Easy Homemade Nutella Recipe, Naturally Dairy-Free
Nutella’s ingredient list starts with sugar. In fact, hazelnuts don’t show up until spot three. And, it includes skimmed milk powder, a dealbreaker if you’re avoiding dairy due to alpha-gal syndrome. This homemade Nutella recipe changes all of that.
Real Nutella is a dairy-based, sugar-first formula. This homemade Nutella recipe flips that formula. It starts with 3 cups of roasted hazelnuts, uses ½ cup of powdered sugar, and contains no dairy ingredients. Blend it in a food processor or high-speed blender for a rich chocolate hazelnut spread you can adjust to your preferred sweetness and thickness. Make it once and you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought version.
For more alpha-gal friendly chocolate treats, check out my No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars, Easy Fudgy Brownies, and Alpha-Gal Friendly Chocolate-Covered Marshmallows.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Nutella Recipe
- Rich, chocolate-hazelnut flavor without the dairy. It delivers that familiar Nutella-style taste in a version that fits a dairy-free or vegan lifestyle.
- Made with simple, recognizable ingredients. Hazelnuts, chocolate, cocoa, sweetener, and a few pantry staples come together without the mystery-ingredient circus.
- Easy to make at home. Roast the hazelnuts, blend everything together, and let your food processor or blender do the heavy lifting.
- Simple to adjust to your taste. Make it sweeter, more chocolatey, or a little looser or thicker depending on how you plan to use it.
- Delicious in all kinds of ways. Spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, spoon it over pancakes, dip fruit into it, or eat a sneaky spoonful straight from the jar when no one is looking.
Before We Get to the Good Stuff
Medical disclaimer: The information provided on Sage Alpha Gal is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. Although I cite and link to expert sources, nothing published here is medical advice. Because alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person, my alpha-gal is not necessarily your alpha-gal, so be sure you understand your dietary restrictions and work with your healthcare provider as needed.
Affiliate disclosure: Sage Alpha Gal is a reader-supported site, and this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a teeny tiny commission at no additional cost to you. That income helps offset the costs of running this site. You can read all of the legal blah blah blah (as my little niece says) on the full disclosure page.
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What Is Nutella?
Nutella is a popular chocolate hazelnut spread originating in Italy that has become a beloved treat worldwide. Its sweet, nutty flavor is a delightful, chocolatey alternative to peanut butter, and Nutella is used in everything from breakfast dishes to desserts.
History of Nutella
Nutella was invented in the 1940s to overcome ingredient shortages after World War II. As cocoa was extremely scarce. Italian pastry chef Pietro Ferrero created a nut paste from hazelnuts, sugar, and just a little of the rare cocoa shaped into a loaf. A few years later, the nut paste was transformed into a creamier spread named SuperCrema. And in 1965, the recipe was improved and relaunched as Nutella. Today, Nutella is enjoyed in over 160 countries, where it is a staple in many households.
World Nutella Day
World Nutella Day is a delicious celebration of the globally adored chocolate hazelnut spread. Established on February 5th, 2007, by Sara Rosso, an American blogger and avid Nutella enthusiast, the day quickly gained traction as fans worldwide began sharing their love for Nutella through pictures, recipes, and creative ideas on social media. The celebration became so popular that in 2015 Sara transferred the day’s rights to Ferrero, the maker of Nutella, ensuring its continued growth and global recognition. To join the festivities, encourage a newbie to try Nutella for the first time, make a recipe with Nutella, or share your favorite photo of the sweet spread. Just be sure to tag it with #worldnutelladay.
Is Nutella Vegan?
Unfortunately, the beloved chocolate spread is not vegan or dairy-free. It’s made with skimmed milk powder. So if you’re an alpha gal who avoids dairy, Nutella is another food you’ll need to swap out.
Even if you can tolerate dairy, there’s another reason some people look for an alternative: the sugar. According to the CDC’s guidance on added sugars, a two-tablespoon serving of Nutella contains 21 grams of sugar, roughly 40% of the recommended daily limit. In my experience, going homemade solves both the dairy and the sugar problem at once.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
To create a delicious and alpha-gal friendly alternative to Nutella, gather these key ingredients.
