If you're searching for the best hazelnut spread, you already know the classics—but with so many options on shelves today, it's worth knowing what actually separates a great hazelnut spread from one that's just okay. This guide breaks down exactly what to look for, what questions to ask, and why GOOD GOOD Choco Hazel has quietly become a go-to for people who want that rich, chocolatey hazelnut flavor without a sugar overload.
What Makes a Hazelnut Spread Worth Buying?
Not all hazelnut spreads are created equal. The difference between a spread you use once and one that becomes a pantry staple usually comes down to four things: flavor depth, ingredient quality, texture, and sweetness level. A great hazelnut spread should taste genuinely of hazelnut and chocolate—not just sugar with a hint of nut. When you read an ingredient list and sugar is listed first (and second, and third), that's a sign the spread is leaning heavily on sweetness to carry the flavor rather than letting the hazelnut and cocoa do the work.
Ingredient Quality: Real Hazelnuts vs. Hazelnut Flavor
Look for real hazelnuts in the ingredient list—not 'hazelnut flavor' or 'hazelnut paste' buried at the bottom. A higher hazelnut percentage means more of that toasty, nutty depth you're actually after. Cocoa or cocoa powder should also appear clearly, not vaguely as 'chocolate flavoring.' If the ingredient list reads like a chemistry textbook before you get to anything recognizable, that's a red flag.
Sweetener: The Make-or-Break Factor
Conventional hazelnut spreads are famously sugar-heavy—often more sugar than anything else per serving. If you're trying to be more intentional about sugar intake, this is the single biggest variable to check. GOOD GOOD Choco Hazel uses maltitol and stevia to deliver sweetness without added sugar, which means you get the satisfying, indulgent taste you're after without the same sugar load as conventional options. Neither sweetener is a jam ingredient—this is a chocolate spread, and the formulation reflects that.
Texture: Smooth, Thick, or Somewhere In Between
Texture is personal, but a good hazelnut spread should be spreadable straight from the jar at room temperature—not stiff, not runny. It should coat a piece of toast or a cracker evenly without tearing. GOOD GOOD Choco Hazel hits a smooth, creamy consistency that works just as well drizzled over fruit as it does spread on bread.
How to Use the Best Hazelnut Spread (Beyond Toast)
Most people default to spreading hazelnut chocolate spread on toast—and that's a perfectly valid choice. But once you have a jar you actually love, it's worth exploring how versatile it really is. Here are some of the best uses for hazelnut spread across meals, snacks, and occasions.
Breakfast & Snacks
Hazelnut spread belongs on more than just white sandwich bread. Try it on rice cakes, whole grain crackers, or thick sourdough slices. Swirl it into plain Greek yogurt for a quick chocolate-hazelnut parfait, or spread it on apple slices for a snack that feels indulgent but takes about thirty seconds to put together. It also works beautifully as a dip for pretzels, giving you that sweet-salty combination that's genuinely hard to put down.
Baking & Cooking
Hazelnut spread is one of the most useful things to have in a baker's pantry. Use it as a filling for crêpes, a swirl inside banana bread, a layer in a trifle, or a topping for waffles. It melts smoothly into warm recipes and adds a rich chocolate-nut note that works in both sweet and slightly savory contexts. A thin layer inside a quesadilla with sliced banana is a surprisingly crowd-pleasing snack.
Fall-Specific Uses
October is honestly one of the best months to have hazelnut spread on hand. The warm, nutty, chocolatey flavor pairs naturally with fall ingredients: pears, apples, figs, pumpkin, cinnamon. Try it stirred into warm oatmeal with diced pear, spread on a pumpkin waffle, or used as a dipping sauce alongside sliced seasonal fruit on a fall snack board. It adds richness and a dessert-like quality to everyday fall meals without requiring much effort.
What Sets GOOD GOOD Choco Hazel Apart
GOOD GOOD started in Iceland with a clear focus: make better-for-you food that actually tastes the way it's supposed to. The Choco Hazel Spread was built around that same idea. It leads with real hazelnut and cocoa flavor, uses maltitol and stevia for sweetness, and delivers a smooth, creamy texture that holds up across every use—toast, baking, dipping, drizzling. There's no compromise on the eating experience, which is what tends to turn first-time buyers into repeat customers. It's not positioned as a 'diet' product or a sad substitute—it's just a genuinely good hazelnut spread that happens to have no added sugar.
