Uhhh… Happy World Nutella Day?
Indeed. Apparently today’s the day. Until about 30 minutes ago, I had no clue… and now that I know, I still have no clue. Personally, I think that stuff is gross.
When I was asked about Nutella on the “Bodybuilding Revealed” forum some years ago, I referred to it as “greasy sugar spread,” which is basically what it is. The primary ingredients are sugar and palm oil… the “nut” part runs a very distant third. The Nutella web site claims there are “over 50 hazelnuts per 13 oz. jar.” According to NutritionData.com, there are 21 hazelnuts to one ounce; so 50 hazelnuts works out to 2.4 oz.
That’s 18%… but to be generous (and to account for the “over 50”), we’ll call it 20% (although other estimates put it at a measley 13%). By contrast, your typical commercial peanut butter, like Peter Pan or Skippy, is over 90% peanuts.
Like I said: greasy sugar spread. I’ve never eaten the stuff for that reason: I can’t look at it without “seeing” chocolate-and-nut flavored Crisco.
(Ewwwww… )
Some people don’t look at ingredients, though. I imagine that the organizers of “World Nutella Day” are among them… A California woman, Athena Hohenberg, was once like them too. Someone must have enlightened her, however, as she’s now suing the manufacturer, Ferrero, for misrepresenting Nutella as a nutritious choice.
A California mother is taking Nutella to court, alleging that the popular sandwich spread purports to be a nutritious treat, but actually is loaded with unhealthy sugar and saturated fat.
A copy of the suit by Athena Hohenberg, which was obtained by AFP on Thursday, said she was “shocked to learn that Nutella was in fact, not ‘healthy, nutritious’ food, but instead was the next best thing to a candy bar, and that Nutella contains dangerous level of saturated fat.”
Hohenberg is seeking refunds to be paid by parent company Ferrero to its legions of U.S. customers.
Nutella fans are treating this as a frivolous lawsuit, but from where I sit, Hohenberg’s got a point… here’s what Ferrero says about Nutella on its web site:
Nutella is a tasty hazelnut spread that contains quality ingredients such as skim milk and a hint of cocoa. Nutella® spread on whole wheat bread, or any multigrain product, with orange juice or skim milk is a good combination for a balanced breakfast that the entire family will enjoy. Nutella contains no artificial colors or preservatives.
They’ve even got a dietician on board for the “Nutella Tips for Moms.”
Our expert, Connie Evers M.S., R.D., is an award-winning, registered dietitian, children’s nutrition expert and mother of three. She has partnered with Nutella® to help spread the word about how Nutella® can help moms win the daily “battle at breakfast.”
Connie is answering some of your most commonly asked questions about breakfast, children’s nutrition and sharing tips on how to get your children to eat a balanced and nutritious breakfast. Let’s check out the latest from Connie below!
Q: What is the best breakfast to serve my child in the morning?
Connie: The “best” breakfast is the one that will be eaten! With the unique taste of Nutella®, kids may think they are eating a treat for breakfast, while moms are helping nourish their children with whole grains. A slice of whole wheat toast spread with Nutella®, a serving of fresh fruit and a cup of yogurt or 1% milk provides perfect balanced nutrition to start the day.
They certainly make the stuff sound wholesome! You have to scroll waaaaay down in the Q & A to see this:
Q: How does the amount of sugar per serving of Nutella® hazelnut spread compare to other breakfast condiments?
Connie: Nutella® hazelnut spread has a nutritional profile that is comparable to other popular breakfast condiments, such as jellies and syrup.
LOL – well, at least she doesn’t lie outright, but the comparison to jelly or syrup doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in those “quality ingredients.”
Needless to state, I don’t think I’ll be celebrating “World Nutella Day,” today. And while I think Nutella’s advertising is more properly dealt with by the FTC, props to Ms. Hohenburg for calling Ferrero on its bulls**t.
February 5, 2011
Uhhh… Happy World Nutella Day? – http://blog.ultimatefatburner.com/2011/0…
February 6, 2011
That stuff always looked gross to me. My sister in law eats in all the time. She says it tastes great. I don’t even like the smell of it. I showed her the nutrition panel and tried to tell her it wasn’t worth eating.
Needless to say I got nowhere with that.
No matter which way the lawsuit goes, at least it may open the eyes of some people to the non-nutrtious quality of Nutella.
I doubt very seriously that I will be celebrating “Happy World Nutella Day” either.
February 6, 2011
The stuff is basically like a candy bar in a jar… Except even some candy bars are more nutritious.
I have the same reaction to Nutella as I do the “stuf” inside Oreos: it’s sweetened, flavored Crisco. Blecch!!!