Vegan version of Nutella to launch in France
Plant-based alternative is more expensive than classic spread
The spread will be available in France, as well as Italy and Belgium
Nutella / Ferrero
A plant-based version of the popular chocolate hazelnut spread Nutella is launching in France today (September 4).
The creation of the vegan spread, which replaced dairy products with chickpeas and rice syrup, is being launched in response to the growing number of people seeking plant-based and animal-free products, parent company Ferrero said.
It will initially launch in France, Italy, and Belgium, but will be available in other countries in the future.
The company says “no compromises” were taken in making the product fully vegan and accessible to as many people as possible, but that the new ingredients “keep the taste of the traditional Nutella spread.”
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However, there are warnings for those allergic to lactose about buying the spread, as it is made in a factory where dairy ingredients are used to make other products.
Ferrero also owns the Kinder, Ferrero Rocher, and TicTac brands, among others.
Read more: Are there dairy-free ice cream and other similar products in France?
Price hike for vegan version
This plant-based alternative will launch with a significantly higher retail price than the traditional spread.
The new vegan version has a recommended retail price of €11.43 per kilogram, states Ferrero.
Traditional Nutella can be found at €6.32 and €6.59 per kilogram at Auchan and Carrefour supermarkets respectively, significantly lower.
The incredibly popular brand has come under criticism for its controversial use of palm oil in products – which is also an ingredient in the vegan version.
Read more: Which French supermarket has the best gluten-free range?
