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Few spreads have captured the hearts and palates of millions worldwide quite like
Nutella. This creamy, sweet, and hazelnut-rich treat has long been a breakfast
staple, a go-to snack, and even a dessert ingredient. But beyond its delicious taste,
Nutella has a fascinating history, unique production methods, and some curious
trivia that might surprise even its most devoted fans.
In this article, we will delve into the world of Nutella and uncover eight captivating
facts about the beloved chocolate spread. By the end, you’ll see that Nutella is
more than just a tasty treat — it’s a global phenomenon with a story that’s just as
rich as its flavor.
1. Nutella Was Born During World War II
Nutella has its origins in the challenging times of World War II. The war led to
shortages of many key ingredients, including cocoa, which was used to make
chocolate. In the midst of this scarcity, an Italian pastry maker named Pietro
Ferrero had a stroke of genius. To stretch the small supply of cocoa, he decided to
mix it with something more readily available: hazelnuts.
Hazelnuts were plentiful in the Piedmont region of Italy, where Ferrero was based.
By blending ground hazelnuts with a small amount of cocoa and sugar, Ferrero
created a paste that was not only economical but also delicious. This paste was
the precursor to Nutella, initially called "Giandujot" after a traditional
Piedmontese chocolate. It was sold in a solid block that could be sliced and eaten
on bread, providing families with an affordable alternative to pure chocolate
during tough times.
Interesting Fact: Nutella didn’t start out as a creamy spread! It was only later that
the recipe was tweaked to create the smooth, spreadable version we know and
love today.
2. Nutella’s Global Popularity Is Unrivaled
Nutella is now a global household name, beloved by millions in over 160 countries.
But did you know that Nutella is so popular, it has its own "World Nutella Day"?
Celebrated on February 5th each year, this day is a tribute to the spread that has
become a symbol of indulgence and comfort food for people across the world.
To put Nutella’s global dominance into perspective, it’s estimated that every 2.5
seconds, a jar of Nutella is sold somewhere in the world. If you were to line up all
the jars of Nutella produced in a year, they would circle the Earth more than one
and a half times!
Interesting Fact: Nutella’s popularity is so immense that the Ferrero company uses
25% of the world’s hazelnut supply annually. That’s right—one in every four
hazelnuts grown globally is destined for a jar of Nutella!
3. The Recipe Contains More Hazelnuts Than Chocolate
Many people associate Nutella primarily with its chocolatey flavor, but the key
ingredient in Nutella is actually hazelnuts. Each jar contains about 50 hazelnuts,
giving the spread its signature nutty flavor. In fact, the hazelnut content is higher
than the chocolate content in the recipe, which might come as a surprise to those
who primarily think of it as a chocolate spread.
The combination of roasted hazelnuts and cocoa powder, mixed with milk and
sugar, is what gives Nutella its unique and addictive flavor. The hazelnuts add a
richness and depth that sets it apart from plain chocolate spreads.
Interesting Fact: Nutella's flavor profile is so distinct because it is made with high-
quality hazelnuts grown primarily in Turkey. The Ferrero Group has even
established its own farming programs to ensure sustainable hazelnut sourcing.
4. Nutella’s Texture is a Carefully Guarded Secret
One of the key reasons people love Nutella is its creamy, spreadable texture. But
did you know that the precise formula behind Nutella’s texture is a closely
guarded secret? The balance of fats and oils in Nutella is what gives it its smooth
consistency, but the exact ratio is something only a few people know.
Nutella’s texture doesn’t harden in cold temperatures like some other spreads, nor
does it become too runny in warm environments. It maintains that perfect in-
between state that makes it easy to spread on everything from toast to crepes.
Interesting Fact: The production of Nutella is highly automated and precise, with
factories designed to maintain the consistency of the spread. From the roasting of
hazelnuts to the blending of ingredients, everything is tightly controlled to ensure
that every jar of Nutella meets the brand’s high standards.
5. Nutella’s First Name Was “SuperCrema”
Before Nutella became the name we know today, it went by a very different name:
"SuperCrema." Launched in 1951, SuperCrema was a more refined version of Pietro
Ferrero’s original Giandujot creation. It was still not the creamy spread we
recognize today, but it was a step closer.
It wasn’t until 1964 that Ferrero’s son, Michele Ferrero, further improved the recipe
to create a smoother, creamier spread that could be easily used in sandwiches. He
also decided to rebrand the product, combining the English word "nut" with the
Latin suffix "ella" to create a more international-sounding name: Nutella.
Interesting Fact: Michele Ferrero’s rebranding of SuperCrema to Nutella was a key
factor in the product’s global success. The name Nutella is catchy, easy to
remember, and works across multiple languages and cultures.
6. Nutella Was at the Center of a Legal Battle
While Nutella is loved by many, it hasn’t been without controversy. In 2012, Ferrero
was at the center of a class-action lawsuit in the United States. The lawsuit
claimed that Nutella’s marketing was misleading, portraying the spread as a
healthy breakfast option when, in fact, it contains high amounts of sugar and fat.
As part of the settlement, Ferrero agreed to change some of its advertising and pay
a settlement to consumers who felt they had been misled. Despite the legal battle,
Nutella’s popularity did not wane, and it continues to be a beloved treat around
the world.
Interesting Fact: Nutella contains about 21 grams of sugar per serving, which is
more than many candy bars! So while it’s undeniably delicious, it’s best enjoyed in
moderation.
7. Nutella Has Inspired a Culinary Movement
Nutella isn’t just for spreading on toast anymore. The spread has inspired a whole
range of creative uses in the kitchen, from Nutella-filled croissants and cookies to
Nutella pizza and even Nutella ice cream. The possibilities are endless, and Nutella
has become a favorite ingredient for chefs and home cooks alike.
In fact, Nutella has become such a culinary staple that there are entire cookbooks
dedicated to recipes featuring the spread. From simple snacks to elaborate
desserts, Nutella can be used in countless ways to add a rich, nutty flavor to your
favorite dishes.
Interesting Fact: In 2015, the world’s first Nutella Café opened in Chicago, offering
an entire menu dedicated to Nutella-inspired creations. The café was an instant
hit and has since become a destination for Nutella lovers from all over.
8. There’s a Nutella Shortage… Every Year
Nutella’s popularity has grown so much that it now leads to periodic shortages. The
high demand for hazelnuts, driven largely by Nutella’s production, can cause price
spikes and supply shortages in certain regions. In 2014, poor weather in Turkey led
to a hazelnut crop failure, causing prices to soar and fears of a Nutella shortage.
The global hazelnut market is somewhat volatile, and since Nutella relies so
heavily on this key ingredient, even small disruptions in supply can have a
significant impact. Thankfully, Ferrero has taken steps to diversify its hazelnut
sources, reducing the risk of future shortages.
Interesting Fact: To safeguard its hazelnut supply, Ferrero has invested in
sustainable farming initiatives, partnering with farmers around the world to
ensure a steady and ethical supply of hazelnuts.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Spread
Nutella is more than just a delicious chocolate-hazelnut spread—it’s a cultural icon
with a rich history, a carefully guarded recipe, and a dedicated following. From its
humble beginnings during World War II to its current status as a global
phenomenon, Nutella has become a beloved part of daily life for millions. Whether
you enjoy it on toast, in recipes, or straight from the jar, one thing is clear:
Nutella’s irresistible flavor is here to stay.
