The original Nutella is a luscious, thick, milk chocolate hazelnut spread manufactured by Ferrero. It has been beloved by chocolate and hazelnut lovers worldwide since it was introduced in 1964. Unfortunately, it's also packed with refined cane sugar and carbohydrates! That means it's unsuitable for anyone who is trying to avoid added sugars, following a keto diet or embracing a healthy, low carb lifestyle.
After trying many different keto-friendly chocolate hazelnut spreads over the past three years, I can highly recommend my three favorites as excellent Nutella alternatives for chocolate lovers who are watching their carbs, trying to cut back on sugar or just trying to eat healthier without feeling deprived.
Today, I'll be comparing and reviewing these top three product picks, which also fit a variety of other dietary restrictions and special diets, such as gluten-free and soy-free:
- Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
- ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread
- ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread
These luscious keto-friendly chocolate hazelnut spreads are so good, you'll never miss the sugar! |
Before I embarked on a keto diet in 2019 and decided to make the switch to a low carb lifestyle long term, I was a huge fan of the original Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread from Ferrero for many years. Unfortunately, Nutella has 22g of carbohydrates and 21g of net carbs, of which 19g are added sugars (cane sugar), according to the Nutella nutrition information on the manufacturer's website.
My favorite low carb Nutella alternatives with no added sugars are Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (2g net carbs), ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread (1g net carbs) and ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread (1g net carbs). All three of these spreads are delicious, high-quality products. Which one(s) you choose will come down to personal preferences, price and dietary requirements.
For example, Livlō Zellō has the most pronounced hazelnut flavor and a somewhat sweeter taste than the ChocZero spreads. It has a thinner consistency and can be refrigerated to firm it up, if desired. It's also more expensive per ounce. Another difference is that you can purchase Livlō Zellō in a choice of jars or a 10-pack of convenient, portable, single-serving packets that you can pop in your purse, backpack, bag or lunch box to take on the go.
The ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Spreads (both regular and dark cocoa) have a more chocolate/cocoa-forward flavor and are a bit less sweet than the Livlō Zellō, especially the dark cocoa hazelnut spread. Both these ChocZero spreads have a thicker consistency that's more similar to Nutella, and refrigeration is not recommended. They are also significantly less expensive per ounce.
Although all three spreads contain no added sugars, the Livlō Zellō contains 1g of sugar, so it isn't considered "sugar-free" based on USDA nutrition information product labeling requirements. The ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread and the Livlō Zellō are both vegan and dairy free, whereas the regular ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread contains milk.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Livlō Zellō and ChocZero Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads With No Added Sugars
Flavor, Size and Price
|
Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread |
ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread |
ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread |
Flavor, Sweetness & Consistency |
Milk chocolate hazelnut flavor, hazelnut flavor is stronger than in the two ChocZero spreads, the sweetest of the three, thinner consistency (can refrigerate to thicken, if desired) |
Milk chocolate hazelnut, nice balance of cocoa and hazelnut, medium sweetness, medium-thick consistency |
Dark chocolate hazelnut, leans more toward cocoa than hazelnut, a bit deeper and less sweet than the other two spreads, thickest consistency |
Size |
10-ounce jar OR 10 single-serving packets |
12-ounce jar |
12-ounce jar |
Amazon price (at publication date) |
$12.55 OR $15.90 |
$8.49 |
$8.49 |
Amazon price per ounce (at publication date) |
$1.26 OR $1.41 |
$0.71 |
$0.71 |
Free Amazon Prime delivery |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Nutrition Facts
|
Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread |
ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread |
ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread |
Serving size |
2 Tbsp |
2 Tbsp |
2 Tbsp |
Calories |
170 |
160 |
190 |
Total Fat |
16g |
10g |
16g |
Sat. Fat |
2g |
4g |
6g |
Trans Fat |
0g |
0g |
0g |
Cholesterol |
0mg |
<5mg |
0mg |
Sodium |
70mg |
35mg |
0mg |
Total Carbohydrate |
8g |
17g |
17g |
Dietary Fiber |
3g |
16g |
16g |
Total Sugars |
1g |
1g |
0g |
Added Sugars |
0g |
0g |
0g |
Sugar Alcohol (Erythritol) |
3g |
N/A |
N/A |
Protein |
4g |
2g |
1g |
Net Carbs (Total carbs-dietary fiber-sugar alcohols=net carbs) |
2g net carbs |
1g net carbs |
1g net carbs |
Ingredients
Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread |
ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread |
ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread |
Hazelnuts, Almonds, Erythritol, Cocoa Powder (processed with alkali), Dark Chocolate Chips (unsweetened chocolate, erythritol, cocoa butter, stevia extract, sunflower lecithin), Sunflower Oil, Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, Monk Fruit Extract |
Fiber Mix (non-GMO resistant dextrin, allulose, fructooligosaccharide), Vegetable Oils and Fats (sustainable palm fruit oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter), Roasted Hazelnuts, Skim Milk Powder, Cocoa Powder, Sunflower Lecithin, Monk Fruit Extract, Natural Vanilla Flavor |
Fiber Mix (non-GMO resistant dextrin, fructooligosaccharide),
Vegetable Oils and Fats (sustainable palm fruit oil, coconut oil,
cocoa butter), Roasted Hazelnut, Cocoa Powder, Sunflower Lecithin,
Monk Fruit Extract, Natural Vanilla Flavor |
Dietary Restrictions / Special Diets
One of the great things about these three chocolate hazelnut spreads with no added sugars is that they can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions for people on special diets.
