We all love the sweet taste of the popular creamy delight that we call Nutella, but is it too good to be true? I spend so many days eating just about anything with Nutella, thinking that it is the healthiest option, but is it really? I figured the easiest way to find the real details was to go to the source itself, the Nutella website. The Nutella website offers a variety of information spanning from their ingredients to the different ways to use this sensational spread.
The Ingredients
I decided to start by researching the ingredients in Nutella. Nutella is made of sugar, palm oil, hazelnut, cocoa, milk, lecithin, and vanillin. The sugar in Nutella is NGM, which means that it is “non-genetically modified,” and is better for the body. Palm oil prevents a process called hydrogenation that creates unhealthy trans fats. The hazelnuts are processed in each Ferrero factory, and because of this they can clean, cut, and roast the hazelnut to get a 100% natural and smooth outcome.
The cocoa is created naturally through the processing of the natural raw cocoa beans and turning them into cocoa powder. The use of skim milk and milk powder is tested on a daily basis by “taste-testers” to ensure the quality is the best it can be. Lecithin is taken from soy beans, and the Ferrero group only uses it if it is NGM and traceable.
Because of the low dosages supplied, Nutella uses a very systematic and specific system to supply the vanillin in certain amounts that is conservative and tasteful. These ingredients are the freshest and most natural found, which contributes to a healthier food option.
The Nutrition Label
The nutrition label of Nutella can be both alarming and pleasing to a fanatic. There is a total of 3.5 grams of saturated fat in a single serving of Nutella. At the same time, a serving contains 21 grams of sugar, which is equivalent to five teaspoons. Because of these measurements, it is better to limit your intake of Nutella.
There are some perks to Nutella, though. Sarah Ipatenco from healthyeating.com says that it is heart healthy due to the iron, calcium, and fiber found in a serving. There is 1 gram of fiber found in a serving, which is 4% of the amount a woman would need and 3% of the amount a man would need in a day. This fiber helps protect and maintain cholesterol levels, which in turn protects the heart. Additionally, the iron and calcium found, both 4% of the daily need, are good for the immune system and regulating blood pressure.
Final Thoughts
With the information given, I would say that Nutella can either be your worst enemy or your best friend. It is best to space out the intake of Nutella due to the sugars and fats found in a serving, but it is good to incorporate into your life for the protective services of the fiber, iron, and calcium found in it. Just remember to be smart with portion control when it comes to the savory, silken spread.