Nutella goes vegan: Italian icon introduces plant-based spread

International corporations are increasingly expanding their offerings to include vegan products. Nutella has also taken this step. The producer of the popular chocolate spread will launch a version that includes a milk substitute.

Italian media report that Nutella presented its vegan product at a trade fair in Sardinia. The spread with the altered recipe is expected to hit the market in autumn, writes Portal Spożywczy. Consumers in Italy will be the first to try it. No information has been provided on when the plant-based version will reach other European markets.

The service noted that although powdered milk (used in "traditional" Nutella) will be replaced with an unknown ingredient, the corporation will still use controversial palm oil. The production of palm oil is associated with rainforest deforestation. However, the producer refutes these allegations, claiming that the palm oil used in its products comes from sustainable sources, and its origin can be traced even to the level of individual mills.

The market for vegetarian and vegan food is experiencing significant growth. This trend is most visible in the meat industry. A report from the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Warsaw from 2022 showed that 44 percent of people aged 15-29 are reducing meat consumption. One-third of those surveyed stated that they would completely give up or further limit meat in their diet in the future. The most prevalent reasons for these decisions are animal welfare and combating climate change.

A report by AT Kearney from a few years ago predicted that globally, by 2040, meat will have a 40 percent market share. One-third of the market will consist of lab-grown products, and one-quarter will be plant-based substitutes. Vegan food is also seeing dynamic growth in the dairy segment. It is estimated that by 2025 its market share will increase to 25 percent.