Children love Nutella, but would parents give it to them if they knew the health and environmental consequences of the ingredients?

Palm Oil production is a leading cause of deforestation, particularly in tropical regions creating loss of biodiversity and land grabbing, where indigenous communities and small farmers are forcibly removed from their land without fair compensation.

Skimmed Milk Powder is processed by removing most of the fat from milk before it is dehydrated, causing the loss of good fats and fat-soluble vitamins such as A and D.

White Refined Sugar has over 100 negative metabolic consequences including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, premature ageing and several important short-term effects including:
⇒ Suppression of the immune system impairing defences against infectious diseases.
⇒ Deficiencies in chromium and copper.
⇒ Malabsorption of calcium and magnesium which affects sleep and stress levels.
⇒ Rapid rises in adrenaline causing hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness with drowsiness and decreased activity during the comedown.
⇒ Acidic saliva causing tooth decay, and periodontal disease.
⇒ Lower vitamin E levels which are essential for protecting the brain from toxins.
⇒ Reduced learning capacity; poor results and learning disorders.
⇒ Hormonal imbalances such as increased oestrogen in men (man boobs and infertility), exacerbating PMS in women, and decreasing growth hormone in children.
⇒ Worsening the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
⇒ Compromising adrenal gland function creating problems with stress management and adrenal fatigue.

You can read more about the negative health effects of white refined sugar here: https://www.roseautumn.com/2023/11/the-health-risks-of-white-refined-sugar/

Buy healthier versions or make your own using this recipe. Making your own chocolate spread at home is a fun and rewarding process, and you can control the ingredients to make it healthier or cater to dietary needs.

Homemade Chocolate Spread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw or roasted hazelnuts
• 1/4 cup raw cacao powder (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar or unrefined raw cane sugar (or more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt or Himalayan pink salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean pate or the seeds from a vanilla bean pod
• 2-4 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions:

Roast the Hazelnuts:

• If your hazelnuts are not already roasted, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast them for about 10-15 minutes, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
• Once roasted, allow the hazelnuts to cool slightly, then rub them in a clean kitchen towel to remove most of the skin (it’s okay if some skin remains)

Blend the Hazelnuts:

• Place the roasted hazelnuts in a food processor or high-powered blender.
• Blend the hazelnuts until they turn into a smooth, creamy nut butter. This may take several minutes, and you may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.

Add Cocoa Powder and Sugar:

• Once the hazelnuts have turned into a smooth butter, add the cacao powder, sugar, salt, and vanilla.
• Blend until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Adjust Consistency:

• Slowly add the oil, one tablespoon at a time, blending between additions until you reach your desired consistency. The oil helps to make it smooth and spreadable.
• If you want a richer flavour, you can add melted 70% dark chocolate at this stage and blend it in.

Taste and Adjust:

• Taste your homemade spread and adjust the sweetness or flavour as needed by adding more powdered sugar or cacao powder.
• Blend again until smooth.

Transfer it to a jar with a lid. It can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life. Note that if stored in the fridge, it may harden slightly and you may need to let it come to room temperature before spreading.

Tips:

• Sweeteners: You can experiment with different sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or molasses sugar. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners may alter the texture.
• Custom Flavors: You can customise the flavour with a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of espresso powder, or a hint of chilli powder for a unique twist.

Enjoy your spread on toast, in desserts, or with ice cream.