Out of Nutella, one case
Nutella substitutes without palm oil
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread (coconut oil)
Same amount as the Nutella
The best palm oil-free Nutella substitutes are homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread with coconut oil, almond butter + cocoa powder, or store-bought brands that use sustainable oils. These options provide similar taste and texture without palm oil.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- spreading
One casethe full Nutella card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Nutella | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread (coconut oil)spreading | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Almond butter + cocoa powder + coconut oilspreading | Same amountMix ¾ cup almond butter with ¼ cup cocoa powder and 1-2 tbsp coconut oilTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Cashew butter + cocoa powder + avocado oilspreading | Same amountMix ¾ cup cashew butter with ¼ cup cocoa powder and 1-2 tbsp avocado oilTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Tahini + cocoa powder + olive oilspreading | Same amountMix ½ cup tahini with ¼ cup cocoa powder and 1-2 tbsp olive oilTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Store-bought palm oil-free chocolate spreadspreading | Same amountWorks | Works |
Homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread (coconut oil)
similar taste and texture
DIY version made with roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and coconut oil instead of palm oil. Most similar to Nutella in taste and texture while being palm oil-free.
- Best for
- spreading, baking, when you want authentic Nutella flavor, complete control over ingredients, sustainable option
Blend 1 cup roasted hazelnuts with ¼ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and 2-3 tbsp coconut oil until smooth. Coconut oil provides similar texture to palm oil without environmental concerns.
Almond butter + cocoa powder + coconut oil
different taste, similar texture
Palm oil-free combination using almond butter as the base with coconut oil for creaminess. Rich in protein and healthy fats while being sustainable.
- Best for
- spreading, baking, high-protein diet, when you want almond flavor, sustainable option
Almond butter is naturally palm oil-free. Mix with cocoa powder and coconut oil for creaminess. Rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. Coconut oil is more sustainable than palm oil.
Cashew butter + cocoa powder + avocado oil
different taste, similar texture
Creamy, naturally sweet spread using cashew butter with avocado oil. Provides similar creaminess to Nutella while being completely palm oil-free.
- Best for
- spreading, baking, when you want cashew flavor, naturally sweet, sustainable option
Cashew butter is naturally sweeter than other nut butters. Mix with cocoa powder and avocado oil for creaminess. Avocado oil is a sustainable alternative to palm oil.
Tahini + cocoa powder + olive oil
different taste, similar texture
Sesame seed-based spread that's completely palm oil-free. Rich in calcium, iron, and healthy fats while using sustainable olive oil.
- Best for
- spreading, when you want sesame flavor, high-calcium diet, iron-rich foods, sustainable option
Tahini is made from sesame seeds and is naturally palm oil-free. Mix with cocoa powder and olive oil for creaminess. Olive oil is a sustainable alternative to palm oil.
Store-bought palm oil-free chocolate spread
similar taste and texture
Commercially available chocolate spreads that are completely palm oil-free. Convenient option when you don't want to make your own.
- Best for
- spreading, quick preparation, when you want convenience, consistent flavor, baking
Look for brands that are certified palm oil-free and use sustainable oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil. Popular options include Nocciolata, Justin's, and other sustainable brands.
How it behaves in this recipe
Palm oil-free Nutella substitutes work because they use sustainable oils that provide similar fat content and texture to the original. They avoid palm oil while maintaining the chocolate-hazelnut flavor profile and being better for the environment.
Tips for substituting Nutella
5 tips- For palm oil-free substitutes, use sustainable oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil instead of palm oil
- When making homemade versions, blend ingredients until completely smooth for best texture
- The key to palm oil-free Nutella substitutes is using sustainable oils that provide similar texture and stability
- Common mistakes to avoid: using palm oil, not checking labels thoroughly, using unsustainable oils
- For best results, store homemade palm oil-free substitutes in the refrigerator and use within 1-2 weeks
Notes on Nutella
- Use different sustainable oils (coconut, olive, avocado, sunflower) for varied flavor profiles
- Try adding plant-based protein powder for extra nutrition
- Experiment with different sweeteners (maple syrup, honey, agave, stevia) for varying sweetness levels
Questions
5 questionsWhat is the best palm oil-free substitute for Nutella?
The best palm oil-free substitute is homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread using coconut oil. Blend 1 cup roasted hazelnuts with ¼ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and 2-3 tbsp coconut oil until smooth.
Can I make a palm oil-free Nutella substitute at home?
Yes, blend 1 cup roasted hazelnuts with ¼ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and 2-3 tbsp coconut oil until smooth. This creates a palm oil-free chocolate spread similar to Nutella.
Is there a store-bought palm oil-free Nutella substitute?
Yes, look for brands like Nocciolata, Justin's, or other certified palm oil-free chocolate spreads. Always check labels to ensure they use sustainable oils instead of palm oil.
What's the best sustainable oil for palm oil-free Nutella?
Coconut oil works best as it has similar properties to palm oil and is more sustainable. Olive oil and avocado oil are also good sustainable alternatives that provide creaminess.
Can I use palm oil-free Nutella substitutes in baking?
Yes, palm oil-free substitutes work well in baking. Use 1:1 ratio for most recipes. Make sure to use room temperature substitutes for best results in baking applications.