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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

Vegan Nutella

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When a chocolate craving strikes, nothing beats a spoonful of my creamy Vegan Nutella. I made it in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients like raw hazelnuts, dark chocolate, and a touch of maple syrup. It’s a healthier, all-natural twist on the classic spread with no added sugar or artificial flavors, just pure indulgence.

Easy homemade vegan nutella in a glass mason jar.

When I first discovered original Nutella as a child I thought I’d found the best-kept secret! This chocolate hazelnut spread tasted amazing on just about anything, and quickly became my new favorite treat. Much like this white chocolate hazelnut spread, equally indulgent and irresistible. But (there’s always a but, right? Haha!), as I got older, I started to wonder, “Wait… is Nutella vegan?” So, I flipped over the jar to check the label, and that’s when reality hit.

Not only was my favorite chocolate treat off-limits for a vegan diet, but it was also loaded with processed ingredients. Just two tablespoons had 200 calories and a whopping 21 grams of sugar, that’s more sugar than a full-sized Snickers bar! So, it was a must for me to create a recipe that’s healthy but still delicious.

Honestly, I’ve always been obsessed with chocolate hazelnut spreads, but finding a version that’s vegan, gluten-free, and still tastes indulgent? That felt impossible, until I made my own. This Vegan Nutella is everything I could want: creamy, rich, and perfectly sweet, without any dairy, refined sugar, or artificial ingredients. It’s a treat I can feel good about enjoying, whether I’m spreading it on toast, drizzling it over pancakes, or (let’s be honest) eating it straight from the jar. 😉

With two kids who love chocolate just as much as I do, I wanted to keep this recipe as simple and healthy as possible. Using just a few ingredients; raw hazelnuts, dark chocolate, maple syrup, and a splash of almond milk, it comes together in only 30 minutes. Roasting the hazelnuts brings out their warm, nutty flavor, while the melted dark chocolate adds a deep, rich sweetness. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it’s perfect for my family, and making it at home means I know exactly what’s in it, no hidden additives or extra sugar!

I enjoy it as a spread, a dip, or even mixed into my banana oatmeal for an extra chocolaty twist. It’s made for anyone who appreciates bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. And the taste? Oh, it’s everything silky, nutty, and indulgent. I can’t wait for you to try it!

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🥘 Ingredients

Trust me, you can totally make your own vegan Nutella at home! These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry.

Ingredients for vegan nutella recipe on a white background.

Unsalted Raw Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts are the star of this recipe, giving it that signature nutty flavor. They’re blended into a creamy butter that’s the foundation of this spread.

70% Dark Chocolate: I use dark chocolate for its rich, bold flavor. With 70% cocoa, it’s chocolaty without being overly sweet.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil adds richness and makes the spread super smooth. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this one!

Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is my go-to natural sweetener for this recipe. It pairs perfectly with the hazelnuts and chocolate, and you can adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Almond Milk: A splash of almond milk helps thin the spread and makes blending a breeze. It adds creaminess without any dairy.

Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla extract ties all the flavors together. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference!

🍲 Substitutions

Hazelnuts: If you’re out of hazelnuts, you can swap them for almonds or cashews, but keep in mind it’ll change the taste.

Dark Chocolate: I always use good quality dark chocolate for a rich, bold flavor. For a milder taste, try semi-sweet chocolate, but make sure it’s vegan if that’s important to you!

Oil: If you don’t have coconut oil, a neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed works too.

Maple Syrup: You can use agave, coconut sugar, or even regular sugar if needed, adjust to your liking!

Milk: You can substitute with other plant-based milks like coconut or oat milk for a similar result.

🔪 How To Make

Ready to satisfy those chocolate cravings the healthy way? Let’s make the best homemade Vegan Nutella, I am confident you’re going to love it.

Roast Hazelnuts: I start by preheating my oven to 350°F. Then, I spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them for 15 minutes, it smells amazing!

Roasted hazelnuts on a baking sheet.

