Justin's vs. Nutella vs. Nocciolata vs. Lindt Hazelnut Spread: Which to Choose?

What is the best chocolate hazelnut spread in the world?

It turns out that Nutella really is the best. 

Nutella has become synonymous with ‘chocolate spread’ around the world. 

Bread, waffles, crepes, cakes, brownies, ice cream, bacon – have all been smothered by this delightful Italian hazelnut chocolate creation.

From Gianduja to Nutella: A Short History of Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread

Though considered delectable by generations of children and adults, Nutella actually began as a shrewd business move. 

In the 1940s, due to World War II, cocoa was in short supply and expensive. Pietro Ferrero wanted to find a way to reduce costs.

However, Italy is rich in hazelnuts, so he came up with the idea of developing a cheaper confectionary by mixing hazelnuts with cocoa.

The concoction he created was sliced bread wrapped in foil. It's called Pasta Gianduja, named after a famous local carnival character.

Legend has it that during a particularly hot summer in 1949, the Gianduja melted in a warehouse and they were forced to transfer it to jars. Since then, Ferrero has changed the formula, making it softer and easier to apply, and calling it "Supercrema."

In 1962, Italy passed a law prohibiting the use of superlative designations (such as super-, ultra-, stra-) for consumer products. Ferrero had to choose a new brand name: "Nutella", a combination of the English word "nut", from the typically Italian ingredient hazelnut in the gianduja, and the Italian positive-sounding suffix "ella".

Over the next few years, Nutella sauce became something of a myth, quickly becoming a global hit.

Nutella, the spread that made hazelnuts famous

Based in the northern Italian town of Alba, Ferrero is one of the largest candy-makers of its kind, exporting treats including the Ferrero Rocher hazelnut delight, the coconut-encrusted Raffaello, the chocolate-encased cherry Mon Cheri, the Kinder Surprise chocolate egg and the Tic Tac breath mint.

It was Nutella, a thick spread of chocolate and hazelnut, that truly captivated the world’s taste buds.

Nutella is a global phenomenon, produced in 11 factories worldwide and consumed in over 150 countries. 

Every year since 2007, people across the globe celebrate 5 February as World Nutella Day. 

Thousands of bloggers and fans worldwide celebrate Italy’s edible treasure with online and offline tributes.

The French Nutella and the German Nutella are different

One Jar of Nutella is sold every 2.5 seconds throughout the world – that’s how popular it is now. 

Do you know?

Nutella is also made differently for different markets to increase the convenience of use.

The French version has a creamier and smoother consistency, while the German version has a richer and dense consistency. 

This is because of the type of bread native to these places; French bread is generally softer and fluffier, hence the creamy version, since the harder chocolate would be difficult to spread.

The German Nutella complements the rather coarse and dense German breads. 

Besides the most famous Nutella, there are of course other brands of hazelnut spreads! There are plenty of substitutes available for those who can’t have Nutella or don’t like the taste.

What are the most popular brands of hazelnut spread?

• Nutella

• Nocciolata 

• Justin’s

• Lindt’s

But lately, there have been challengers to the Ferrero-owned chocolate and hazelnut spread’s grocery aisle supremacy. They promise to be healthier, nuttier, less packed with palm oil or simply cheaper.

The latest and most visible of these is Swiss chocolatier Lindt’s hazelnut spread and the appealing brand recommended by some. 

But are they really better than Nutella?

Hazelnut Spreads Comparison: How Are They Different?

	Nutella	Nocciolata	Justin’s	Lindt’s
Flavor	charmingly sweet, not artificial aftertaste	rich hazelnut flavor that blends perfectly with the flavors of chocolate	less sweet and more nuttier flavor	more luxurious tasting with a full chocolate aroma
Texture	smooth and soft	a bit thinner and creamier	not as smooth as I expected like a soup with nuts	denser, drier and nuttier with a “very good” spoonfeel
Price	($3.93 - 13oz FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)	($8.49 - 9.52 oz FROM Vitacost - Get Up To 2% Cash Back)	($7.69 - 12oz FROM Target)	($8.99 - 7.1oz FROM Lindt - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)
Ingredient
Nutrition fact	Calories: 220 Fat: 12 grams Saturated Fat: 4 Protein: 2 grams	Calories: 190 Fat: 11 grams Saturated Fat: 2 grams Protein: 3 grams Sugar: 18 grams	Calories: 180 Fat: 14 grams Saturated Fat: 2 grams Protein: 4 grams Sugar: 8 grams
Pros
Cons

Editor's Tests & Reviews: The Best Hazelnut Cocoa Spreads, Ranked

1. Nutella

2. Nocciolata 

3. Lindt’s

4. Justin’s

#1. Nutella Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa 

Score: 90/100

Price: ($3.93 - 13oz FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

First off, Nutella has the perfect texture. It's very smooth and soft. This makes it very easy to spread.

It's good looking, shiny and appetizing.

It is slightly sticky and has a nice consistency. Spooning it directly onto a slice of toast or a loaf of bread, it's easy to put right in your mouth and has a lovely nutty flavor thanks to its 13% hazelnut content and a hint of vanilla.

