We all love the delicious chocolate-hazelnut spread known as Nutella, but do you know how much stuff is actually in it? An image uploaded to Reddit claims to show the exact breakdown of ingredients in a jar of Nutella. If this is accurate, then it’s a really shocking image to see and we should all reconsider how often we buy and consume this delicious treat.
The picture shows a regular-sized jar of Nutella against a black background. Next to it, is the “x-ray” version of the jar, showing the breakdown of the ingredients in the form of layers. Nutella only contain five main ingredients: palm oil, cocoa, hazelnuts, skimmed milk powder and sugar.
Shockingly, the jar is filled halfway with white sugar. Consuming that much sugar can cause health problems in the long run. Plus, Nutella is a popular treat among children, so it’s only natural that the image created quite a stir on the internet, especially among parents.
Palm oil sits at the top of the jar. The company that makes Nutella, Ferrero, faced controversy recently over the inclusion of this vegetable oil in their products. Studies suggest that palm oil can cause cancer, and the palm oil industry is known for destroying ecosystems in Brazil and Southeast Asia.
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In a statement to the Sun, a spokesperson for Nutella said that the company cannot disclose the full proportion of their ingredients because their recipe is “unique” and they wish to “safeguard this.” The spokesperson went on by adding that the label provides clear and accurate nutritional information per each 15 grams of Nutella, which is two teaspoons. The ingredients are also listed on their official website.
In spite of this corporate reassurance, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already gone on the record to say that palm oil generates more potentially carcinogenic contaminants than any other type of oil. While the EFSA did not discourage consumer from buying Nutella, it advised everyone to be cautious until further studies were developed.
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The company’s statement to the Sun did not comment on how accurate the viral image is but they insisted that their product can still be consumed as a part of a balanced diet. “One of Ferrero’s core nutritional beliefs is that small portion sizes help people to enjoy their favorite foods in moderation. The labeling on all our products enables consumers to make informed choices and helps ensure that Nutella can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.”
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