Blend Into Hazelnut Butter: Once the hazelnuts are roasted, I toss them into a food processor or high-speed blender. I blitz them for a few minutes until they turn into thick, creamy nut butter, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides for the smoothest texture.

Roasted hazelnuts blended into a hazelnut butter in a food processor.

Add Melted Chocolate: While the hazelnuts are blending, I break the chocolate into small pieces and melt it with the coconut oil. A quick microwave melt in 30-second intervals or low heat on the stovetop works perfectly. Once it’s smooth and glossy, I pour it into the creamy hazelnut butter.

Melted chocolate hazelnut spread in a blender.

Add Rest Of Ingredients: Next, I add the rest of the ingredients: maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, along with the coconut oil. I blend everything for a couple more minutes until it’s completely smooth and creamy, making sure all the flavors are perfectly combined.

Coconut milk and chocolate added to hazelnut butter in blender.

Blend & Finish: Once everything is blended, the Vegan Nutella should have a thick, creamy consistency, similar to almond or peanut butter. I scoop it into an airtight jar for storage or dive right in and serve it immediately, it’s hard to resist!

Dairy free chocolate hazelnut spread in a blender.

My #1 Secret Tip for making the best Vegan Nutella is to never skip the coconut oil! Trust me, I’ve tried making it without, and while the flavor is still good, the texture just isn’t the same. The coconut oil adds that rich, silky smoothness that takes this spread from “pretty good” to absolutely irresistible. It’s the little detail that makes all the difference, once you try it, you’ll see what I mean!

Other Tips To Keep In Mind:

  • Choose The Right Hazelnuts: I always use raw, unsalted hazelnuts for the best flavor. They’re the star of the recipe and give that classic, authentic Nutella taste.
  • Invest In A High-Speed Blender: A high-speed blender or Vitamix is my go-to for achieving a silky, creamy consistency. It makes blending the hazelnuts into smooth butter so much easier!
  • Storage Affects Consistency: For a thinner, spreadable Nutella, I keep it at room temperature. If I want it thicker, like traditional Nutella, I store it in the fridge.
  • Nut-Free: If you have a nut allergy, you can replace the hazelnuts with sunflower seeds to create a sunflower seed spread. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor, but it will still be delicious and creamy. 

📖 Variations

This is hands down my favorite homemade Vegan Nutella recipe, but if you’re feeling adventurous, I’ve got fun variations you can try to mix things up.

Minty: I swap the dark chocolate for ⅔ cup of vegan mint chocolate for a cool, minty twist. It’s perfect as a refreshing dessert spread or a unique treat!

Extra Sweet: When I want it sweeter, I add 2–3 soaked dates to the mix. They naturally boost the sweetness without any refined sugars, just blend them with the almond milk.

Mix-Ins: For added fun and texture, I mix in 2 tablespoons of cacao nibs, coconut shreds, vegan chocolate chips, or chopped nuts. Even 2–3 crushed vegan cookies work for a flavorful crunch!

Spiced: I like to spice things up with ½ teaspoon of almond extract, cinnamon, or pumpkin pie spice. It’s a warm and cozy twist, especially during the colder months.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

My homemade vegan Nutella recipe is not just a spread; it’s a versatile addition to your vegan diet that can be used in a variety of ways.

Breakfast: I love spreading this Vegan Nutella on my gluten free bread, my vegan bagels, or even swirling it into my vegan zucchini muffins. It’s the perfect way to start the day with something indulgent yet wholesome.

Snacks: For a quick treat, I dip fresh fruit like bananas and strawberries into this creamy spread. It’s also amazing on vegan graham crackers for a satisfying afternoon snack.

Desserts: I use this dairy-free Nutella as a frosting alternative for cupcakes or brownies and as a dip for my vegan churros. It’s even delicious mixed into my banana bread without butter for extra chocolaty goodness.

