Nutella is finally launching a dairy-free, plant-based version of its iconic hazelnut spread. Get the scoop on this highly-anticipated vegan treat from Italian chocolatier Ferrero.
Vegans with a sweet tooth have been lamenting the fact that the delicious choco-hazelnut Italian spread Nutella has never been vegan. I mean, can you imagine having tried this amazing nutty spread on some toast with bananas and then having it taken away from you because you had a lifestyle change? That is the definition of foodie disappointment. Well, the brand heard the call from plant-based diners and has finally come up with a non-dairy variety for your breakfast nosh. Let's see what prompted them to go veggie-first.
According to Celebsnet.com, confectioner Ferrero (the company that produces Nutella) said there will be a plant-based recipe available to cater to the rapidly growing vegan, flexitarian, and lactose-intolerant markets. With more consumers cutting back on animal products and looking for dairy alternatives, it was a pretty savvy business move to expand the brand's footprint into audiences that may have loved them once but had to give up the dairy.
What's in Vegan Nutella?
So what gives the plant-based Nutella its creamy, dreamy texture? The brand had to 86 the lactose powder they used in their regular product and instead add undisclosed plant-based ingredients to mimic the original's divine consistency, flavor, and mouth feel. Word has it the vegan version will still contain palm oil, which could be a deal-breaker for environmentally-conscious consumers since that ingredient contributes to deforestation worldwide. But for those who can look past that questionable addition, this reinvented Nutella promises to deliver the same "unique taste experience" as the classic non-vegan variety.
How Does It Taste?
The jury's still out on whether the vegan Nutella faithfully recreates that signature hazelnutty decadence we all know and adore. Supposedly, it's an indistinguishable addition to the "Nutella family" despite being animal-free. You'll have to be the judge when it hits stores this fall.
Where Can I Get My Hands on It?
If your pre-vegan cravings for the treat have got you drooling for a taste, hang tight! The vegan-friendly Nutella will first launch in Italy in autumn 2024 to celebrate the OG spread's 60th birthday, but considering the massive demand for vegan products in the States we'd say it was a good bet it appears here soon afterward.
Considering how rapidly the vegan food market is growing (and hungry plant-munchers' tendency to flock to new alt-food options), you can bet your nut butter this dairy-free dessert will cause a cavalcade of companies to look for new ways to plantify their popular treats. Can you hear us dessert makers? We're looking for better-for-you sweets, and chances are we'll end up being your biggest market, so get to formulating!
