Out of Nutella, one case
Vegan Nutella substitute: plant-based alternatives
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Homemade vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread
Same amount as the Nutella
The best vegan Nutella substitutes are homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread with plant-based ingredients, almond butter + cocoa powder, or store-bought vegan chocolate spreads. These options are completely dairy-free and plant-based.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- spreading
One casethe full Nutella card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Nutella | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homemade vegan chocolate-hazelnut spreadspreading | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Almond butter + cocoa powder + maple syrupspreading | Same amountMix ¾ cup almond butter with ¼ cup cocoa powder and 2-3 tbsp maple syrupTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | 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 |
| 4 | Tahini + cocoa powder + date pastespreading | Same amountMix ½ cup tahini with ¼ cup cocoa powder and ¼ cup date pasteTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Store-bought vegan chocolate spreadspreading | Same amountWorks | Works |
Homemade vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread
similar taste and texture
DIY vegan version made with roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and plant-based sweeteners. Most similar to Nutella in taste and texture while being completely plant-based.
- Best for
- spreading, baking, when you want authentic Nutella flavor, complete control over ingredients, allergen-free version
Blend 1 cup roasted hazelnuts with ¼ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup coconut sugar, and 2-3 tbsp coconut oil until smooth. Use maple syrup or agave for sweetness if preferred.
Almond butter + cocoa powder + maple syrup
different taste, similar texture
Plant-based combination using almond butter as the base. Rich in protein and healthy fats while providing similar creaminess to Nutella.
- Best for
- spreading, baking, high-protein diet, when you want almond flavor, nutrient-dense foods
Almond butter is naturally vegan and higher in protein than hazelnuts. Mix with cocoa powder and maple syrup for sweetness. Rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
Cashew butter + cocoa powder + coconut oil
different taste, similar texture
Creamy, naturally sweet spread using cashew butter. Provides similar creaminess to Nutella while being completely plant-based.
- 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. Rich in healthy fats.
Tahini + cocoa powder + date paste
different taste, similar texture
Sesame seed-based spread that's completely plant-based. Rich in calcium, iron, and healthy fats while providing a unique nutty flavor.
- 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 naturally vegan. Mix with cocoa powder and date paste for natural sweetness. Nut-free option that's rich in nutrients.
Store-bought vegan chocolate spread
similar taste and texture
Commercially available vegan chocolate spreads that are completely plant-based. 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 vegan and use plant-based ingredients. Popular options include Nocciolata, Justin's, and homemade-style spreads. Check labels for palm oil if that's a concern.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan Nutella substitutes work because they use plant-based ingredients that provide similar fat content, sweetness, and texture to the original. They avoid all animal products while maintaining the chocolate-hazelnut flavor profile.
Tips for substituting Nutella
5 tips- For vegan substitutes, use plant-based sweeteners like maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar instead of honey
- When making homemade versions, blend ingredients until completely smooth for best texture
- The key to vegan Nutella substitutes is using plant-based ingredients and avoiding all animal products
- Common mistakes to avoid: using honey (not vegan), not blending thoroughly, using dairy-based ingredients
- For best results, store homemade vegan substitutes in the refrigerator and use within 1-2 weeks
Notes on Nutella
- Use different nut butters (almond, cashew, walnut) for varied flavor profiles
- Try adding plant-based protein powder for extra nutrition
- Experiment with different plant-based sweeteners (maple syrup, agave, coconut sugar, stevia) for varying sweetness levels
Questions
5 questionsWhat is the best vegan substitute for Nutella?
The best vegan substitute is homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread using plant-based ingredients. Blend 1 cup roasted hazelnuts with ¼ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup coconut sugar, and 2-3 tbsp coconut oil until smooth.
Can I make a vegan Nutella substitute at home?
Yes, blend 1 cup roasted hazelnuts with ¼ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup coconut sugar, and 2-3 tbsp coconut oil until smooth. Use maple syrup or agave for sweetness if preferred.
Is there a nut-free vegan Nutella substitute?
Yes, use tahini + cocoa powder + date paste, or avocado + cocoa powder + maple syrup. These options are completely plant-based and nut-free while providing similar creaminess and taste.
What's the best store-bought vegan Nutella substitute?
Look for brands like Nocciolata, Justin's, or other certified vegan chocolate spreads. Check labels to ensure they're completely plant-based and don't contain any animal products.
Can I use vegan Nutella substitutes in baking?
Yes, vegan substitutes work well in baking. Use 1:1 ratio for most recipes. Homemade versions may need to be at room temperature for best results in baking applications.