Ferrero Set to Launch Vegan Nutella in Italy, France, and Belgium in Response to Shifting Consumer Preferences

Being vegan can sometimes be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding indulgent treats like chocolate. But, thanks to food companies stepping up, satisfying those cravings is getting easier.

Ferrero, the maker of Nutella, announced the upcoming launch of a vegan version of its beloved hazelnut spread. Set to hit shelves in Italy, France, and Belgium, this new Nutella recipe will ditch dairy, replacing it with chickpeas and rice syrup. This shift marks Ferrero’s response to growing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives.

“No compromises” were made concerning the taste of Nutella, launched 60 years ago and marketed in around 170 countries, the Italian company said.

“More and more consumers are opting to reduce, or cut out, animal products,” it said.

The food firm Ferrero has come under fire for using palm oil in their Nutella, which contributes to deforestation. For palm oil, the business has established a "segregated" supply chain that links mills to the source. The ingredients of traditional Nutella include sugar, milk, chocolate, lecithin, hazelnuts, palm oil, and vanillin. The movement is popular all over the world; in Sydney, there was a record-breaking Nutella pizza challenge.