Tasted: the new vegan Nutella. Hit or flop?
We wrote about it recently: the vegan Nutella. But now we’ve actually been able to test it. Our colleague Minne from Italiamo, who lives in Italy, managed to get hold of a jar and tasted it for us. Curious whether this plant-based version is just as tasty as the original? Here’s what she thought…
When it comes to innovation, Italians aren’t easily enthusiastic. That’s why I was quite surprised to hear from all sorts of sources that a new vegan Nutella variety was available in supermarkets. Everyone I spoke to was raving about it. So I went looking in an Italian supermarket for the brand-new jar with the green lid, to taste it before it appears on Dutch store shelves.
Vegan Nutella in the supermarket
Finding the vegan Nutella wasn’t easy. I had to visit no fewer than four supermarkets, but when I finally found it, it felt as though I was stepping onto the VIP balcony at a party. The woman at the checkout pointed it out too and said ‘nuova’ with a big smile. At first, Ferrero planned to sell the plant-based Nutella only in Italy (why on earth?), but they eventually changed their minds. This autumn, it will be available in Italy, France and Belgium, but from next year it will most likely be available in the Netherlands too.
Also lactose-free
Unlike the regular version, the plant-based variety contains no milk powder, but chickpeas and rice syrup. As well as being plant-based, this Nutella is also lactose-free. When I opened the lurid green lid, I was immediately feeling optimistic. The smell is 99% identical to the Nutella I know, and it looks exactly the same too. When I slide my knife into it, I feel even more positive. The texture is smooth and just as liquid as the original; it simply looks delicious, let’s leave it at that. Exactly as Nutella should be. This vegan version also does exactly what it’s supposed to do when spread.
The taste
The taste doesn’t disappoint either: if you didn’t know, you’d think you were eating regular Nutella. Not sweeter, not less sweet. And yet I find this new plant-based variety almost a little tastier. It seems slightly nuttier, but still creamy. The texture in your mouth is also the same. A huge success, I can’t say otherwise. I haven’t bought Nutella for years, except when I’m okay with eating an entire jar of it. This new variety turned out to be no exception to that habit. So the advice is: be patient a little longer, then run to the store.
Also read:
- Nutella cookies with just 3 ingredients: super simple and so delicious
- Nutella bosses speak out: everyone pronounces the name Nutella incorrectly
- Recipe: how to make the ultimate Nutella cupcakes
Image: Supermercato Picerno, source: Italiamo