|
Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread |
ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread |
ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread |
Keto-Friendly |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Low Carb |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Gluten-Free |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Sugar-Free |
𝗫 |
✔ |
✔ |
No Added Sugars |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
No Sugar Alcohols |
Contains erythritol |
✔ |
✔ |
Uses Only Plant-Based Sweeteners |
Erythritol, stevia extract and monk fruit extract |
Monk fruit extract, prebiotic fiber and allulose * ** |
Monk fruit extract and prebiotic fiber * |
Soy-Free |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Dairy-Free |
✔ |
𝗫 |
✔ |
Vegan |
✔ |
𝗫 |
✔ |
Food Allergy Awareness Info |
Contains hazelnuts, almonds May contain a trace amount of peanuts and other tree nuts because of processing on shared equipment. |
Contains coconut, hazelnut, milk. Produced in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts. |
Contains coconut, hazelnut. Produced in a facility that processes milk and peanuts. |
* Check out ChocZero’s answer to the FAQ, "Is ChocZero keto friendly?" to learn why monk fruit extract and prebiotic fiber can be considered healthy, keto-friendly sweeteners. |
|||
** Read the Healthline article “Is Allulose Keto-Friendly?” to understand why allulose can be an excellent sweetener for someone following a low carb or ketogenic diet when used in moderation. |
Additional Considerations
Here are a few other considerations to help inform your product choices.
|
Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread |
ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread |
ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread |
Non-GMO |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Also Available in Single-Serving Packets |
✔ |
𝗫 |
𝗫 |
Small business brand |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Recommended Storage |
Can be stored at room temperature, May be refrigerated (after stirring well) for a firmer texture, if desired. |
Store in a cool, dry place, preferably at 63-68 °F (17-20 °C). For best results, do not refrigerate or microwave. |
Store in a cool, dry place, preferably at 63-68 °F (17-20 °C). For best results, do not refrigerate or microwave. |
Note: In my experience, refrigerating the original or dark cocoa ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread makes it quite stiff and hard to mix or spread. However, during the cold winter months, I often scoop out a tablespoon or two into a custard cup and microwave it for a few seconds to gently warm it slightly and thin it out, and then drizzle it over keto-friendly berries, ice cream or other low carb desserts.
