Nutella

Nutella

Product type	Spread
Owner	Ferrero SpA
Country	Italy
Introduced	1964

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Nutella is a brand of sweetened hazelnut cocoa spread. Manufactured by the Italian company Ferrero SpA, it was first introduced in 1964. The spread consists of sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa solids, and milk powder. Nutella is marketed as a part of a balanced breakfast, often spread on bread, pancakes, and waffles.

History

Nutella was created in the 1940s by Pietro Ferrero, a pastry maker and founder of the Ferrero company. During World War II, there was a shortage of cocoa which led Ferrero to create a sweet paste made from hazelnuts, sugar, and a small amount of cocoa. This paste was shaped into a loaf that could be sliced and spread on bread, known as "Giandujot" or "Pasta Gianduja". In 1964, Ferrero's son Michele Ferrero revamped Giandujot into a spreadable form called Nutella, which became an instant success.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of Nutella are sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa solids, and milk powder. Despite its nut content, Nutella is high in sugar and fat, contributing to its rich taste and creamy texture.

Production

Nutella is produced in various Ferrero factories worldwide. The largest factory is located in Alba, Italy. The production process involves roasting hazelnuts, then grinding them into a paste. The paste is then mixed with the other ingredients until it becomes the smooth spread known globally.

Cultural Impact

Nutella has a significant cultural impact, especially in Europe and the United States. It is a staple in many households and is used in a variety of recipes, from breakfast dishes to desserts. Nutella has also inspired World Nutella Day, celebrated on February 5th, where fans of the spread share recipes and ideas on how to enjoy Nutella.

Controversies

Nutella has faced criticism for its environmental impact, particularly concerning the use of palm oil, which has been linked to deforestation and habitat destruction. Ferrero has responded by committing to using sustainable palm oil. Nutella's nutritional content has also been a subject of debate, with concerns over its high sugar and fat content.

See Also

• Ferrero SpA
• Chocolate spread
• Hazelnut