Does Nutella Have Gluten?

Last Updated on July 4, 2024

Nutella is one of the most popular household staple foods. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, putting it into a sandwich, or putting it on top of pancakes – it’s versatile and loved by many. But is it gluten free?

What Is Nutella?

Nutella is a brand name introduced by the company, Ferrero. It’s been around almost 60 years! Whilst it’s more commonly known as Nutella, it’s really just a chocolate and hazelnut spread. However, the main ingredients in Nutella are neither chocolate or hazelnut – in fact, it’s mostly sugar and palm oil!

There are so many ways you can use Nutella, including:

  • waffles
  • pancakes
  • cheesecake
  • sandwiches
  • apples
  • smores
  • strawberries
  • brownies

– and so much more! What do you like spreading your Nutella on?

The jars come in a range of shapes and sizes and Nutella have so many products on offer at affordable prices, in almost every grocery store you’ll visit!

 what is nutella

Is Nutella Gluten-Free?

Let’s take a closer look at Nutella and whether it’s suitable for consumption following the celiac lifestyle. The ingredients in Nutella include, “Sugar, Palm Oil, Hazelnuts, Skimmed Milk Powder, Cocoa, Lecithins (Soya) and Vanillin”. As you can see, the only allergens in the list are hazelnuts, milk, and soya.

Ferrero itself have stated on their website that Nutella doesn’t contain any gluten-containing cereals, including wheat, rye, barley or oats.

However, the brand is not certified gluten-free. This means that it has not been through vigorous testing and met strict guidelines set by the FDA to ensure it’s safety for us. There could be a chance of cross-contact; whereby gluten-free foods come into contact with gluten-containing foods. If this happens, the product would no longer be safe to eat.

Whilst it is usually safe and rated a 9/10 for how safe it is to eat on The Gluten Free Bar Food List, there have been reports of celiacs being ill after eating Nutella. If your intolerance is extremely sensitive, or you live with celiac disease – it may be best to avoid Nutella.

If you have had a good (or bad) experience with Nutella, please let us know in the comments below. The more responses we get, the better! But never fear, there are plenty of other gluten-free alternatives!

Gluten-Free Alternatives

There are plenty of other options to try if Nutella isn’t for you. Let’s have a round-up of the best on offer! I’ll even include a chocolate spread (no hazelnuts) because you may be one of the unicorns in the world (like me), who can’t stand hazelnuts!

Pyure Organic Hazelnut Spread

This Pyure Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa has an incredible 90% less sugar than Nutella! If you’re looking for a low sugar brand, this is most definitely the spread for you. It’s also suitable if you’re following keto, it’s vegan, peanut-free, contains no palm oil, and is organic – amazing!

The main ingredients are organic vegetable oils and fats, organic tapioca fiber, and organic hazelnuts. It’s perfect for pretzels, waffles, and fruit.

Lindt Hazelnut Chocolate Spread 

Lindt is one of the most popular chocolate suppliers in Europe. When they brought out their Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, the world rejoiced. Especially the gluten-free community! For it is gluten-free. If you like your spread extremely nutty, this is the one for you. It has a staggering 25% ratio of hazelnuts per jar. That’s a whole lotta nuts!

The main ingredients are sugar, hazelnuts, vegetable oil, milk powder, and cocoa powder.

It’s also available in two flavors; rich, dark chocolate or creamy, milk chocolate – yummy!

Nutiva Organic Hazelnut Spread

Nutiva comes in two different flavors – organic dark and organic classic. It’s readily available in most grocery stores. Nutiva has 40% less sugar in than Nutella, making it the far healthier option between the two. It’s also vegan and non-GMO!

The main ingredients are superfoods such as flaxseed, coconut oil, and chia seeds – meaning it’s much better for you than Nutella is! It’s also full of fiber and Omega-3.

Nature’s Store Hazelnut Spread

All of Nature’s Stores products are gluten-free – so there’s zero chance of cross-contact! It’s also dairy-free, palm oil-free, and vegan friendly. It comes in a convenient squeezy bottle or a jar. It specifically states that it’s suitable for celiacs, which also helps to give peace of mind.

The main ingredients are sugar, hazelnuts, and cocoa powder. This brand comes highly rated by the gluten-free community – which is always a good sign.

Cadbury Smooth Chocolate Spread

This has been, and always will be my ultimate chocolate spread. I am ashamed to admit, I used to eat this from the jar – as a snack! I’m not a lover of hazelnuts, and I’m sure there’s others like me out there. If you’re looking for smooth chocolatey goodness, this should be the one you choose!

There’s no denying – it’s terrible for you. It’s full of fat, sugar, and palm oil (much like Nutella), but it is oh so tasty. And worthy of treating yourself to every now and then.

The main ingredients are rapeseed oil, lactose, palm oil, and milk chocolate. So bad – but tastes so good.

How Do You Eat Yours?

Whilst we do have a lot of options available, it would be nice for Nutella to put a “gluten-free” label on display when purchasing their products; it would give everyone peace of mind and could mean many more people could enjoy it.

Learn more about: How To Make A Gluten Free Cake Mix Taste Better