Short answer
Yes, Nutella is bad for you. It may be one of the best selling spreads in the world (one sold per 2.5 seconds), but it is also very dangerous to your health when eaten regularly.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Did you know that Nutella is giving away free money? Well, not exactly - but according to terms of a lawsuit which Nutella lost - if you bought a jar of Nutella between January 2008 and February 2012, you are entitled to a refund. Anytime a company gets sued and ends up being required to give a refund is a big clue that the product they're selling may not be so great for your health. So, what makes Nutella so bad for you?
First, of course, is the sugar. In just two tablespoons, there are 21 grams of refined sugar. In addition to the risk of obesity and diabetes that comes with consuming globs of refined sugar, Nutella also has a high amount of fat - 11 grams per serving (two tablespoons) with 3.5 grams being saturated fat. This combines with sugar to elevate the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Perhaps the two most dangerous ingredients in Nutella are ones that many people just glance over - soy lecithin and vanillin. Soy lecithin is a soy product and as such is a GMO. It has been implicated in such problems as thyroid dysfunction, obesity, constipation - and even breast cancer. Vanillin, on the other hand, is a cheaply produced chemical made to mimic the flavor of true vanilla. Not only does it contain MSG, but is also considered highly addictive, as it sparks the brain to release serotonin when consumed. Trace amounts of neurotoxins are also found within vanillin, meaning the stuff has the potential to kill brain cells.
If there is anything good to say about Nutella, it is that it contains hazelnuts. Hazelnuts contain flavonoids such as proanthocyanidins that are good for the brain and blood circulation. Still, hazelnuts are high in calories (relatively speaking with regard to size) - and present in a small amount in a jar of Nutella. Also, hazelnuts do not reverse any of the damage caused by refined sugar, fats, soy lecithin, or vanillin.
Possible short-term side effects
- blood sugar spike
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constipation
Possible long-term side effects
- diabetes
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obesity
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heart disease
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breast cancer
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non-alcoholic fatty liver
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brain damage (not likely, but possible)
Ingredients to be aware of
Healthier alternatives
- homemade, dark chocolate spread
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raw organic vegan cocoa bliss
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peanut butter
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter
- Organic cocoa content
- No stir convenience
- Gluten-free spread
- Responsibly sourced
- Deliciously nutty flavor
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-22-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-22-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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