I need comfort food to get through this lockdown. Before I went vegan, I would be running to the nutella jar, spoon in hand.
The last few weeks have given me an excuse to explore vegan alternatives to nutella. My mission: to discover spreads which are just as delicious without any of the cruelty.
Some little known facts about nutella: Ferrero faced a lawsuit a few years back for claiming, falsely, that nutella was nutricious and the first two ingredients are sugar and palm oil, NOT hazelnuts.
After a lengthy search, let me give you my top three delicious, slightly more healthy, and totally vegan nutella alternatives.
1 – Grecious Tahini with Cocoa
If you like nuts then this one is for you. It is delicious creamy yet totally dairy-free.
Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, without preservatives or additives. Only 13% of a nutella jar is hazelnuts while a whopping 62% of this Grecious spread is ground sesame seeds.
I love this one on porridge or in a cake – it is a bit too thick and overpowering on toast. An extra bonus: all the products from Grecious are ethically and sustainably sourced.
Get it delivered from www.harveynichols.com
2 – Vego Chocolate Spread
Vegan, organic and palm-oil free, the Vego spread is the closest thing to nutella I have tasted.
22% hazelnuts, plenty of raw cane sugar and shea butter, this is not necessarily the healthiest option. But it sure is yummy.
Get it delivered from www.hollandandbarrett.com.
3 – Raw Cacao Brazilnut Bliss
Just four superfood ingredients: 78% brazil nuts with agave nectar, cacao powder and hemp oil. This one has a hell of a lot more protein per g than nutella and raw brazil nuts come with tons of good-for-you nutrients like selenium and copper.
As well as scoring top marks on the health front, this spread is flavourful and delicious on toast, in puddings or even in home-made ice cream. Only one downside: the oil tends to separate so give it a stir before you dig in.
Get it delivered from your local stockist – all the details at www.rawvibrantliving.co.uk.
Rachael is about sustainable living and loves writing about everything from veganism to eco travel. She loves running, yoga and vegan food.