Hazelnut Paste

What Is Hazelnut Butter?

Hazelnut butter is a product made by grinding hazelnuts (usually roasted) into a creamy consistency. Its plain form is a spreadable paste made only from hazelnuts, while its most familiar form is chocolate-hazelnut spread, made by adding cocoa and sugar.

Since Turkey is a major hazelnut producer, hazelnut butter is a deep-rooted product. The plain variety is favored as a breakfast and recipe ingredient, the cocoa variety as a dessert-spread.

Nutritional Values of Hazelnut Butter

As a rich nut product, plain hazelnut butter contains around 620 kcal of energy per 100 grams with high fat (mostly unsaturated), protein and vitamin E. The added sugar in the cocoa-sugared variety changes this profile. Values are approximate.

How Should Hazelnut Butter Be Consumed?

Hazelnut butter is a calorie-dense product; especially its cocoa-sugared variety should be consumed in moderation. Those allergic to tree nuts should not consume it.

This information is general; hazelnut butter is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Those with tree nut allergies should be careful.

How Is Hazelnut Butter Chosen?

Good plain hazelnut butter is predominantly hazelnut, smells fresh-hazelnutty and is not rancid. In the cocoa variety, products with a high hazelnut ratio and reasonable added sugar are preferred; rancid-stale products should not be bought.

• In the plain variety, ingredients should be predominantly hazelnut
• Should smell fresh-hazelnutty, not rancid
• In the cocoa variety, the hazelnut ratio should be high

How Is Hazelnut Butter Stored?

Hazelnut butter is stored in a sealed container, in a cool and dark place; in the plain variety the oil can separate to the top, so it should be stirred before use. Since oily products can turn rancid over time, a cool place is preferred for long storage.

Using Hazelnut Butter in the Kitchen

Plain hazelnut butter is used in bread spreads, smoothies, desserts and sauce making; chocolate-hazelnut spread is used on bread-crepes, in cake fillings and desserts. The hazelnut's rich taste pairs classically with cocoa and milk.

What Is the Difference Between Plain Hazelnut Butter and Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread?

Plain hazelnut butter is a spreadable product made only from ground hazelnuts; chocolate-hazelnut spread is a sweet spread made by adding cocoa, sugar and often milk powder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hazelnut butter made at home?

Yes; roasted hazelnuts are ground in a powerful food processor until they release their oil and become creamy, giving plain hazelnut butter. For the cocoa spread, cocoa, powdered sugar and a little oil-milk powder are added.

Who is hazelnut butter not suitable for?

Those allergic to hazelnuts and other tree nuts should not consume hazelnut butter.

Why should chocolate-hazelnut spread be consumed in moderation?

Because of its high fat and added sugar it is calorie-dense; it is therefore recommended to consume it in small amounts within a balanced diet.