Does Nutella Still Taste the Same? The Truth Behind the Recipe Change

For many of us, Nutella isn’t just a spread—it’s a nostalgic experience. Whether you love slathering it on warm toast, drizzling it over ice cream, or using it to wow your dessert-loving friends, Nutella has been a pantry staple for decades. It’s smooth, rich, and indulgent—exactly why so many of us have snuck a spoonful (or three) straight from the jar.

But if you've recently dipped into a fresh jar, only to notice something feels…off, you’re not alone. That irresistible, chocolatey-hazelnut magic from childhood doesn’t quite hit the same anymore. And no, it’s not just your taste buds changing—it’s Nutella itself.

The Great #NutellaGate Controversy

Back in 2017, die-hard Nutella fans began noticing that their favorite spread looked a little lighter than before. The Hamburg Consumer Protection Centre in Germany raised the alarm, speculating that Ferrero—the company behind Nutella—had quietly tweaked the recipe. What followed was a full-on social media uproar dubbed #NutellaGate, as loyal fans demanded answers.

Ferrero eventually confirmed the change, calling it "a small fine-tuning" to the formula. But to Nutella lovers, it felt like a betrayal. (Today)

What Actually Changed?

A closer look at the ingredient list revealed some subtle but significant differences:

• More milk powder: The milk powder content increased from 7.5% to 8.7%, likely contributing to the spread’s lighter color and creamier texture.

• A shift in fat content: The total fat percentage dropped from 31.8% to 30.9%, potentially altering that signature richness.

• More sugar? Ferrero insists the total sugar content remained the same, but reports show it slightly increased from 55.9% to 56.3%.

One thing Ferrero didn’t admit to? Changing the amount of cocoa powder—though many fans speculate that the increased milk powder came at cocoa’s expense.

Is Nutella Still Worth It?

Let’s be real—Nutella may not taste exactly like it did when we were kids, but that doesn’t mean it’s lost its charm. It’s still a ridiculously good addition to flaky croissants, swirled into cream cheese, or drizzled over a crumbly coffee cake. While #NutellaGate may live on in foodie infamy, the spread remains a sweet, nostalgic indulgence.

So, does the “new” Nutella live up to its former glory? That’s up to you—and your next spoonful—to decide.