Comparing the Best Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads - No Added Sugars by Margaret Schindel
Posts About My Keto Diet Journey
My First Year on The Keto Diet
Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part One
Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part Two
Low Carb Muffins & Cupcakes: Treats to Enjoy on a Keto Diet
Low Carb Keto Chocolate Yogurt Granola Chip Pudding Recipe
Good Dee’s Keto Cookie Low Carb Baking Mix Review
Hamama Microgreens Growing Kit Review & Success Tips
My Favorite Hamama Microgreens Seed Quilt Accessories
Keto Cheddar Cheese Biscuits With Chives Recipe
The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe
The Best Low Carb Keto Gift Ideas: Keto Gift Guide
The Best Low Carb Keto Cinnamon Muffins
Wholesome Yum Keto Bread Mix and Yeast Bread Recipe
The Good Chocolate 100% Organic No Sugar Dark Chocolate Review
The Best Advice to Maintain Your Keto Diet Weight Loss
My New Irresistibly Delicious Keto Cheese Crackers Recipe
Luscious Low Carb Keto Triple Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Quick & Easy Livlo Blueberry Scones Keto Baking Mix Review
Snack Better With The Best Healthy Keto Cookie Dough Bites
The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Pizza Recipe
The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Shortcake Cupcakes Recipe
Comparing the Best Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads - No Added Sugars
The Best Low Carb Keto Sandwich and Burger Buns Mix
Blueberry Biscuit Scones — New, Easy, Low Carb Keto Recipe
The Best Keto Pizza Crust Mix With 0 Net Carbs
An Unusual, Delicious Strawberry Chocolate Tea With 0 Calories
Delicious Sugar-Free Keto Cookies That OREO Fans Will Love
Healthy Pistachio Cherry Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cereal Treats Recipe
Easy, Decadent, High Protein, Sugar-Free Rocky Road Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones
How to Make Refreshing Vanilla Italian Soda (With or Without Cream)
Reviews of the Keto Diet by Barbara C. (aka Brite-Ideas)
How I Stayed Committed to the Ketogenic Way of Eating
Wow Margaret, what a beautiful in depth comparison, I love hazelnut spreads and have been missing my Nutella! Now thanks to you, I don't need to feel so deprived of this "wonderful treat!" I will check them all out and let you know my favorite!
ReplyDeleteOlivia, thanks so much for this wonderful feedback! I so appreciate your comment and am thrilled to be able to help you enjoy these delicious, keto-friendly Nutella alternatives with no added sugars and just 1 to 2 net carbs. ❤️
DeleteI am sure everyone who is following a Keto-friendly or low-carb diet and loves, but has been missing, Nutella will appreciate these alternatives you have reviewed.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much, Elf! My goal in writing this side-by-side product review and comparison is to help others who love the original, iconic (and luscious) chocolate hazelnut spread to find healthier options that fit their dietary requirements and lifestyles. :)
DeleteThis is a great detailed side by side product review that will certainly be helpful to anyone who loves Nutella and is looking for a healthy/Keto friendly alternative to suit a healthy eating/diet requirement. We always look for no soy (allergic) and no or very low sugar options and it can be a nightmare reading labels to find the right options for many food products.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the wonderful feedback, Jasmine! I'm so glad you found the nutrition data, ingredients and allergen information comparisons helpful.
DeleteMy first choice, by your descriptions, would be the one that has a more chocolate flavor and doesn't need to be refrigerated (ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Spread). Things seem to get lost in the depths of my refrigerator. This is a great comparison! You are certainly working to take the difficulty out of a keto diet for everyone. Finding a good product is always the hardest part of a new diet.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your much appreciated compliments, Sylvestermouse! For more and more people, including me, eating fewer refined carbohydrates and cutting down on sugar is becoming a lifestyle choice rather than "going on a diet," and I agree that finding products that fit our nutritional choices and also taste great is the hardest part of making that type of lifestyle change commitment! :)
DeleteWow, Margaret, what a thorough and informative review! Your reviews are always filled with pertinent details to consider. Anything to do with Keto, I find myself referencing your articles - Keto warriors will find this very useful, I know I do. I'm not one to crave for these type of things, but honestly I wouldn't mind having any one of them in the house for those times those cravings do unexpectedly hit. Thanks for another introduction to delicious Keto alternatives.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, thank you so much for that wonderful compliment! I'm honored to be your go-to resource for keto and low carb lifestyle information. <3 I think you might really like the ChocZero Dark Coco Hazelnut Keto Spread, which isn't that sweet and makes a yummy drizzle over fresh berries (with or without whipped cream, lol)!
DeleteI think I am now leaning toward the Livlo brand (based on this thorough and well-researched comparison). I know I can always trust your reviews. Thanks for putting everything into your articles here. Your diligence and dedication shows. Awesome job as always!
ReplyDeleteDiana, thank you so much for your very kind and complimentary feedback! It - and you - are so appreciated. I'm glad my in-depth review and product comparison helped you find the best chocolate hazelnut spread with no added sugars to meet your nutritional needs and personal preferences.
Delete