Nutella. The name itself evokes images of creamy, chocolatey, hazelnut goodness. It’s a beloved spread enjoyed by many, but the store-bought version is often packed with refined sugars, palm oil, and other less-than-ideal ingredients. If you’re following a Paleo lifestyle or simply aiming for a healthier diet, traditional Nutella is definitely off-limits. But fear not! I’ve developed a delicious and healthy alternative: Paleo Nutella! This homemade recipe uses only whole, natural ingredients, delivering all the satisfying flavor of classic Nutella without the guilt. It’s a truly healthy sweet treat you’ll adore!
The Paleo diet focuses on consuming whole, unprocessed foods similar to what our hunter-gatherer ancestors ate. This means avoiding refined sugars, processed oils, grains, legumes, and in some variations, dairy. Crafting homemade versions of classic treats like Nutella allows us to indulge in familiar flavors while adhering to our health goals. Plus, you have complete control over the ingredient quality.
The Ingredients Breakdown: Nature’s Pantry
My Paleo Nutella recipe features a carefully curated blend of wholesome ingredients:
- Hazelnuts: The star of the show! Hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Roasting them enhances their nutty flavor and makes them easier to blend.
- Raw Cocoa Powder: Unlike processed cocoa, raw cocoa is packed with antioxidants, flavonoids, and minerals like magnesium and iron. It provides the deep, rich chocolate flavor we crave.
- Butter (or Coconut Oil): I prefer grass-fed butter for its rich flavor and healthy fats, but coconut oil is an excellent dairy-free alternative. Both contribute to the creamy texture and help bind the ingredients.
- Dates: These naturally sweet fruits are a fantastic source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. They provide a caramel-like sweetness and contribute to the smooth consistency.
- Maple Syrup (Grade A): A touch of pure maple syrup enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle maple flavor. Grade A is recommended for its pure taste.
- Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Milk (Raw Milk, Almond Milk, or Non-Dairy Alternative): A splash of milk helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency. Raw milk (if available and legal in your area) offers additional enzymes and nutrients, but unsweetened almond milk or another non-dairy milk works perfectly.
The Process of Making Paleo Nutella: A Simple Guide
Making your own Paleo Nutella is surprisingly easy! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Roast the Hazelnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant and the skins start to crack. Let them cool slightly, then rub them in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much of the skins as possible. Don’t worry about removing every single bit.
- Process the Hazelnuts: Place the roasted hazelnuts in a food processor and blend until they form a smooth butter. This may take several minutes, and you’ll need to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally. Be patient!
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Add the raw cocoa powder, melted butter (or coconut oil), pitted dates, maple syrup, and sea salt to the food processor.
- Blend Until Smooth: Process everything until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This can take a few minutes, so continue to scrape down the sides as needed. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your Paleo Nutella and adjust the sweetness or saltiness as needed. You can add more maple syrup for a sweeter spread or a pinch more salt to balance the flavors.
Cost Breakdown and Comparison: Saving Money and Your Health
Making your own Paleo Nutella is not only healthier but also more cost-effective. Here’s a rough cost breakdown based on average UK prices:
- Homemade Paleo Nutella (per jar): Approximately £5.40 (this can vary depending on ingredient prices).
- Store-bought Nutella (per jar): Approximately £9.49
As you can see, making your own Paleo Nutella can save you a significant amount of money. Plus, you’re investing in your health by using high-quality, natural ingredients.
Would You Buy It? Your Opinion Matters!
If this homemade Paleo Nutella were available in stores for £9.49, would you consider purchasing it? I’d love to hear your honest thoughts in the comments section below! Your feedback helps me understand what you value in healthy treats.
Finished Paleo Nutella: A closeup shot of the finished Paleo Nutella in a jar, with a spoonful spread on a piece of fruit or Paleofriendly toast.
Conclusion: A Guilt-Free Indulgence
This Paleo Nutella is a delicious and healthy alternative to the store-bought version. It’s packed with nutrients, free from refined sugars and processed oils, and incredibly easy to make. You can enjoy it as a spread on fruit, Paleo-friendly bread or crackers, or even use it as a dip for vegetables.
I encourage you to try this recipe and experiment with it! You can add different nuts like almonds or walnuts, or try different sweeteners like honey or coconut nectar. The possibilities are endless. Enjoy this guilt-free indulgence and let me know how it turns out!