Hazelnuts
As the star ingredient in any Nutella-like spread, hazelnuts are essential. I like to save time by purchasing pre-roasted hazelnuts. However, if you prefer to toast your own nuts or can only find raw hazelnuts, you can easily roast them at home. Simply spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then toast the nuts for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fragrant and brown.
Sage Advice: If you can’t find hazelnuts, don’t love hazelnuts, or just want to switch things up, you can substitute them for another nut, like roasted almonds, macadamia nuts, or cashews.
Sugar
My sweetener of choice is organic powdered sugar because its light texture blends smoothly into the other ingredients. However, you can easily substitute another vegan-friendly sweetener, such as coconut sugar or stevia powder. I do not recommend maple syrup, agave syrup, or honey (although I know that’s not a vegan ingredient) as they can cause the Nutella to be clumpy rather than smooth.
As a dark chocolate lover, I don’t like my vegan Nutella to be too sweet. But if you want a sweeter version, add more of your chosen sweetener to suit your taste.
Cacao Powder or Cocoa Powder
Using 100% unsweetened cacao powder or cocoa powder helps ensure that your Nutella is vegan and alpha-gal friendly.
What’s the difference between cacao powder and cocoa powder? Cacao powder is derived from the cacao bean with minimal processing, preserving the rich nutrients that classify it as a superfood. On the other hand, cocoa powder undergoes extensive processing. I lean towards cacao powder when making vegan Nutella, although either can be used effectively in the recipe.
Vegetable Oil
Instead of the palm oil and skim milk used in regular Nutella, this vegan Nutella recipe is made with vegetable oil to give it a creamy and spreadable consistency. I recommend choosing a neutral-tasting option like olive oil, sunflower oil, or grapeseed oil.
To Make Gluten-Free Nutella
This recipe is already naturally gluten-free. Hazelnuts, cacao powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and oil don’t contain gluten. Just double-check your powdered sugar and cacao powder labels if you’re highly sensitive, since cross-contact can happen during processing.
To Make Nutella Lower in Histamine
If you’re managing histamine intolerance or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) alongside alpha-gal syndrome, you already know the ingredient overlap can feel like a full-time job. Alpha-gal reactions involve histamine release by design — it’s part of the immune response — so some people with AGS find they’re also navigating a low-histamine diet on top of everything else. If that’s you, here are a few swaps worth considering for this recipe.
Vanilla extract and cacao are the two ingredients most likely to be an issue. Try swapping in vanilla powder or omitting the vanilla, and using a smaller amount of a milder cocoa powder instead of cacao. Histamine tolerance is deeply individual, and what works for one person may not work for another. These are starting points, not guarantees. If you’re actively managing histamine intolerance or MCAS, work with your allergist or a registered dietitian who specializes in these conditions — they can help you fine-tune what actually works for your body.
Alpha-Gal Notes Before You Cook
Most of the ingredients in this homemade Nutella recipe are naturally alpha-gal friendly, but a couple deserve a label check before you shop. Alpha-gal syndrome varies from person to person, so use this as a starting point and adjust based on your own tolerance and the guidance of your allergist.
| Ingredient | What to Check | Easy Swap or Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | Some sugar is filtered through bone char during processing, which some people with alpha-gal react to. | Use organic powdered sugar, or make your own with this powdered sugar recipe. |
| Cacao or cocoa powder | Most 100% cacao/cocoa powders are naturally alpha-gal safe, but some Dutch-processed or flavored blends add milk-derived ingredients. | Check the label for milk fat, milk solids, or “may contain milk” — plain, unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder is the safest bet. |
| Vanilla extract | Pure vanilla extract is generally alpha-gal friendly, but imitation blends occasionally include unlisted fillers. | Stick with pure vanilla extract, and contact the manufacturer if you’re unsure about a specific brand. |
| Vegetable oil | Plain olive, sunflower, or grapeseed oil is naturally alpha-gal safe — blended “vegetable oil” products occasionally list vague “natural flavor” additives. | Choose a single-ingredient oil rather than a blend if you want to skip the guesswork. |
Manufacturers can change their ingredients and manufacturing processes at any time, without notice. Always read the label on packaged and prepared foods, even if they’ve been safe in the past. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly.
