In the next few weeks, a new version of Ferrero’s hazelnut cream, Nutella Plant-Based, will arrive in Italian supermarkets with a green cap.

Giovanni Ferrero’s historic multinational is ready to introduce a new recipe. This product has a green cap and no animal-origin ingredients. It is suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and lactose-intolerant people.

Chickpeas and rice syrup are added for the first time to the classic ingredients of the most famous spreadable cream in the world, replacing the skimmed milk powder. The aim is to offer the unmistakable experience of Nutella to those who prefer, by choice or necessity, a vegan or lactose-free diet. A spreadable cream which, just like traditional Nutella, is gluten-free.

The design of the new Plant-Based Nutella line, certified by the Vegetarian Society as “Vegan Approved”, began in January 2023, while the first industrial productions arrived only 18 months later, in June 2024. From September, it will be ready to be sold in supermarkets in Italy, France, and Belgium in 350g format and, from 2025, in other European markets. The jar is the same as always, as are the colour and packaging. The new Nutella will be available in 350 g jars, and the recommended retail price – we read on the official Ferrero website – is 4.49 euros.  Nutella Plant-Based is produced in Italy at the Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi plant in the province of Avellino.

What are the ingredients?

In Plant-Based Nutella, we find two new plant-based ingredients instead of milk: chickpeas and powdered rice syrup. The others are sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, low-fat cocoa, emulsifiers, i.e. lecithins (soya), salt, and flavourings. Chickpeas have long been used in many vegan cookie or cake recipes. For example, many vegan dessert recipes involve chickpea aquafaba (but also other legumes).

How Plant-Based Nutella is Made

Now, terms like “vegan” or “plant-based” are known to everyone. These foods contain only ingredients of plant origin; therefore, no foods of animal origin, meat or fish, nor derivatives such as milk or cheese. The new Nutella Plant-Based was created – explains Ferrero –to offer the possibility of consuming its hazelnut cream also “to those who, by necessity or choice, prefer plant-based or lactose-free foods”. Therefore, not only will those who have chosen to follow a vegan diet be able to eat it, but also those who are lactose intolerant and cannot eat gluten.