The delicious chocolate hazelnut spread Nutella has become well known all over the world. Yet for Muslims, the question of whether Nutella is halal or not is quite important.
Halal and haram are terms used in Islamic law to signify what is permitted and what is not.
As a result, the composition of Nutella, the method of manufacture, and the product’s certification all affect whether it is halal or haram.
We’ll look at the several standards that determine if Nutella is halal in this post and explain whether Muslims can consume it without violating their religious beliefs.
What exactly is Nutella?
Nutella is a popular chocolate hazelnut spread that has become a household name in many countries around the world.
It was first created in Italy by Pietro Ferrero, the founder of Ferrero SpA, in the 1940s during World War II, when cocoa was in short supply.
Ferrero experimented with using hazelnuts as a substitute for cocoa, which led to the creation of the first version of Nutella. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that Nutella became widely available outside of Italy.
Nutella is made primarily from sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa solids, and skimmed milk powder.
The hazelnuts used in Nutella are typically roasted and ground to create a creamy paste that is then mixed with the other ingredients to create the spread.
Nutella has a rich, creamy texture and a sweet, chocolatey flavor that is loved by people of all ages.
One of the reasons Nutella has become so popular is its unique flavor profile. The combination of chocolate and hazelnuts creates a rich, nutty taste that is both satisfying and indulgent.
Additionally, Nutella is seen by many as a nostalgic treat, as it is often associated with childhood memories and special occasions.
Controversial about is Nutella Halal or not?
Although it has recently become very popular, many people are unclear if it is halal. So, is Nutella chocolate spread halal?
The chocolate spread Nutella is halal; therefore, that is true.
Muslims throughout the world are outraged and shocked at the firm following the current issue, in which the Nutella brand tweeted on September 14, 2020, claiming that the spread is not halal.
In response to an inquiry about whether the chocolate spread Nutella is halal, Nutella tweeted, “No, they are not halal.”
As soon as the Tweet went viral, Muslim nations and people were inconsolable.
While some nations were prepared to completely boycott the brand, many others chose to forbid the product’s distribution in their nation as a whole.
Then, a few days later, the company tweeted out an apology for the prior Tweet. “Every single Nutella product that is sold worldwide is halal-compliant.
Almost 90% of the industrial plants that make Nutella have already received third-party Halal certification, and we are working to certify the other remaining. We sincerely regret the error in our previous tweet.”
Nutella: Halal or Haram
Let’s start by defining what Halal and Haram imply in the context of Islam.
Halal and haram are concepts used in Islam to denote permitted and prohibited behavior, respectively.
These phrases are used to describe a variety of facets of life, such as eating habits, drinking habits, behavior patterns, and business procedures.
Halal is a term used to describe things that are permitted or accepted by Islamic law. Halal food, for instance, is food that has been prepared and consumed in accordance with Islamic dietary regulations.
Halal includes actions like telling the truth, showing kindness to others, and carrying out one’s commitments.
Pork and alcohol, which are seen as unclean and damaging to the body, are two examples of haram foods. Lying, stealing, and participating in sexual immorality are all considered haram.
Twitter’s explanation that Nutella is Halal reassured people all around the world. Yet, some people continue to question if Nutella chocolate spread is Halal.
Contacting the company’s official consumer representatives directly is the most reliable approach to finding out whether a product is halal or not.
In order to determine whether or not Nutella chocolate spread is halal, we’ve researched all sources, and here is the answer, right from the company. All Nutella products are certainly halal, they claimed.
They also mentioned that each of their items has halal certification. Go to the product label for further information on any particular product.
This customer service representative’s reaction surely helped us to clarify that all Nutella products are actually completely halal to eat.
Those who live in Islamic countries, such as those in the Middle East, are not as concerned about a product’s halal status.
This is due to the fact that the government inspects and regulates all goods before they are distributed in these nations. Thus, only halal products are allowed to enter the country.
Is Nutella Halal Certified – No, it is not. It is not halal-certified. This does not, however, make it prohibited from consumption.
As was said before, Nutella chocolate spread is made entirely of halal ingredients and does not contain any forbidden substances.
Simply put, it lacks official halal certification. Also, according to the company’s Twitter, more than 90% of the commercial factories that produce Nutella have obtained third-party Halal certification, and the firm is trying to certify the remaining ones as well.
Ingredients in Nutella
We can evaluate whether Nutella chocolate spread is halal or haram by looking at the components.
The components of Nutella Chocolate Spread are listed below:
- Sugar
Nutella contains a significant amount of sugar, which gives it its sweet taste.
The sugar used in Nutella is typically a blend of granulated sugar and powdered sugar.
- Palm Oil
The vegetable oil used in Nutella is usually palm oil, although other oils such as coconut oil may be used as well.
The oil helps to give Nutella its smooth and creamy texture.
- Hazelnuts (13%)
Hazelnuts are an important ingredient in Nutella as they provide much of the spread’s distinct flavor and texture and typically it contains around 13% hazelnuts.
