The Surprising Origin Story of Nutella (2024)

Though Nutella nowadays is treated as somewhat of an indulgence, the popular hazelnut-cocoa spread was actually borne out of wartime hardship, when it was developed in 1946 by Italian baker Pietro Ferrero as a cheaper alternative to chocolate. A riff on pasta gianduja, a chocolate paste invented in Turin during Napoleon's rule (1796-1814, in case you don't have a history book handy) Ferrero's initial creation was something of a chocolate block that could be cut and sandwiched between slices of bread—economical, certainly, but not so appealing. The slab was eventually made spreadable, and the first jar of Nutella left the factory on April 20, 1964. The rest, they say, is history.

Today, Nutella is the subject of food fandom and worldwide devotion—my own household included. Found on anything from polenta pancakes to—yep—pizza, the spread seemingly knows no limits. Statistically and financially, it's also a marvel: In 2013, you could reportedly circle the globe 1.4 times with the amount of Nutella produced; and in the beginning of 2015, one jar of Nutella was sold, worldwide, every 2.5 seconds. To make the spread comprising sugar, palm oil, hazelnut, cocoa solids, and skimmed milk, the Ferrero Group uses approximately 25 percent of the global supply of hazelnuts.

And though the world has no shortage of idiosyncratic "holidays," World Nutella Day is actually a real thing. Founded by American blogger Sara Rosso on February 5, 2007, the celebration is now managed by Ferrero and has become a global phenomenon. Want to celebrate the big day? Check out the Facebook page to share your story, or just take the easy route and slather Nutella on everything you eat. That's what we're doing, anyway.

The Surprising Origin Story of Nutella (2024)

FAQs

The Surprising Origin Story of Nutella? ›

After World War II, cocoa was extremely scarce. Ferrero, originally from Piedmont in Italy, turned this tricky problem into a smart solution by creating a sweet paste made from hazelnuts, sugar and just a little of the rare cocoa. The precursor to Nutella® was born!

What is the origin story of Nutella? ›

After the Second World War, cocoa was extremely scarce. Founded as an Italian pastry shop in Piedmont, Italy, Ferrero turned this problem into a smart solution, creating a sweet paste made from hazelnuts, sugar, and just a little of the rare cocoa. The ancestor of Nutella® was born.

What does Nutella stand for? ›

Only in 1964, was the birth of Nutella as we know it today when it was introduced to the UK market. At that point, they decided to select the name Nutella from the English word “nu*t” and the Latin word “Ella” meaning sweet. So it means the sweet nut.

Who invented Nutella and go? ›

Chocolatier Pietro Ferrero is credited for adding cocoa butter to the gianduja mixture, which gave it a velvety, creamy consistency. In 1964, the first jar of Nutella was released - and the rest is history.

Why is Nutella and black? ›

After doing some research, according to multiple resources, the letter N is black because the name 'Nutella' was originally used by another brand. So they simply changed the colour of the letter to ensure there wasn't a trademark issue.

What is the real name of Nutella? ›

Originally sold as a solid block, Ferrero started to sell a creamy version in 1951 as Supercrema gianduja. In 1963, Ferrero's son Michele Ferrero revamped Supercrema gianduja with the intention of marketing it throughout Europe. Its composition was modified, and it was renamed "Nutella".

Is Nutella OK to eat? ›

It does not have anywhere near the nutritional content of nut butters and is much higher in sugar and fat. Nutella has caught on worldwide with its creamy texture and sweet taste. Having some in moderation can be done without serious health damage. But it should be used as a dessert spread, just as it is marketed.

Who named their kid Nutella? ›

A French court has barred a couple from naming their daughter Nutella after the popular hazelnut chocolate spread. The unusual choice of name by the couple from Valenciennes, in northern France, was noticed by the registrar who recorded the baby's birth last September.

What was old Nutella called? ›

The 'Giandujot' paste was transformed into a creamy new product that was easier to spread. It was known as SuperCrema. The recipe was improved, leading to the creation of the first-ever jar of hazelnut and cocoa cream. Nutella® was officially born.

Why is Nutella so expensive? ›

Limited Competition: Nutella has few direct competitors that match its specific taste, texture, and brand image. This lack of competition allows the brand to set its prices without significant downward pressure.

What is the white color in Nutella? ›

If you touch the spots and they are dry and do not melt, it's sugar bloom. If they taste like sugar, it's a good indication, too. I would not recommend eating it, because after this time the fat is likely rancid.

Is there a white Nutella? ›

It's a bit confusing. A jar of white Nutella was posted on the internet, and people went crazy trying to get their hands on it. Turns out it was not an official Nutella product but a homemade creation. It was all a big misunderstanding.

Who is the king of Nutella? ›

Ferrero, King of Nutella.

Which is better, peanut butter or Nutella? ›

While Nutella might win in terms of sweetness and indulgence, peanut butter is the clear winner from a nutritional standpoint. It's not just a healthier choice; it's a versatile food that supports a healthy lifestyle.

Who is the father of Nutella? ›

After Michele Ferrero took over the company, he transformed the product into a creamy spread in 1964 and named it Nutella.

Why is Nutella so famous? ›

The Popularity of Nutella

Nutella's amazing taste and great advertising over time made it popular. It became so popular that there is now a World Nutella Day. It came into existence on 5th February 2007. It's celebrated every year since then.

Is Nutella in Italy different? ›

European Nutella specifies percentages of each that 13 percent of the finished product is hazelnut, and 7.4 percent of the recipe is cocoa. No such proportions are offered for American Nutella—which is why many who have tried both verify that there are small but notable differences in color, flavor, and texture.

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