PALM OIL FAQ
Nutella® contains palm oil because it is the best option to ensure that the product has the right texture and structure, and because it does not interfere with the characteristic taste of the other ingredients. Most importantly, it does not go through the hydrogenation process, which produces “trans fats” that have been recognized by the authorities and the scientific world as particularly harmful to health. Many other oils would need to be submitted to hydrogenation 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:
- Supply-chain traceability
- Not clearing high carbon forests
- Not using fire to clear land
- Not planting on peat soils
- Protection of endangered species
- Monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions
- Human rights enforcement, including FPIC – Free Prior Informed Consent
- Enforcement of the rights of workers
- No usage of Paraquat (herbicide)
- Active fight against corruption
