The vegan Nutella hits the shelves: Why not in Israel?

The vegan Nutella hits the shelves: As of yesterday, a vegan version of the popular spread is being marketed in Italy, France and Belgium, and it is expected to reach other countries in the coming months, such as Germany, which will begin marketing in January 2025. The product that hit the shelves costs the European consumer €4.49 for a 350 gram jar, and it is different In a light green lid, compared to the white lid in the original product.

The Ferrero company explained that the spread is designed to meet the growing demand from groups in the population that completely avoid animal products and others that seek to reduce consumption and switch to alternative products. However, the company explained that the product is not suitable for those who avoid milk due to allergies, as it is produced in a factory alongside dairy products.

Thomas Chatenier, from Nutella's global presidency, said that "the recipe for plant-based Nutella is based entirely on ingredients of plant origin only and is characterized by a reduction in the total amount of sugar in the spread (-20%). The percentage of hazelnuts in the plant-based spread remains unchanged compared to the existing Nutella spread, while The milk was replaced with hummus powder and the reduction in sugar is due to its replacement with rice syrup."

According to the company, no compromise was made in the new product regarding the taste. The company's president Thomas Chatenier said that "it's the same great taste, smooth texture and excellent quality that the Nutella brand is known for and loved for."

Unfortunately, however, the vegan Nutella is not expected to reach supermarket shelves in Israel soon.

The product has currently been launched in a limited number of countries, and continued distribution will be done depending on the success: "We aim to continue distributing this product, taking into account its performance and feedback from consumers," said Premium, the official representative of Ferrero products in Israel.

The company also stated that "if there are any developments regarding the launch of the Nutella brand in a plant-based version in Israel - we promise to update."