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  • Are you a Nutella fan? Do you love its chocolate and hazelnut flavours? Created 50 years ago, Nutella now sells its products in more than 75 countries. But did you know this spread only has a few ingredients that are actually good for health?

    Now that you can’t ignore its nutritional value anymore, switch out your shop-bought chocolate and hazelnut spread for a healthy alternative. You’ll see they have nutrients, are trendy, and most of all delicious!

    Nutella’s History

    The forerunner of Nutella was created in 1946, just after the Second World War, when Pietro Ferrero made a paste with hazelnuts, sugar, and a little bit of cocoa. In 1951, the product was transformed into a spread, the SuperCrema.

    It’s in 1964 that the official Nutella hazelnut spread is created. Since then, an enormous quantity of Nutella is produced each year to meet consumer demand.

    Did you know…

    that the yearly amount of Nutella produced is equivalent to the weight of the Empire State Building?

    The Ingredients

    Sugar, which appears at the top of the list, is the main ingredient of this product. Indeed, 55% of the mixture is sugar. The remaining percentage includes palm oil, hazelnuts, milk, cocoa, lecithin, and vanillin.

    Not only does a big refined sugar intake increases chances of developing glycemia, but it also accumulates in the form of body fat. As for palm oil, it is a saturated fat which means we should limit our consumption to less than 10% of the total daily calorie value.

    In the original Nutella recipe, palm oil is used to create the rich creamy texture. Hazelnuts are however a source of protein and monounsaturated fats, which the body needs to properly function. Milk is also rich in protein and has a high calcium content.

    Nutrition Facts of Nutella

    For 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of Nutella:

    Calories 200 | Lipids 11 g | Saturated fats 4 g | Sodium 15 mg | Carbohydrates 22 g | Fibers 1 g | Protein 2 g

    The Best Healthy Alternative to Nutella

    BPT suggests this healthy alternative that you and your family will surely love! Not only is it delicious, but it also contains less calories, lipids, carbohydrates, and very few saturated fats. Caution! It’s so good you might become addicted!

    Chocolate and date spread

    Servings: 12
    Prep time: 10 minutes
    Cooking time: 5 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 180 g (1 cup) of Medjool dates, pitted
    • 375 ml (1 ½ cup) of water
    • 85 ml (⅓ cup) of cocoa
    • 125 ml (½ cup) of hazelnut or natural peanut butter
    • 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) of vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • In a pan, put the dates in water.
    • Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 5 minutes or until water is absorbed.
    • Remove from heat and add the cocoa, peanut butter, and vanilla extract.
    • With a hand blender, puree the ingredients until smooth.
    • Keep in the refrigerator.

    Nutrition Facts

    For 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of chocolate and date spread:

    Calories 110 | Lipids 5 g | Saturated fats 0.7 g | Sodium 0 mg | Carbohydrates 14 g | Fibers 1.5 g | Protein 1.5 g

    When Nutella markets its products as being made with simple and high-quality ingredients, they only refer to hazelnuts and milk. But the main ingredients, such as sugar or palm oil, are often forgotten.

    GOOD TO KNOW: According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, women and children should not consume more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day, while men should limit themselves to 9 teaspoons. By eating 2 spoons of Nutella in a day, a woman or child would exceed the recommended amount.