Who It's Best For
GOOD GOOD Choco Hazel is a strong pick if you love the flavor profile of classic hazelnut chocolate spreads but want more control over your sugar intake. It's also a great option for households where multiple people with different dietary preferences are sharing a pantry—the taste is familiar and satisfying enough that it doesn't require anyone to 'adjust' their expectations. Kids and adults tend to react the same way: it just tastes like good hazelnut spread.
How It Compares to the Classic Version
The most obvious difference between GOOD GOOD Choco Hazel and a conventional hazelnut spread is the sweetener. Where traditional spreads typically list sugar as the first ingredient, Choco Hazel skips added sugar entirely and uses maltitol and stevia instead. The flavor profile stays in the same territory—rich chocolate, toasty hazelnut, smooth and creamy—but without the sugar spike. The texture is comparable to what most people expect from a quality hazelnut spread, and it behaves the same way in recipes.
How to Store Hazelnut Spread and Make It Last
Most hazelnut spreads, including GOOD GOOD Choco Hazel, are shelf-stable before opening and should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Once opened, keep the lid tightly closed. Refrigerating isn't necessary and can actually make the spread stiffer and harder to use—room temperature storage keeps it at the right consistency. Always check the label on your specific jar for best-by guidance. A jar that's stored well and used regularly will stay fresh and flavorful throughout its shelf life without any extra effort.
How to Shop for the Best Hazelnut Spread: A Quick Checklist
If you're standing in an aisle or scrolling through options online, here's what to actually check before you buy:
Five Things to Check on Every Hazelnut Spread Label
1. Hazelnuts appear near the top of the ingredient list—not buried. 2. Real cocoa or cocoa powder is listed, not just 'chocolate flavor.' 3. Sugar isn't the first or second ingredient. 4. The serving size is realistic—some brands use very small serving sizes to make the nutrition look better than it is. 5. The texture description (smooth, crunchy) matches how you plan to use it. If you're baking with it, smooth is almost always the better choice. GOOD GOOD Choco Hazel checks all five of these boxes and is available directly at goodgoodbrand.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hazelnut spread to buy?
The best hazelnut spread depends on what matters most to you. If you want rich flavor without added sugar, GOOD GOOD Choco Hazel is a strong pick—it uses maltitol and stevia for sweetness, delivers a smooth and creamy texture, and works equally well on toast, in baking, or as a dip. Look for a spread where real hazelnuts and cocoa appear high on the ingredient list.
What should I look for in a hazelnut chocolate spread?
Look for real hazelnuts (not just hazelnut flavoring) listed near the top of the ingredients, actual cocoa or cocoa powder, a sweetener situation you're comfortable with, and a texture that suits your main use case. Avoid spreads where sugar is the dominant ingredient if you're trying to be more intentional about sugar intake.
Is there a hazelnut spread with no added sugar?
Yes. GOOD GOOD Choco Hazel is a hazelnut chocolate spread made with no added sugar. It uses maltitol and stevia to achieve sweetness, giving you the familiar flavor of a classic hazelnut spread without the added sugar found in most conventional versions.
What can I use hazelnut spread for besides toast?
Hazelnut spread is incredibly versatile. Use it as a crêpe filling, a swirl in oatmeal or yogurt, a dip for apple slices or pretzels, a filling in baked goods, or a drizzle over waffles and pancakes. It also works well on fruit and cheese boards as a sweet element alongside nuts and seasonal produce.
Does hazelnut spread need to be refrigerated after opening?
Most hazelnut spreads, including GOOD GOOD Choco Hazel, do not need refrigeration after opening. Store them at room temperature in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed. Refrigerating can make the spread stiffer and harder to use. Always check the label on your specific jar for storage guidance.
Ready to find your new favorite? Grab a jar of GOOD GOOD Choco Hazel Spread at goodgoodbrand.com and taste what a better hazelnut spread actually feels like.
Shop the product: GOOD GOOD Choco Hazel Spread
