Choco Love vs. Nutella: A Vegan Showdown – The Ultimate Dairy-Free Hazelnut Spread Comparison

For decades, Nutella has reigned supreme as the go-to chocolate-hazelnut spread. Its creamy, sweet profile is beloved on toast, pancakes, and straight from the jar. But as more people embrace plant-based lifestyles or simply seek cleaner ingredients, a question keeps popping up: Is there a vegan hazelnut spread that can truly rival the original?

Enter Choco Love, a dairy-free alternative that’s been turning heads in the vegan community. In this Choco Love vs. Nutella showdown, we’ll break down ingredients, taste, texture, nutrition, and ethical considerations. By the end, you’ll know exactly which spread deserves a spot in your pantry.

Ingredients: The Dairy Dilemma

Nutella’s ingredient list starts with sugar and palm oil, followed by hazelnuts, skim milk powder, cocoa, and lecithin. The presence of skim milk powder is the dealbreaker for vegans — it’s a dairy derivative that gives Nutella its creamy mouthfeel but excludes anyone following a plant-based diet. Additionally, Nutella contains vanillin (an artificial vanilla flavor) and soy lecithin, which some consumers prefer to avoid.

Choco Love, on the other hand, is crafted entirely without animal products. Its base is a blend of organic cane sugar, sustainable palm fruit oil, hazelnuts, and fair-trade cocoa. Instead of milk powder, Choco Love uses a proprietary mix of plant-based ingredients to achieve a silky, spreadable texture. It also skips artificial flavors, relying on natural vanilla extract. For those with lactose intolerance or ethical concerns about dairy farming, Choco Love is a clear winner from the start.

• Tip: Always check the label for hidden dairy — even some 'dark chocolate' spreads contain milk solids.

Taste Test: Sweetness, Hazelnut Punch, and Cocoa Depth

Nutella is undeniably sweet, with sugar listed as the first ingredient. Its flavor is dominated by a sugary, milky sweetness that masks the hazelnut and cocoa notes. Many fans love this nostalgic taste, but critics find it cloying and one-dimensional. The hazelnut presence is subtle, and the cocoa is mild.

Choco Love offers a more balanced profile. It’s still sweet, but the sugar level is slightly lower, allowing the roasted hazelnut and rich cocoa flavors to shine through. The texture is just as creamy, with a satisfying spreadability that doesn’t separate or become oily. In a blind taste test, many tasters noted that Choco Love tastes more like real hazelnuts and less like candy. If you prefer a deeper, more sophisticated chocolate-hazelnut experience, Choco Love takes the lead.

Texture & Spreadability: Smooth Operator Showdown

Both spreads are designed for easy spreading, but there are subtle differences. Nutella at room temperature is very soft and almost runny, which can make it tricky to spread thickly without dripping. When refrigerated, it hardens considerably and becomes difficult to work with.

Choco Love maintains a velvety, spreadable consistency across a wider temperature range. It stays pliable at room temperature and doesn’t harden as much in the fridge, making it ideal for both immediate use and meal prep. This is a practical advantage for anyone who likes to keep their spreads chilled. For a truly effortless spreading experience, Choco Love wins the texture round.

• For an extra treat, try spreading Choco Love on warm toast — it melts into a luscious, fudge-like layer.

Nutrition & Ethical Considerations

Calorie-wise, both spreads are similar — around 200 calories per two tablespoons. Nutella contains slightly more sugar (21g vs. 18g per serving) and has a higher saturated fat content due to palm oil. Choco Love also uses palm oil, but from certified sustainable sources, which is better for rainforests and orangutan habitats. Additionally, Choco Love is free from GMOs and artificial preservatives.

The ethical edge goes to Choco Love: it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and uses fair-trade cocoa, ensuring farmers receive a fair wage. Nutella’s parent company has made some sustainability commitments, but the product itself still relies on dairy, which has a higher carbon and water footprint. For environmentally and ethically conscious consumers, Choco Love is the obvious choice.

How to Enjoy Your Vegan Spread: Beyond Toast

While both spreads are delicious on bread, the possibilities are endless. Use Choco Love as a dip for fresh fruit, a filling for crepes, or a swirl into oatmeal. It also works beautifully in baking — try substituting it for butter in vegan brownies or frosting.

For a quick dessert, spread Choco Love on a Kookie Cat Vanilla Choc Chip Cookie Box for an indulgent sandwich. Or, pair it with the M:lk Choc Almond Butter Cups Box for a double-chocolate treat. The creamy, nutty flavor complements everything from banana slices to vegan ice cream.

• Pro tip: Warm Choco Love slightly and drizzle over pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast.

When it comes to the Choco Love vs. Nutella debate, the winner depends on your priorities. If you’re strictly vegan or want a more natural, less sugary spread with a stronger hazelnut flavor, Choco Love is the clear champion. It delivers on taste, texture, and ethics without compromise. Ready to make the switch? Explore the M:lk Choc Almond Butter Cups Box for another vegan delight that pairs perfectly with your new favorite spread.