How to Make Nutella
Making Nutella at home is easy when you follow these simple steps.
- Add roasted hazelnuts to a high-speed blender or food processor and turn them into creamy hazelnut butter.
- Then add the remaining ingredients and blend until incorporated.
That’s it. It’s that simple!
Best Store-Bought Vegan Nutella Brands
Although it’s fast and easy to make vegan Nutella at home, sometimes you want to skip that step and immediately dig into that creamy hazelnut chocolate flavor you crave. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to Nutella, several delicious options are available. These are some of my favorites.
tbh Hazelnut Cocoa Spread
Hazelnuts as the number one ingredient and a sweet blend of organic sugar and monk fruit make tbh a delicious vegan cocoa spread. Plus, it’s got three times the protein and half as much sugar as the original. So even if you’re not an alpha gal or vegan, this store-bought Nutella alternative is much healthier than the original.
Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread
Another delicious vegan Nutella option is Artisana Organics’s hazelnut cacao spread. It’s sweetened with coconut sugar and uses coconut oil instead of palm. And with organic hazelnuts listed as the first ingredient (rather than the sugar on the Nutella label), each serving contains twice the protein as the original chocolate spread.
KoRo Organic Crunchy Hazelnut Spread
If you’re on team crunchy (rather than team creamy), this is the store-bought vegan Nutella alternative for you. Made with hazelnut paste and cocoa powder and sweetened with coconut sugar, KoRo’s crunchy hazelnut spread features little chunks of hazelnuts.
Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut & Almond Butter
Justin’s is a well-known brand in the world of nut butters. Founded by Justin Gold, the brand offers a wide selection of nut-based spreads and butter cups that are perfect for those following a plant-based diet. This store-bought Nutella alternative features a blend of dry roasted hazelnut and almonds sweetened with organic powdered sugar. While this vegan chocolatey nut butter packs twice the protein punch as regular Nutella, it does include palm oil.
Can I Make Nutella Ahead?
Yes, this homemade Nutella recipe is a great make-ahead spread. Blend a batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge or pantry (see storage details below), and it will be ready to spread, dip, or drizzle whenever you need it. It doesn’t require any last-minute steps, which makes it an easy one to prep before a brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just a busy week.
Tips for the Best Results
- Blend the hazelnuts alone first, until they turn into a smooth, creamy butter, before adding anything else — this is what gives the finished spread its texture.
- Scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times; hazelnut butter likes to climb the walls.
- Drizzle the oil in slowly while the blade is running — it’s what takes the spread from grainy to silky.
- Taste before you stop blending. If you want it sweeter or more chocolatey, add a little more sugar or cacao powder and blend again.
How to Store Homemade Vegan Nutella
Let’s get back to homemade vegan Nutella. Once you’ve whipped up a delicious batch of this cocoa-powered nut spread, transfer it to an airtight container. This step will help prevent moisture or nearby ingredients from affecting the taste and consistency of your homemade spread. Like the jarred varieties you can purchase at the grocery store, I like using mason jars to store my vegan Nutella.
Once properly packaged, you can store your homemade Nutella at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If you choose to store it at room temperature, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight – like the pantry. When appropriately stored at room temperature, your homemade Nutella can last up to two weeks.
You can store your vegan Nutella in the refrigerator – which I typically do. This is an excellent idea if you live in a warm climate or want to extend its shelf life further. When you keep your homemade Nutella in the fridge, you can enjoy it for up to two weeks or even longer.
Ways to Use Vegan Hazelnut Spread
You can enjoy vegan hazelnut spread in all the delightful ways you used regular Nutella before your alpha-gal diagnosis. And, you can feel good knowing your vegan Nutella contains more protein and less sugar than the original. Here are a few suggestions.
