The Slovenian Consumers' Association (ZPS) has conducted an analysis of nine creamy spreads with hazelnuts and cocoa available locally, similar to Nutella.
These included Choco Nuss; DM; Lino Lada Nougat; Mercator; three types of Nutella (from Poland, Italy and Germany); Nutoka and Spar Spreadup. The products were in jars of 400-450 grams, retailing for between €1.45 and €3.99.
For better comparability between the products, spreads containing 13% hazelnuts were chosen.
The study found that the differences between the samples of Nutella produced in Poland, Italy and Germany exist but are negligible.
In terms of ingredients, there were differences in the quantity of skimmed milk powder, low-fat cocoa content and whey powder.
Taste experts found a surprising similarity between samples from Poland and Italy, while the one from Germany had a bit more of a cocoa flavor.
According to ZPS, although differences between the creamy spreads of the Nutella brands exist, it cannot be said that any of the samples are highly superior. The choice is therefore dependent on the individual, as some prefer the taste of cocoa, while others prefer the taste of hazelnuts.
The study decreed that most of the spreads analysed were 'good', while three received the 'very good' mark. However, some varieties contained certain irregularities, such as oxidation and the presence of harmful substances, namely aflatoxins, a carcinogenic and toxic poison produced by certain molds.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
