Nutella

How ethical and sustainable is Nutella? 

Nutella is included in The Good Shopping Guide’s Jam and Spreads Ethical Ratings Table and unfortunately receives one of the lowest overall scores. Nutella has yet to meet our ethical standards and requires significant improvements before it can be considered an ethical brand.

Are you interested in seeing how Nutella rates against other brands within the Ethical Jams and Spreads sector? Visit the Jams and Spreads Ethical Ratings Table. From The Good Shopping Guide’s Ratings Tables, you can learn more about the criteria that our top-rated brands have fulfilled.

What does Nutella do?

Nutella was first produced in 1946 in Turin by Pietro Ferrero, who at the time was a pastry maker. Cocoa was extremely scarce at this time and Nutella was created using hazelnuts, sugar and only a small amount of the rare cocoa as an alternative. Nutella is a chocolate and hazelnut flavoured spread that is now sold in 160 countries worldwide. The chocolate spread brand is owned by the confectionery giant, Ferrero.

For which criteria does Nutella perform poorly? 

Nutella receives a bottom rating for Palm Oil Free, as the brand is well known for its high consumption of palm oil, which is one of the main ingredients in Nutella spread.

Additionally, Nutella receives a bottom rating for Public Record Criticisms and also qualifies for a bottom rating in the Public Record Criticisms+ category, which is only given to brands with multiple serious ethical, environmental or human rights criticisms. This is due to criticism of Ferrero for several unethical practices, including from reputable organisations such as Rainforest Action Network and Associated Press.

For instance, in 2021, Ferrero was criticised by Turkish hazelnut producers for its exploitation of farmers supplying hazelnuts for Nutella products, including accusations that it the workers were being paid a lower wage than the legal minimum. You can read more about this issue here.

In what areas does Nutella score well for its ethics?

Nutella receives a high score for its Environmental Report, as Ferrero Group has a sustainability report which demonstrates a commitment to environmental progress.

How can Nutella improve its ethical rating?

The Ethical rating of a brand is divided into three categories by The Good Shopping Guide: the Environment, People and Animals. Find out more about how we rate.

Nutella may improve its rating and fulfil our fundamental ethical requirements by improving the treatment of its supply chain workers and reducing its over reliance on palm oil.

Are you curious about how obtaining Ethical Accreditation could be beneficial for your brand? Accredited brands can display The Good Shopping Guide mark, showcasing to consumers that it can be trusted as an ethical and sustainable brand. Visit our Ratings Tables to learn about which brands have been awarded with our ethical certification.

Would you like more information? Please get in touch or fill out a Free Initial Assessment form.