Hazelnuts also add a crunchy texture.

It excelled in flavor tests. Both hazelnut and chocolate flavors are even, a little sweet, but charmingly sweet, not artificial aftertaste. The flavor comes in waves.

Some reviewers wish it didn't use palm oil. Nutella was the least healthy of the spreads tested. This is because it has the highest content of saturated fat. The product has the highest sugar content, only 13% hazelnuts, and certainly not much real chocolate.

Most, however, stand behind the claim that it's rich, sweet, and smooth. Tastes great with toast, pancakes, rice cakes, pretzels, muffins, and fruit. Plus, they say it's a great cake filling, and it goes with everything from peanut butter to bacon, too!

#2. Rigoni di Asiago Nocciolata Organic Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa & Milk

Score: 87/100

Price: ($8.49 - 9.52 oz FROM Vitacost - Get Up To 2% Cash Back)

This Nocciolata spread has the best flavor on the list. It has a rich hazelnut flavor that blends perfectly with the flavors of chocolate.

In terms of consistency and texture, Nocciolata is quite similar to Nutella. However, it has a richer flavor thanks to the addition of cocoa.

The toasted hazelnut flavor is more pronounced and it has a generous amount of nuts. 

When you think of a chocolate spread, you will most often think of Ferrero Nutella. However, Nocciolata is a creamier version that is more like a sauce rather than as spread. It is smooth because it is slowly and carefully processed according to the oldest traditions.

Starting out in 1923 with Nonna Elisa's honey production, Riogin di Asiago has been committed to organic ingredients and environmental sustainability from the very start. Nocciolata Chocolate Hazelnut Spread contains only organic ingredients, no added aromas, or artificial colorants. 

And if you've been looking for hazelnut spread without palm oil, you've found it. Plus, it’s also dairy free, though there is a dairy version available as well.

Interestingly, the first ingredient listed is cane sugar, which makes sense since this spread has the most sugar of any on this list at 18 grams (which is still 3 grams less than Nutella). This was one of the sweeter options, and deemed the most similar to Nutella.

And it’s also made with hazelnut paste instead of hazelnuts, like many of the other spreads on this list.

The consistency is a bit thinner and creamier than Nutella. Many people said it's rich, chocolatey, and smooth. Some people ate it with crepes, toast, and ice cream, whereas others use it as a chocolate dip for apples. 

#3. Classic Recipe 25% Hazelnut Chocolate Spread

Score: 85/100

Price: ($8.99 - 7.1oz FROM Lindt - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

Swiss chocolatier and confectionery company Lindt has launched a spread made of chocolate and hazelnuts. 

According to the product description, the spread was prepared using a method that was fine-tuned by the Lindt Maitres Chocolatiers, resulting in a "perfectly smooth" mixture with a full chocolate aroma.

This brand is soft and spreads beautifully. The spread is rich, glossy and perfectly sweet.

It was described as smooth, not sickly sweet; denser, drier and nuttier with a “very good” spoonfeel.

Less sugary and more luxurious tasting, this adult-friendly spread will make you feel as though you’ve moved forward with your life.

The Swiss candy company known for its iconic truffles is adding some luxury flair to their hazelnut spread, using “gourmet” Swiss chocolate and containing 25% hazelnuts, compared to Nutella’s 13%.

It's also made with dark chocolate, so it's a good option for people who like an intense flavor. 

Additionally, it makes a great healthier substitute for Nutella! It has a lower saturated fat and sugar content. It does have higher calories, but it also is higher in protein compared to Nutella. 

So if we weigh up the negatives v benefits I’d say it’s a better product. Of course, it was the most "expensive" tasting due to the quality and portion of the ingredients.

Spread it on freshly baked sourdough, put a few dollops into your smoothie bowls or drizzle it over your pancakes for breakfast. The creamy spread can be enjoyed in so many ways – think milkshakes, puddings and brownies – and even paired with your favourite cut of steak.

#4. Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter

Score: 80/100

Price: ($7.69 - 12oz FROM Target)

Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter has a special guest appearance from the almonds! Almonds are there, albeit in small quantities. The almond flavor is also subtle.

“We were getting a ton of feedback that it was just too hazelnutty. Since our chocolate spreads contain 70% nut and others contain only around 10% nuts, people just weren’t used to the robust hazelnut taste. We cut in almonds to round out the flavor.”

It is slightly less sweet and has a more nuttier flavor than the others.

It has 50% less sugar than most hazelnut spreads and is made with organic ingredients.

It looks very different from other brands, like a soup with nuts.

Therefore, it also tastes very grainy. Some people like it, some people hate it.

Like most hazelnut butter, Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter is high in fat.

However, the fat content is mostly healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

This butter is also a good source of fiber, protein, and vitamins E and B.

So, if you are looking for a healthier alternative to Nutella, Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter is a good choice.

Just be aware that it is high in fat and calories, so enjoy it in moderation.

Since its ingredients are top-notch, it is also more expensive.

If you’re looking for something very nutty, with a thick texture and just a hint of sweetness, give it a shot.

