You’re not the first to wonder: Is Nutella gluten-free? Read on to learn what’s in Nutella and whether it fits a gluten-free diet.
Nutella is a beloved creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread—sweet, smooth, and versatile. It pairs perfectly with toast, crepes, fruit, and many desserts, adding a distinctive hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
So, is Nutella gluten-free?
Short answer: Yes. According to Ferrero, Nutella does not contain ingredients derived from gluten-containing cereals such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, or triticale.
Note, however, that certain Nutella-branded snack products—Nutella & GO!, Nutella B-Ready, and Nutella Biscuits—include breadsticks or cookies made from wheat flour and should be avoided on a gluten-free diet.
What Is Nutella?
Nutella is a chocolate-hazelnut spread inspired by gianduja, an Italian confection created when chocolatiers mixed hazelnut paste with limited cocoa during historical shortages. Ferrero launched Nutella in 1964, and it has remained a popular pantry staple worldwide. Best at room temperature, Nutella is commonly enjoyed on toast, crepes, and in baking.
According to Nutella’s ingredient information, its main components (from most to least) are:
- Sugar
- Palm oil
- Hazelnuts
- Milk powder
- Cocoa
- Lecithin (an emulsifier, usually from soy or sometimes sunflower)
- Vanillin (an artificial vanilla-flavored compound)
Allergens listed on the label include hazelnuts, milk, and soy. Nutella is certified Kosher and is manufactured in facilities that do not handle peanuts, so it is considered peanut-free.
Answer: Is Nutella Gluten Free?
Naturally made without ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains, Nutella itself is gluten-free and generally safe for people with celiac disease, wheat allergy, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Although Nutella does not carry an FDA “gluten-free” certification label (which indicates testing to show less than 20 parts per million gluten), the ingredient list does not include gluten-containing grains or derivatives. That said, always check the label and your local product packaging if you have severe sensitivity.
Do avoid Nutella snack items like Nutella & GO!, Nutella B-Ready, and Nutella Biscuits—these include wheat-based breadsticks or cookies and are not suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Is Nutella Certified Gluten-Free?
The FDA’s gluten-free labeling rule requires testing and documentation to certify a product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten. Nutella is not labeled as certified gluten-free under that standard, but it does not contain gluten-derived ingredients and is widely considered gluten-free based on its formulation.
Nutella does hold Kosher certification for its dairy-containing product, reflecting compliance with those dietary standards.
Is Nutella Dairy-Free?
Nutella contains skimmed milk powder and therefore is not dairy-free. People with dairy allergies or strict dairy-free diets should avoid it. If you need a dairy-free chocolate-hazelnut spread, look for alternatives specifically labeled dairy-free.
The Bottom Line
While Nutella may not display an official “certified gluten-free” badge, its ingredient list does not include gluten-containing grains, so it is appropriate for most gluten-free diets. Those with celiac disease or severe sensitivities should still review packaging and avoid Nutella snack products that include wheat-based components.
What to Serve with Nutella
Nutella is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it spread on toast, drizzled over fruit, swirled into smoothies, or stirred into hot cereal. For snacks, it pairs well with apple slices or gluten-free pretzels. For breakfasts and desserts, try it with gluten-free crepes, waffles, pancakes, or a mug cake for a delicious treat.