Hazelnut and cocoa spreads are among the most present products in Italian pantries, but behind apparently similar jars important differences can hide in terms of the quantity of sugars, saturated fats, additives and degree of transformation.
Altroconsumo analyzed over 120 spreads based on dried fruit, including 57 creams with hazelnuts and cocoa, evaluating them based on the information on the label. And several products that are very popular in Italian supermarkets end up in the lowest part of the ranking.
The worst hazelnut spreads in the test
None of the creams analyzed fall into the “very poor” range, reserved for products with less than 20 points. However, there are numerous ones judged by Altroconsumo to be simply “poor”, i.e. with a score between 20 and 39.
At the bottom of the table, all stuck at 22 points, we find:
These are therefore the creams with the lowest score among the 57 evaluated.
Just above, with 23 points, we find an even larger group:
At 25 points we find Carrefour Classic Kaonuts, Witor’s Gianduia spreadable cream, Plant Based Nutella and Dolciando (Eurospin) Hazelnut and cocoa cream with cocoa biscuit chips.
Immediately above, with 26 points, are Valsoia Bontà e Salute Hazelnut and Cocoa Cream, Il Viaggiator Goloso Hazelnut Spreadable Cream, Coop Solidal Hazelnut Spreadable Cream with 100% Italian hazelnuts and low-fat cocoa, Nutella and Pan di Stelle with Biscuit Crumbs.
Even several organic, plant-based products or products perceived as “healthier” alternatives do not achieve particularly brilliant results. At 27 points we find Amoessere Veg by Eurospin, Coop Vivi Verde, Riso Scotti, Conad Verso Natura and Witor’s Dark Spreadable Cream.
How to read this ranking
However, it is important to clarify that Altroconsumo did not carry out a taste test and the score does not establish which cream is more or less good from a taste point of view.
The evaluation instead takes into consideration the nutritional composition and the information on the label. 55% of the score depends on the nutritional evaluation, considering energy, saturated fats, sugars, salt, fiber and proteins. The remaining judgment takes into account additives, degree of transformation, any sweeteners and indicated portions.
Altroconsumo also specifies that the result does not represent an absolute judgment on the healthiness of a food, but a useful tool for comparing products of the same category. Creams between 20 and 39 points are classified as “poor”.
The interesting fact is precisely this: “organic”, “veg”, protein packaging or a well-known brand do not automatically guarantee a better nutritional composition. To choose, therefore, it is best to look beyond the front of the package and check the ingredients and nutritional table.
