Chocolate hazelnut spread is a beloved staple in many British households, enjoyed on toast, stirred into porridge, or drizzled over pancakes. While Nutella is the most famous brand, it tends to be pricey and not always readily available in local supermarkets.
A recent taste test by the UK’s consumer watchdog Which? has identified the very best chocolate hazelnut spread on the market—not Nutella, but a supermarket own-brand. The study enlisted 60 dedicated taste testers who sampled 11 spreads, including three major brands and eight supermarket own-label options from Aldi, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and others.
The winner is Waitrose Essential Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, achieving an impressive overall score of 82%. Priced at £2.50 for a 400g jar, it is slightly more affordable than Nutella, which costs around £2.90 for 350g. Taste testers praised the Waitrose spread for its rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors, smooth texture, and perfectly balanced sweetness.
READ MORE: Concerns Raised Over Forest of Dean Biosphere Bid and Impact on Traditions
READ MORE: Empty Gloucester Docks Warehouses Cost Taxpayers Over £130,000 Annually
Despite being the most expensive among the supermarket brands tested, Waitrose’s product earned the coveted Which? Best Buy status, reflecting its exceptional quality and widespread appeal.
Nutella secured second place with a score of 81%. Though priced higher at £2.90 for a 350g jar, the iconic brand remains popular, with over 75% of testers loving its chocolatey taste. Its hazelnut flavor and sugar content also received positive remarks, but more than half of the testers found the texture too thick. Nutella still enjoys Which? Best Buy status, and larger jars (630g and 1kg) offer better value for money.
Sharing second place with Nutella is Tesco Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, which also scored 81%. At only £1.65 for 400g, Tesco’s spread received both Best Buy and Which? Great Value awards. Tasters admired its flavor, appearance, and sugar content, with most commenting positively on its texture.
Jointly in third place were Asda Hazelnut Chocolate Spread and Lidl’s Choco Nussa Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, each with 80%. Asda’s 400g jar costs £2, while Lidl’s comes in at £1.65 for 400g. Three-quarters of testers praised Asda’s strong chocolate and hazelnut flavors and favored its sugar content. Opinions on texture were mixed, with some naming it perfect, while others found it too dense. Asda also sells larger 750g jars, offering better value per 100g.
Lidl’s spread stood out with favorable comments on sugar levels and appearance, and two-thirds of tasters enjoyed its chocolate taste and consistency. Just over half appreciated its hazelnut flavor, though more than a quarter felt it could be stronger.
This Which? taste test highlights that supermarket own-brand chocolate hazelnut spreads can rival or even surpass well-known brands like Nutella in quality, flavor, and value.