Ferrero, the Italian manufacturer of the beloved hazelnut spread Nutella, has announced a new addition to its product lineup: vegan Nutella.
Described by the head of the Italian Végé group on LinkedIn as “the innovation of innovations,” this new product is expected to hit supermarket shelves in Italy this autumn.
The vegan Nutella will complement, not replace, the original product, allowing those who follow a vegan diet or are lactose intolerant to enjoy the sweet cocoa spread.
According to an article in the Berliner Morgenpost, the new variant is said to be similar in taste and consistency to conventional Nutella. However, the exact alternative to milk powder remains a secret.
Although the product has been met with much excitement from the Nutella-loving community, it has also faced criticism due to one ingredient: palm oil.
The cultivation of palm oil often leads to deforestation and loss of biodiversity, which has long been an issue for environmentally conscious consumers. This aspect of the product has raised concerns among those advocating for sustainable practices.
Despite these concerns, the introduction of vegan Nutella is seen by many as a step forward.
In addition to vegan Nutella, Ferrero recently launched Nutella ice cream. This new product features layers of hazelnut and cocoa cream, all covered by a layer of Nutella. The launch of Nutella ice cream has already generated great excitement on social media.
