Texture: Is it smooth and spreadable or thick and fudgy?
Nuttiness: How strong is the hazelnut flavor? Does it taste roasted or artificial?
Chocolate Flavor: Does it lean more nutty, milky, or cocoa-forward?
Sweetness: Balanced or cloying?
Dupe Factor: How close does it get to Nutella?
Fine Print
The Lineup: We picked chocolate hazelnut spreads that are easy to find in major groceries.
Why We’re Doing This: Because Nutella, while beloved, isn’t cheap—and we’re all for finding that same sweet, nutty indulgence for less.
How We Tasted: Each spread was sampled two ways: by the spoonful, and spread on crackers.
Blind Taste Test: All spreads were labeled and tasted blind. We included Nutella as a control, and tasters were asked to guess which sample contained the real deal.
How We Scored: Each spread was assessed on five criteria. Final placements reflect the Pepper team’s averaged impressions.
Multiple Tests: This taste test has been updated over time. Current placements reflect both recent tastings and results from previous tests to keep comparisons consistent.
Transparency: No brand paid for inclusion in this taste test.
