Co-Op supermarkets now stock vegan “Nutella” packaged in a squeeze bottle, meaning you can forgo spoons and squeeze it right into your mouth, if that’s your inclination.
The dairy-free chocolate spread is made by Nature’s Store, one the fastest-growing free from brands in the UK, per the website. The Hazelnut & Cocoa Spread — the brand’s take on Nutella — is not only free from dairy, but it’s also palm oil-free. The controversial ingredient has been linked to deforestation and the rapid decline of orangutan populations and fueling the illegal pet trade in Indonesia.
Nature’s Store also makes vegan “Nutella” in a tub, which includes palm oil, but according to the company it only uses RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified palm oil.
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Is Nutella Vegan?
Classic Nutella contains skin milk, meaning it is not suitable for a plant-based diet. But including Nature’s Store, there are several brands that make a vegan chocolate hazelnut spread.
German brand Vego — famous for its dairy-free chocolate hazelnut candy bars — launched a crunchy chocolate spread last August. It’s said to taste exactly like the signature chocolate bars, which are popular for having a Nutella-like flavor.
American brand Justin’s, which makes nut butters and vegan dark chocolate peanut butter cups, has a chocolate hazelnut spread available. Independent brand Rawmio has a healthier take on Nutella – its stone-ground hazelnut spread is made from raw hazelnuts, raw cacao nibs, and coconut sugar.
California-based food company Nutiva makes a vegan dark chocolate hazelnut spread with chia and flax seeds for added omega-3 fatty acid. Italian organic brand Rigoni di Asiago makes Nocciolata, a dairy-free “Nutella” that’s also palm oil-free.
Last April, Philadelphia-based family-owned tahini brand Soom launched an allergen-friendly vegan chocolate spread made with sesame seeds instead of hazelnuts. Brit + Co author Nicole Perry described the treat as a “more grown-up chocolate spread” that doesn’t venture into too-sweet territory. It also caught the attention of vegan actor Alicia Silverstone.
Nature’s Store vegan squeeze bottle Hazelnut & Cocoa Spread is available at Co-Op, Ocado, Asda, and health food stores across the UK. The jarred spread is sold at Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and independent grocery stores.
