Out of Nutella, one case
Healthy Nutella substitute: nutritious alternatives
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Date-sweetened chocolate spread
Same amount as the Nutella
The best healthy Nutella substitutes are homemade versions with dates, almond butter + cocoa powder, or avocado + cocoa powder. These options are lower in sugar, higher in nutrients, and provide similar taste and texture.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- spreading
One casethe full Nutella card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Nutella | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Date-sweetened chocolate spreadspreading | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Almond butter + cocoa powder + honeyspreading | Same amountMix ¾ cup almond butter with ¼ cup cocoa powder and 1-2 tbsp honeyTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Avocado + cocoa powder + maple syrupspreading | Same amountBlend 1 ripe avocado with ¼ cup cocoa powder and 2-3 tbsp maple syrupTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Tahini + cocoa powder + datesspreading | Same amountMix ½ cup tahini with ¼ cup cocoa powder and ¼ cup date pasteTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Cashew butter + cocoa powder + coconut oilspreading | Same amountMix ¾ cup cashew butter with ¼ cup cocoa powder and 1-2 tbsp coconut oilTweak it | Tweak it |
Date-sweetened chocolate spread
similar taste and texture
Natural sweetener using dates instead of refined sugar. Rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants while providing similar sweetness to Nutella.
- Best for
- spreading, baking, when you want natural sweetness, high-fiber diet, antioxidant-rich foods
Blend 1 cup pitted dates with ¼ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup hazelnut butter, and 2-3 tbsp water until smooth. No added sugar needed - dates provide natural sweetness.
Almond butter + cocoa powder + honey
different taste, similar texture
Nutrient-dense combination using almond butter as the base. Higher in protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E compared to Nutella.
- Best for
- spreading, baking, high-protein diet, when you want almond flavor, nutrient-dense foods
Almond butter is higher in protein and vitamin E than hazelnuts. Mix with cocoa powder and a small amount of honey for sweetness. Rich in monounsaturated fats.
Avocado + cocoa powder + maple syrup
different taste, similar texture
Creamy, nutrient-rich spread using avocado as the base. High in healthy fats, fiber, and potassium while being naturally creamy.
- Best for
- spreading, when you want creamy texture, high-fiber diet, healthy fats, quick preparation
Avocado provides creamy texture without nuts. Blend until smooth and use immediately. High in monounsaturated fats and fiber. Best consumed fresh.
Tahini + cocoa powder + dates
different taste, similar texture
Sesame seed-based spread that's rich in calcium, iron, and healthy fats. Provides a unique nutty flavor similar to hazelnuts.
- Best for
- spreading, when you want sesame flavor, high-calcium diet, iron-rich foods, nut-free option
Tahini is made from sesame seeds and is rich in calcium and iron. Mix with cocoa powder and date paste for natural sweetness. Nut-free option.
Cashew butter + cocoa powder + coconut oil
different taste, similar texture
Creamy, naturally sweet spread using cashew butter. Lower in sugar than Nutella while providing similar creaminess and taste.
- Best for
- spreading, baking, when you want cashew flavor, naturally sweet, creamy texture
Cashew butter is naturally sweeter than other nut butters, so you need less added sweetener. Mix with cocoa powder and coconut oil for creaminess.
How it behaves in this recipe
Healthy Nutella substitutes work because they use whole food ingredients and natural sweeteners instead of refined sugar and processed oils. They provide similar taste and texture while offering better nutritional value.
Tips for substituting Nutella
5 tips- For healthy substitutes, use natural sweeteners like dates, honey, or maple syrup instead of refined sugar
- When making homemade versions, blend ingredients until completely smooth for best texture
- The key to healthy Nutella substitutes is using whole food ingredients and natural sweeteners
- Common mistakes to avoid: using too much sweetener, not blending thoroughly, using processed ingredients
- For best results, store homemade healthy substitutes in the refrigerator and use within 1-2 weeks
Notes on Nutella
- Use different nut butters (almond, cashew, walnut) for varied nutrient profiles
- Try adding superfoods like chia seeds or hemp hearts for extra nutrition
- Experiment with different natural sweeteners (dates, honey, maple syrup, stevia) for varying sweetness levels
Questions
5 questionsWhat is the healthiest substitute for Nutella?
The healthiest substitute is homemade date-sweetened chocolate spread. It uses dates for natural sweetness, provides fiber and antioxidants, and contains no refined sugar.
Can I make a healthy Nutella substitute at home?
Yes, blend 1 cup pitted dates with ¼ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup hazelnut butter, and 2-3 tbsp water until smooth. This provides natural sweetness and nutrients without refined sugar.
Is there a low-sugar Nutella substitute?
Yes, use avocado + cocoa powder + maple syrup, or almond butter + cocoa powder + honey. These options are naturally lower in sugar while providing similar taste and texture.
What's the best nut-free healthy Nutella substitute?
For nut-free options, try tahini + cocoa powder + dates, or avocado + cocoa powder + maple syrup. These provide similar creaminess and taste without nuts.
How do I make a protein-rich Nutella substitute?
Use almond butter + cocoa powder + honey. Almond butter is higher in protein than hazelnuts and provides similar creaminess. You can also add protein powder to any homemade version.