Spread It
Spread vegan Nutella on crusty bread, bagels, or crackers to add a delectable twist to your morning toast or afternoon snack. You can also incorporate vegan Nutella into your breakfast routine by spreading it on pancakes, crepes, or waffles.
Vegan Nutella also makes a wonderful filling or frosting for cakes. Whether baking a cake, crafting cupcakes, or whipping up a batch of brownies, this homemade Nutella alternative adds a decadently irresistible extra touch to your creations.
Dip It
Use vegan chocolate hazelnut spread as a dip for strawberries, bananas, apples, pineapples, or another favorite fruit. Dunk chunks of fruit in vegan Nutella or make a dip by blending it with your favorite combination of cream cheese or whipping cream, using plant-based options, as desired.
Drizzle It
You can also drizzle vegan Nutella over pancakes, add a spoonful to your morning smoothie, or cap off your day with a swirl over ice cream.
Bake with It
Use your homemade hazelnut spread to make cupcakes, cakes, and other delicious treats. Add some chocolate elegance to your next brunch with this Nutella croissant recipe, or make Nutella torte for dessert.
By the Spoonful
And, of course, you can always enjoy a generous spoonful of vegan Nutella straight from the jar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Nutella
Is homemade Nutella healthier than store-bought?
It can be. This homemade Nutella recipe has more protein and less added sugar than the jarred version, and you control exactly what goes into it.
Is this homemade Nutella recipe alpha-gal friendly?
Yes. It’s naturally dairy-free, made without any mammalian-derived ingredients. Just double-check your powdered sugar and cacao powder labels — see the Alpha-Gal Notes section above.
Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts?
Yes, although technically it won’t be hazelnut spread anymore. Roasted almonds, macadamia nuts, or cashews all make a delicious chocolate nut spread if you don’t have hazelnuts on hand or prefer a different flavor. Just know the taste and texture will shift slightly depending on the nut you choose.
Why is my homemade Nutella grainy instead of smooth?
It usually needs more blending time, or a bit more oil drizzled in while the blade is running. Give it a few more minutes before giving up.
How long does homemade Nutella last?
Up to two weeks at room temperature in a cool, dry spot, or up to two weeks (sometimes longer) in the refrigerator. For what it’s worth, I always store mine in the fridge.
Can I make this recipe without a food processor?
A high-speed blender works too. A standard blender may struggle to turn the hazelnuts into a smooth butter, so a food processor or high-speed blender is recommended.
Dairy-Free Homemade Nutella
Ingredients
- 1 pound roasted and unsalted hazelnuts (about 3 cups)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cacao powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
- Gently rub roasted nuts in a clean kitchen towel to loosen up any skin. Remove the hazelnut skins and discard.
- Add the hazelnuts to a blender or food processor and blend into a smooth nut butter, scraping down the sides as needed. This may take a few minutes.
- Once the hazelnut butter is smooth and creamy, add the powdered sugar, cacao powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend again until fully incorporated.
- While the blade is running, carefully drizzle the olive oil into the mixture and blend about one more minute.
Notes
- Don’t have powdered sugar on hand? Worried about bone char? You can make your own at home with this powdered sugar recipe.
- No food processor? A high-speed blender works too, though a standard blender may struggle to fully break down the hazelnuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container. I keep mine in the fridge where it keeps for at least a month — if it lasts that long.
Nutrition
Please Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated. It should only be used as an approximation.
No Artificial Intelligence
Every recipe I share has been cooked in my kitchen, photographed by me, and taste tested by my very patient family. No AI-generated slop here! If it’s on Sage Alpha Gal, it’s because I made it, loved it, and would gladly put it on my table again.
Yum! I stopped buying Nutella years ago due to the crazy amount of sugar and other additives so finding this healthier homemade version was awesome! It tasted better than the store-bought and I am so happy to have it back in my life. Thanks!
It’s life changing, for sure!
This homemade Nutella is so much nicer than the store bought version. I reduced the sugar to suit my needs. It tasted fabulous!
I’m so glad you like it!
