With a love for all things chocolate, I was very excited for the opportunity to try Nocciolata. Having tried similar products, I was interested to compare Nocciolata with other chocolate hazelnut spreads becuaes it is has a lower sugar content and overall better nutritional value.
Launched in 2006, the Rigoni family added Nocciolata to their lineup of organic products using an old family recipe. It is made with only eight, certified organic, ingredients – sugar, hazelnut paste, sunflower oil, skim milk powder, cocoa powder, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin and vanilla extract. It contains no chemicals, artificial flavors, GMOs or palm oil. According to their family traditions, all the ingredients are carefully selected and locally grown when possible. The spread is processed for 60 hours to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
During the holiday season, my family was in town visiting so we decided to dig in! When I first opened the jar, the oil had settled on the top so it needed a good stir. The aromas of dark chocolate and hazelnut were strong and appealing. We tried it on a variety of crackers, toast and pretzels. My Mom, sister, son and myself were all impressed with the smooth and creamy texture and pure chocolate and hazelnut flavors.
It seemed a bit thinner than other similar products, which was nice for spreading and eating. My husband thought the spread was a bit too sweet and did not have a strong enough hazelnut taste. (We later determined that he is used to a more “fake” hazelnut flavor.)
To finish up the jar, we made crepes the next morning and used the Nocciolata as a filling – what a decadent breakfast treat! Although my son reminded me “No chocolate for breakfast, Mommy!,” it did encourage him to stay at the table and finish a decent breakfast, which is not an easy task most mornings. He has since requested a chocolate sandwich for lunch, and Nocciolata is a nice substitute for peanut butter, especially when eating in a peanut-free environment. I spread it on wheat bread and add bananas or strawberries and he seems to be quite satisfied.
I am very impressed with this product’s taste and quality. While I am not intent on my family eating everything organic, the basic ingredient list with no unknowns, along with the lower sugar content than other similar spreads, makes it a clear winner. Nocciolata is certainly not part of our everyday diet, but it is one that can satisfy the sweet tooth while keeping fat and calories in check. I cannot wait to buy another jar of Nocciolata to use in my baking. Cupcakes, frosting, banana bread, cookies, brownies – the possibilities abound!
Nocciolata Organic Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa and Milk
Made by Rigoni di Asiago
Available at Amazon.com, Wegmans, Giant, Whole Foods, MOM Organic Market, Balducci’s
$5.79 for 9.52oz jar
Taste: 5
Ease of use/serving: 4
Nutritional Value: 3
Easy to use/prepare: 5
I would purchase this product: 5
Overall rating: 5
Meet the Reviewer!
Christy Petrak is a Systems Engineer currently taking a leave of absence to raise her two children, Thomas (3 1/2) and Eliza (8 months). She enjoys spending time with her family, swimming and baking/decorating cupcakes.
