PALM OIL FAQ

Palm oil is the best option to ensure that the Nutella^® product has the right texture and structure. Palm oil is flavorless, odorless and does not interfere with the taste of Nutella^®’s other ingredients and, most importantly, it does not undergo hydrogenation, which produces “trans fats” that scientists have labelled as potentially harmful to health. Without palm oil, we’d have to use a mixture of other many other oils to create the consistency necessary for our recipe.

Nutella^® is currently classified by the FDA as a dessert topping. It is completely safe to eat. The health and well-being of our consumers is Ferrero’s first priority.

No. The vegetable oil contained in Nutella^® is palm oil is extracted directly from the palm fruit and gives our spread its creamy texture. For this reason, the product does not have to undergo hydrogenation, a process responsible for the formation of trans fats, which are considered particularly unhealthy by both authorities and the scientific community.

According to a 2019 article in Harvard Health Publishing, palm oil contains a more favorable fatty acid composition than palm kernel oil and coconut oil, which are more than 85% saturated. In general, the higher the saturated fat content, the more solid a fat is at room temperature. Palm oil is semisolid at room temperature but can be processed into a liquid cooking oil. Ferrero has always paid great attention to both the quality of its products and its raw materials. Palm oil’s molecular structure makes it ideal for confectionery products and spreads. It has been a part of human diets for thousands of years; in fact, scientific studies find it perfectly healthy when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. As with palm oil, Nutella^® is not considered to be unhealthy when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The Ferrero Palm Oil Charter signifies our commitment to sustainably source palm oil. The charter is a set of guidelines that help us combat the main causes of deforestation, and balance key environmental and social issues with profitability. The 10 goals established by Ferrero in the Palm Oil Charter can be summarized as follows:

1. Supply-chain traceability
2. Not clearing high carbon forests
3. Not using fire to clear land
4. Not planting on peat soils
5. Protection of endangered species
6. Monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions
7. Human rights enforcement, including FPIC – Free Prior Informed Consent
8. Enforcement of the rights of workers
9. No usage of Paraquat (herbicide)
10. Active fight against corruption