Before being mashed into a paste, the hazelnuts used to make Nutella are first roasted to enhance their flavor.
The finished product is then made by combining this hazelnut paste with the remaining ingredients.
- Skimmed Milk Powder (8.7%)
In order to give Nutella a creamy texture and a milky flavor, skimmed milk powder is added.
By first skimming the milk’s fat and then drying the remaining milk solids, skimmed milk powder is created.
- Fat-reduced cocoa (7.4%)
Cocoa powder is what gives Nutella its chocolate flavor.
The cocoa powder used in Nutella is made from roasted cocoa beans that have been processed to remove the fat.
- Emulsifier: lecithin (soya)
Because it is a natural emulsifier, lecithin aids in blending and prevents the separation of the various components that make up Nutella.
- Vanillin
The artificial flavoring vanillin is added to Nutella to improve the flavor and scent.
It is a synthetic substance that closely resembles the flavor of genuine vanilla and is frequently used in a variety of culinary products as a less expensive and more accessible substitute for natural vanilla.
The ingredients stated above show that the chocolate spread Nutella was made without the use of any illegal chemicals.
The majority of the ingredients, including the flavors, are derived from plants.
This demonstrates that Nutella meets halal requirements and is therefore halal.
If You Wondered Is It Healthy?
The answer is not clear. People around the world are enjoying this delicious chocolate and hazelnut spread.
However, whether or not Nutella is healthy depends on how you define “healthy” and how much you consume.
On the one hand, Nutella is high in sugar and calories. Two tablespoons (37 grams) of Nutella contain 21 grams of sugar and 200 calories.
This means that if you consume too much Nutella, it could contribute to weight gain and other health problems associated with excessive sugar consumption, such as tooth decay and increased risk of diabetes.
On the other hand, Nutella contains some nutrients that can be beneficial to your health.
Hazelnuts, for instance, are a good source of fibre, protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals like magnesium, vitamin E and potassium.
Moreover, cocoa, which is high in antioxidants and can help shield your body from harm from free radicals, is an ingredient in Nutella.
In general, Nutella can be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that it is a high-calorie and high-sugar food, so it’s best to enjoy it in small amounts and as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.
Ideas For Eating Nutella
Now that we’ve clarified that Nutella is Halal – made of Halal ingredients let’s dive into the world of sweets and see how you can enjoy this delicious chocolate and hazelnut spread.
It’s not only great for breakfast, but it can also be used in a variety of other ways:
- Spread it on Toast The classic way to use Nutella is to spread it on toast. Simply toast a slice of bread and spread Nutella on top. You can also add sliced bananas or strawberries for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
- Use it as a Dip Nutella is a great dip for fruits like strawberries, apples, and bananas. It’s also delicious with pretzels or graham crackers. Simply place the Nutella in a small bowl and use it as a dip for your favorite snacks.
- Make Nutella Brownies Nutella can be used in baking to add a delicious chocolate and hazelnut flavor. One popular recipe is Nutella brownies. Simply mix Nutella with flour, eggs, and sugar to create a rich and fudgy brownie.
- Top Your Ice Cream If you’re looking for a delicious topping for your ice cream, Nutella is a great option. Drizzle it over your preferred flavour of ice cream after heating it quickly in the microwave to make it easier to pour.
- Make Nutella Hot Chocolate Nutella can also be used to make a delicious hot chocolate. Simply heat up milk in a saucepan and stir in a few tablespoons of Nutella until it melts. As a result, a thick, creamy hot chocolate is produced that is ideal for a chilly winter day.
- Use it in a Smoothie: Nutella can be added to a smoothie to give it a delicious chocolate and hazelnut flavor. Simply blend Nutella with milk, ice, and your favorite fruits for a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack.
- Spread it on a Crepe Nutella is a classic filling for crepes. Simply spread Nutella on a warm crepe and add sliced bananas or strawberries for a delicious and indulgent breakfast or dessert.
Obviously, it is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious spread for your toast, a dip for your fruit, or a topping for your ice cream, Nutella is a great option.
So next time you’re looking for a delicious treat, reach for a jar of Nutella and get creative.
In case you are out of your favorite chocolate spread, or just looking for an alternative, you should check out Nocciolata Organic Hazelnut Spread.
This delightful organic hazelnut spread is halal-certified by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America and it is organic.
It has a deep chocolate flavor akin to Nutella and is produced using premium ingredients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nutella can be halal in Islam if it is made with halal ingredients and produced according to Islamic guidelines.
While Nutella contains some ingredients that may be considered questionable by some, such as vanillin, it is ultimately up to the individual to decide whether or not they consider Nutella to be halal based on their own interpretation of Islamic dietary laws.
To verify that any food item is halal and acceptable for consumption, it is crucial to always check the ingredients and production process.
In this post, we have supplied all necessary details about the specific product, from the ingredients to the brand statement, and we made it clear – While it is not Halal Certified, it is made entirely of halal ingredients and does not contain any forbidden substances.
Read also: Are Oreos Halal? / Is Coca-Cola Halal?
