Every year on 5 February, Nutella fans around the world celebrate World Nutella Day. It's the perfect excuse to enjoy a slice of toast, pancakes, waffles, or simply a spoonful of one of the world's most famous chocolate hazelnut spreads.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or simply curious about its history, here are some fun facts about Nutella.
1. Nutella Has Italian Roots
Nutella was created in Italy by Pietro Ferrero. After World War II, cocoa was scarce and expensive, so he combined chocolate with locally grown hazelnuts to create a delicious spread. In 1964, the product officially became known as Nutella.
2. It Was Inspired by an Older Recipe
Long before Nutella existed, chocolatiers in Turin made a mixture called gianduja, combining chocolate and hazelnuts during times when cocoa was difficult to obtain. This traditional recipe later inspired the famous spread we know today.
3. Millions of People Enjoy Nutella
Nutella is sold in countries all over the world, and millions of jars are enjoyed every year. It has become one of the best-known sweet spreads ever created.
4. Nutella Has Been the Target of Thieves
Believe it or not, in 2013 a truck carrying thousands of jars of Nutella was stolen in Germany. The unusual theft made headlines around the world.
5. Some Fans Love It a Little Too Much
Nutella has such a loyal fan base that novelty products have even been created to protect jars from being shared too easily. It just shows how popular this spread has become.
6. Americans Had to Wait
Although Nutella became famous in Europe much earlier, it took many years before it became widely available in the United States.
7. Are You Pronouncing It Correctly?
Many people pronounce Nutella differently depending on where they live. The Italian pronunciation is generally closer to "new-tell-ah."
Happy World Nutella Day!
Whether you spread it on warm toast, pancakes, waffles, or simply enjoy it as an occasional treat, World Nutella Day is a fun celebration for chocolate lovers everywhere.
How do you like to eat your Nutella?
Love, Shavida
