Products
Nutella is available in grocery stores. The spread was invented by Italian Pietro Ferrero in the 1940s. At first, the product was called and . It received the brand name Nutella in 1964. Today, numerous imitation products are available in addition to Nutella.
Structure and properties
The hazelnut nougat cream Nutella consists of the following ingredients:
| Sugar | Sucrose is the common household sugar. |
| Palm oil | The fat is extracted from the pulp of the oil palm. |
| Hazelnuts | The nuts are roasted and ground for production. The nut content is higher than the cocoa content because cocoa was expensive after the war. Italy is the second largest producer of hazelnuts. |
| Low fat cocoa | Cacao comes from the seeds of the cacao tree. |
| Skim milk powder | Powdered milk is made from milk by extracting almost all of the water. It is easier to transport and store than milk. |
| Sweet whey powder | Whey is a liquid produced when curdled milk is pressed during cheese making. |
| Soy lecithin | Lecithin is an emulsifier that combines water and fat phases. |
| Vanillin | Synthetic flavoring agent with a taste of vanilla. |
Nutella consists mainly of carbohydrates (about 57%), fat (about 30%) and some protein (about 6%). It should be stored at room temperature and not in the refrigerator.
Effects
There are several reasons for the popularity of the spread. An important role is played by the high sugar and fat content, cocoa and beneficial properties of palm oil, which is easy to spread, has a soft texture and melts in the mouth. Nutella represents a sentimental childhood memory for many adults – Florian Illies has aptly described this in his book.
Areas of application
As a spread, as a sweet, for the preparation of desserts.
Undesirable effects
Nutella consists mainly of sugar and fat and has a high calorific value of well over 500 kcal per 100 g (Switzerland: 546 kcal/100 g). This is roughly equivalent to milk chocolate. Nutella is to be classified as a sweet, which according to the food pyramid should only be taken in small quantities. Excessive consumption of sweets can promote the development of obesity and associated diseases. Hazelnuts, milk and soy can cause allergic reactions and sugar is a trigger of tooth decay.