Thank you so much for offering a less sugar Nutella recipe! I have a sensitivity to almonds and peanuts (headache trigger for me if I eat too many) so I always love spreads that include different nuts. I need good protein options for working out but want low sugar without artificial sweeteners which also happen to be another headache trigger. This is so perfect! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Soooo glad this worked well for you! Sunflower butter might also be a great choice for you if you’re sensitive to both peanuts and some tree nuts.
I turned to this recipe after unable to find a dairy-free Nutella in local shops. It was perfect!
Hooray! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve tried the tbh brand vegan Nutella and it is very good, but I’m even more excited now that I can make my own! This is so delish and I love being able to control the amount of sugar. Thank you!
I don’t feel quite as guilty eating a spoon of this homemade Nutella straight from the jar.
What a simple recipe! And all with ingredients I can pronounce. That last little tsp of oil is really nice for making the texture ultra smooth and creamy.
It’s the secret ingredient. 😉
I never thought I could make chocolate spread myself. This recipe is a gem. My boys love Nutella and this makes a better tasting chocolate spread than Nutella. I can see myself making it again and again.
It’s so fast and easy, and so much better for you and your boys! 🙂
This Nutella recipe was super easy to make and the kids almost finished it. Will be doubling the next batch. Thank you.
This was so much easier to make than I thought it would be!!
And I love how healthy it is.
My kids couldn’t believe I was letting them have a nutella sandwich as an after school snack 😉
Really great recipe, thank you
I’m delighted to hear that you and your kiddos enjoyed the vegan Nutella! Isn’t it amazing how something so delicious can also be so easy to whip up? The first time I made it, I had to do a happy dance in my kitchen. 💃
I whipped this up so fast and it tasted just like the real thing! It is the perfect chocolatey spread.
Hey Marie! I’m thrilled to hear you whipped up the vegan nutella so quickly and loved it! Isn’t it amazing how something so simple can taste so close to the real thing? Enjoy spreading that chocolatey goodness on just about everything! 🍫
After seeing how much unwanted sugar was in my cupboard of goodies I am so happy I came across this recipe. The kids loved it and now it’s a family snack with strawberries when we watch movies at home. Thank you for that!
Hi Celina! Wow, your comment just made my day! I’m so glad to hear that the recipe has become a family movie-night staple at your house. Strawberries and vegan nutella sound like a match made in snack heaven.
I can’t believe this is vegan – it tastes just like the real thing! It’s become a staple in our house for spreading on toast, pancakes, and everything in between.
We love it! And with more protein and less sugar than the original, it feels good eating it.
Nutella-lover here! I will definitely give this one a try since this is also a healthier version. Yuhooo, let’s go DIY Nutella!
It’s sooooo yummy! You’ll never know it’s way better for you than the original!
Happy to have found this! I’m a bit skeptical about the regular Nutella because of the sugar content. But with this vegan-friendly alternative, I’d be glad to serve it to my family. Thanks for this!
Then this recipe is the answer to your less sugar prayers!
I recently made up this delightful vegan Nutella recipe, and I was thoroughly impressed! The harmonious balance between the sweetness and nutty flavors truly made it a hit in my household. Even my kids couldn’t get enough of it! This recipe is a must-try!
I’m so glad your family loved it!
Creamy, rich, perfectly sweetened, and most of all — it’s vegan! I love that it’s packed with hazelnuts, but still easy to whip up. Making this again once I finish this batch!
I tried to make this one and the result is great! I think it is way more better than the original one (and a lot more healthier!). Happy to find this recipe, I’ll make another after I finish eating the remaining ones that I made!
My hubby loves Nutella. This recipe was great for making it at home.
The Vegan Hazelnut Spread was absolutely delicious! I enjoyed making and trying it at home. Thanks for sharing such a fantastic recipe!
This turned out SO GOOD! Thank you for this healthier version of nutella we all enjoyed it!
We will probably never buy Nutella again. (Sorry Ferrero!)
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Oh, good! It’s a big hit at our house!
This was amazing! It’s so great to have a healthier version of Nutella. I will be making this regularly!
We absolutely love it!
This vegan Nutella recipe looks amazing! I love that it’s a healthier version of a classic treat.