Nutella vs Nocciolata vs Lindt’s vs Justin’s: Ingredients Comparison

#1.        Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut and Almond Butter

Ingredients:

Dry Roasted Hazelnuts, Dry Roasted Almonds, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa, Organic Cocoa Butter, Palm Oil, Vanilla Powder, Sea Salt.

#2.        Lindt Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Spread

Ingredients: 

sugar, Italian HAZELNUTS (25%), vegetable oil (sunflower, safflower, rice), skimmed MILK powder, low-fat cocoa, cocoa butter, anhydrous BUTTER, emulsifier (SOY lecithin). It may contain ALMONDS and other NUTS. GLUTEN FREE. Palm oil free.
Allergens: Contains hazelnuts, milk, butter, soy. It may contain other nuts.

#3.        Nocciolata Organic Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa & Milk

Ingredients: 

Cane Sugar*, Hazelnut Paste*, Sunflower Oil*, Skim Milk Powder*, Cocoa Powder*, Cocoa Butter*, Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Vanilla Flavoring. *from Organic Farming. May Contain Traces of Other Nuts.

#4.        Nutella Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa

Ingredients:

Sugar, Palm Oil, Hazelnuts, Cocoa, Skim Milk, Whey (Milk), Lecithin as Emulsifier (Soy), Vanillin: An Artificial Flavor.

##.        Our conclusions:

Ferrero is the world's largest user of hazelnuts, using nearly 25 percent of global production. There are an estimated 97 hazelnuts in a 750g jar of Nutella. 

You have to go to the UK site for Nutella to see the percentage of each ingredient — U.S. labeling doesn’t include it — but if you head on over there, you can see that Nutella is about 13 percent hazelnuts. 

Lindt’s spread, meanwhile, is a whopping 25-40 percent hazelnuts. 

The rest of the ingredients are quite similar — there’s skimmed milk powder, cocoa, sugar, vanilla, and soya lecithin in both, although Lindt uses cocoa butter, while Nutella has palm oil — but that difference in hazelnut percentage is likely to provide quite a different tasting experience. 

Maybe each spread just appeals to different people depending on how heavy they like their hazelnut flavor.

JUSTIN'S® Chocolate Hazelnut & Almond Butter contain almonds and hazelnuts. The first two ingredients listed are dry roasted hazelnuts and dry roasted almonds, which explains the nutty flavor. Even though the first ingredient is dry-roasted nuts, I might be less tempted to give Justin's a high ranking because of its not-so-smooth texture.

Nutella vs Nocciolata vs Lindt’s vs Justin’s: Nutrients Comparison

The serving size for all four brands is 2 tablespoons, which makes comparison easy.

Justin’s fares better for fiber and protein (more) and sugar and calories (less).  

##.        Our conclusions:

Most chocolate hazelnut spreads are similar in calories, fat, saturated fat and protein.

Sugar, however, is a point of divergence for these brands. The first food on the ingredient list for Nutella, Lindt and Nocciolata is sugar or organic cane sugar. Lindt has 19 grams and Nocciolata has 17 grams. Both brands have less sugar than Nutella.

Justin's is the only variety to list dry-roasted hazelnuts as the first ingredient. Sugar comes in third. Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Spread has 8 grams of sugar per serving, about 1/3 the sugar of Nutella.

Enjoy the spread the way you like it. Just be mindful of how much sugar it adds to your daily total.

Make your morning cocoa hazelnut spread less sugar and focus on incorporating it into a balanced breakfast if you switch to Justin's.

Serve a serving on 100% whole wheat toast or drizzled over homemade strawberry oatmeal for an easy treat.

Nutella vs Nocciolata vs Lindt’s vs Justin’s: Cost Comparison

Although the taste and texture of Nutella are quite satisfactory, there is no particularly strong chocolate flavor, nor is there a particularly strong nutty flavor. The quality is average, but the price is cheap, no wonder it has become a staple food for sweet tooth lovers in more than 150 countries around the world.

We found the cheapest Justin's at Target, but they still cost $7.69 a can. Not cheap, but not the most expensive either.

For the highest quality and most luxurious scent, pay upwards of $8 for Nocciolata and Lindt.

What makes it expensive is the use of the highest quality ingredients without sacrificing taste, for example Nocciolata is composed of organic ingredients, while Lindt's luscious chocolate is almost irresistible.

Uses for Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: They Can Almost Do It All

Chocolate hazelnut spread has both the nutty flavor of hazelnuts and the sweet flavor of chocolate. It is generally creamy in texture and looks shiny and appetizing.

People love chocolate and spreading it on other food items also it makes your simple food into an exotic dessert.

Spread it on bread, cakes, cookies, toast, waffles, muffins, pancakes, donuts, fruit and smoothies to enhance the taste.

It is a great ingredient to create a variety of desserts. You can use it to make smoothies, cookies, pancakes, waffles, muffins, chocolate bars with peanut butter and much more. Make your plain chocolate cake into an exotic hazelnut spread cake by adding a layer of it.

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($3.93 - 13oz FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

($8.99 - 7.1oz FROM Lindt - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

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