We love Nutella, there’s no doubt about it. Heck, there’s even a World Nutella Day (5th February every year) which really shows the commitment we have towards that velvety chocolate hazelnut spread.
However, one must learn to balance health and indulgence. Since the commercial version is not exactly good for you (lots sugar and over-processed junk!), eating it often is a guilty pleasure we’d rather live without.
But nobody wants to give up Nutella, and so we found some healthy ways to incorporate some of it in our daily routines from homemade spreads, to food and drinks. You are bound to get hooked with at least one of the recipes below!
Spreads
1. 4-Ingredient Nutella (Vegan + Gluten-free)
You just need 4 ingredients and most of them are probably in your kitchen already. Get some good dark chocolate and some toasted hazelnuts to make this jar of goodness. Who knew that Nutella could be so easy to make?
2. Homemade Mocha Nutella (Raw)
Roasting the hazelnuts will help you remove its skin (which is what gives your Nutella a bitter after-taste) easier and give it a nice toasty flavour. The ground coffee also gives you an added health bonus and caffeine kick for breakfast.
3. Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (Dairy-free + Sugar-free)
Using almond milk will give you a creamier hazelnut spread just like the original Nutella but with less calories and it will be dairy-free. Substituting the sweetener with dates will give it more texture and nutrients too.
Food
4. Chocolate Nutella Fudge (Gluten-free + No-baking required)
Nutella fudge, where have you been all this while? For a healthier alternative you can use your homemade Nutella spread made with the recipes above. You could use the usual Nutella too if you prefer, just go easy on it. The bananas will provide you some potassium and fiber too. Get some coconut butter here.
5. Nutella Truffles (Raw)
Healthy chocolate truffles is pretty common these days but ones with Nutella are a different story. If you can’t find chocolate covered sunflower seeds then go for the plain ones because either way, both give these truffles a nice crunch and some extra nutrients.
6. Nutella Meringues
This is definitely a treat for the days you just need some happy food. With some self-control by just having 1-2 pieces in one sitting, it won’t cause you any harm weight-wise.
7. Fruit & Nut Bar
This fruit and nut bar makes a great pre-workout snack and you can customize it by putting your favourite dried fruits and nuts instead of following the recipe. Omit some of the sugar since there’s a lot of sweet stuff going on already.
Drinks
8. Chocolate Hazelnut Milk
Caving for some chocolate milk? Try making this Nutella-inspired milk. You just need to blend water, hazelnuts, semisweet chocolate (or dark chocolate), maple syrup and some unsweetened cocoa powder together and strain it with cheesecloth to get a smooth milk.
9. Nutella Hot Chocolate (Vegan)
Hot chocolate is one of the best comfort foods there are and having one that tastes just like Nutella makes it even better. You can have more than 1 glass knowing that you made it with wholesome ingredients. Also, you get to adjust the sweetness to your desire too!
10. Overnight Oatmeal Smoothie
This oatmeal smoothie is perfect for those lazy days when you just want to slurp your breakfast. It’s filling, nutritious and who doesn’t want to have chocolate for breakfast? Soaking the oats and hazelnuts overnight will soften it so it will blend easier the next day too.
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