.

palm oil increases your chances of heart disease. (Image via Pexels / Ihsan Adityawarman)
palm oil increases your chances of heart disease. (Image via Pexels / Ihsan Adityawarman)

Another ingredient in Nutella that raises concerns is sugar. Nutella contains about 21 grams of sugar per serving, which is a significant amount. Excessive sugar intake has been linked to a variety of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease

excessive sugar can cause serious illness. (Image via Pexels / suzy hazelwood)
excessive sugar can cause serious illness. (Image via Pexels / suzy hazelwood)

How much sugar is in Nutella?

Nutella contains 55 percent sugar, which is more than most other chocolate spreads. It's also a sweet treat, not a healthy breakfast food.

If you're using Nutella in your morning routine as part of your diet and exercise plan, be sure to keep an eye on how much you're eating so that it doesn't become too much of a calorie bomb for your body to handle.

Is nutella healthy for you? (Image via Unsplash / Vania Asc)
Is nutella healthy for you? (Image via Unsplash / Vania Asc)

Can you eat "healthy" Nutella?

You can make your own healthy Nutella by replacing some of the ingredients in the original recipe.

opt for homemade hazelnut spread. (Image via Unsplash / Chris Tweten)
opt for homemade hazelnut spread. (Image via Unsplash / Chris Tweten)
  • Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup. This will make it more nutritious and lower in calories, but it will also change the flavor profile of your spread significantly!
  • Use coconut oil instead -this is a great option for those who want to keep their spread vegan-friendly as well as healthful!
  • Almond milk. If you're concerned about dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, this is a good option for you; however, note that nut-based milk tend not to have as much fat or protein as cow's milk does (though there are exceptions).
  • Substitute cocoa powder with carob powder--this will give your chocolatey treat a slightly different hue but maintain its delicious taste!

What is vanilla extract in the recipe?

Vanilla extract is a common ingredient in many recipes, including desserts and baked goods. It's made from vanilla beans that have been steeped in alcohol for several months. The resulting liquid can then be used in place of the actual bean to add flavor to your food.

There are some concerns about whether or not it's healthy for you since it contains alcohol, but it's generally considered safe if used in moderation (and not ingested excessively).


Is Nutella healthy for you to consume every day?

Nutella is not a healthy food, despite what you may have heard. It's high in sugar, fat and calories--more than a quarter of your daily allowance of each if you eat one tablespoon (which is easy to do). And that's before adding any other ingredients like bread or crackers!

is nutella healthy for you? - not good for your oral health. (Image via Pexels / Hershe Girl Go)
is nutella healthy for you? - not good for your oral health. (Image via Pexels / Hershe Girl Go)

If you are still wondering, 'Is Nutella healthy for you?', let's take a look at what too much sugar can do damage to your oral health. It can cause tooth decay and weight gain over time. You should only eat food with added sugar occasionally and definitely not every day or even once per week.

Nutella isn't even great as a breakfast choice either because it contains almost no fiber or protein: two nutrients that help keep you full until lunchtime without causing harmful spikes in blood sugar levels after eating them.

Is nutella healthy for you? Its not a great choice for breakfast. (Image via Pexels / Huy Phan)
Is nutella healthy for you? Its not a great choice for breakfast. (Image via Pexels / Huy Phan)

So, is Nutella healthy for you? The answer is not straightforward. While Nutella does contain some beneficial ingredients, it's also high in sugar and palm oil, which may have negative health effects.

Eating Nutella in moderation as part of a balanced diet is unlikely to harm your health. However, consuming excessive amounts of Nutella may lead to health problems in the long run.

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