Beverages: I love blending this spread into smoothies for a nutty twist or stirring it into my healthy hot chocolate or coffee for a rich, homemade mocha. It’s pure indulgence in a cup.

🫙 Storage Directions

Refrigerating: If I have leftovers, I store my homemade Vegan Nutella in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. It thickens as it chills, but I just bring it to room temperature and stir it for a smoother spread.

Room Temperature: When I want a thinner consistency, I keep it at room temperature for up to a week. I make sure it’s tightly sealed to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this spread because of the high oil content, it can make the texture grainy. It’s so much better enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.

❓Recipe FAQs

Which are the healthiest nutella brands in store?

As a nutritionist, I’ve tested several vegan Nutella brands to find the best dairy-free options for chocolate hazelnut lovers. Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter is a fantastic choice, rich, nutty, and perfectly spreadable. Other lactose free Nutella brands include: TBH Hazelnut Cocoa Spread, Nutiva Chocolate Hazelnut Spread, Fine and Raw Chocolate Hazelnut Spread, Nocciolata Spread, and Vego Hazelnut Spread.

Is this Vegan Nutella healthy?

Yes, my vegan Nutella is a healthier alternative to store-bought spreads. Made with natural ingredients, it’s free from refined sugars, dairy, and artificial additives.

Can I use cocoa powder instead of dark chocolate?

I haven’t tried it, but you can experiment by using cocoa powder and increasing the coconut oil for a creamy consistency. Let me know how it turns out!

Healthy homemade vegan nutella in a glass mason jar.

Love this plant based dessert recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page!

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📋 Recipe Card

🎥 Watch How to Make It

https://youtu.be/D_HGtnGA_k8
Easy homemade vegan nutella in a glass mason jar.
Print Recipe
5 from 20 votes

Vegan Nutella

When a chocolate craving strikes, nothing beats a spoonful of my creamy Vegan Nutella. I made it in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients like raw hazelnuts, dark chocolate, and a touch of maple syrup. It’s a healthier, all-natural twist on the classic spread with no added sugar or artificial flavors, just pure indulgence.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Condiment, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Italian, Vegan
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 16
Calories: 187kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Heat your oven to 350°F.
  • Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet, and roast for 15 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven, and place into a food processor or high-speed blender. Blitz for a few minutes, until you have a thick and creamy nut butter. (You'll probably need to stop and scrape down the sides of the container a few times.)
  • While the nuts are processing, break the chocolate into small pieces and melt with the coconut oil (can be done in the microwave or on the stovetop).
  • Once the nut butter is ready, add the melted chocolate and coconut oil, maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla extract, and salt. If using a date (for more sweetness), add at this time. Blitz for another couple of minutes, until everything is completely mixed together and smooth.
  • Transfer to an airtight jar, and store at room temperature or in the fridge for a thicker texture. It will keep for a month.

Notes

  • My #1 Secret Tip for making the best Vegan Nutella is to never skip the coconut oil! Trust me, I’ve tried making it without, and while the flavor is still good, the texture just isn’t the same. The coconut oil adds that rich, silky smoothness that takes this spread from “pretty good” to absolutely irresistible. It’s the little detail that makes all the difference, once you try it, you’ll see what I mean!
  • I always use raw, unsalted hazelnuts for the best flavor. They’re the star of the recipe and give that classic, authentic Nutella taste.
  • A high-speed blender or Vitamix is my go-to for achieving a silky, creamy consistency. It makes blending the hazelnuts into smooth butter so much easier!
  • For a thinner, spreadable Nutella, I keep it at room temperature. If I want it thicker, like traditional Nutella, I store it in the fridge.
  • If you have a nut allergy, you can replace the hazelnuts with sunflower seeds to create a sunflower seed spread. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor, but it will still be delicious and creamy. 
  • Nutritional info calculated using 88% dark chocolate and 1 date.

Nutrition

Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 166mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3.5g

38 responses to “Vegan Nutella”

5 from 20 votes (1 rating without comment)

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