Does Nutella Expire? (+7 Ingredients You Need)

Does Nutella expire? (+7 ingredients you need)

In this article, we will answer the questions “Does Nutella expire?”, and how to tell if the Nutella has gone bad?

Does Nutella expire?

Yes, like any other food commodity, Nutella also has an expiry date. Nutella has a high content of fats and sugar. Both contribute to an extended shelf-life. But the milk present in the ingredients is perishable and limits the shelf-life of the product. Read on if you want to know how to spot spoiled Nutella.

How long does Nutella last?

The following table shows an estimated shelf-life of Nutella before and after opening. It is advised to not use wet or used spoons to scoop out Nutella. This will introduce contaminants that will increase the degradation rate. Similarly, dipping fingers in the Nutella jar is not the way to go.

	In the pantry
Nutella(unopened)	6 months past the best-by date
Nutella(opened)	6 months

How to tell if Nutella is bad?

Accumulation of an oil layer on the top of Nutella is normal. Just stir the fat in the hazelnut spread using a clean spoon. This usually happens if the Nutella has been sitting for too long.

Due to a high content of unsaturated fats, Nutella will turn rancid. If the spread gives off a sour or rancid taste or aroma, discard it. Rancid Nutella is not unsafe to eat but it is of no use from quality aspects.
As time passes, Nutella will lose its creamy texture and nutty flavor. Bad Nutella will develop a hard texture. While it may be safe to eat, you can throw it for quality purposes.
If any mold or bacterial growth appears on top of the spread or the cap of the jar, discard it immediately.
Bitter or unpleasant taste is a sure indication of spoiled Nutella.

How to store Nutella?

Nutella should be kept in a dry, dark, and cool place. Temperatures from 18 to 20℃ are ambient to keep the Nutella spread safely. Therefore, it is best if you keep it in the pantry. Make sure the spread is not exposed to direct sunlight, heat from the stove, or moisture.

Refrigerating Nutella will extend its shelf-life but it will reduce its spreadability due to hardening. Once you have refrigerated Nutella, do not store it in the pantry. This will expose the Nutella to temperature fluctuations that might speed up the deterioration process.

Other FAQs about Nutella which you may be interested in.

What happens If you eat expired Nutella?

Can you get sick from eating expired Nutella?

What happens If you eat expired Nutella?

Can you freeze Nutella?

Freezing Nutella is not recommended. Freezing damages the quality and texture of the hazelnut spread to a great extent. It causes the separation of milk proteins and other solids from the oil. It will not get back to its creamy and smooth texture even after thawing.

If it is important to freeze Nutella, it is best to transfer the Nutella from the glass jar to a freezer bag. Label and bag and chuck it into the freezer.

How to make Nutella at home?

Ingredients

8 oz. hazelnuts
1 cup confectioners sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tbsp oil canola or coconut
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup chopped chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven at 375℉ for about 20 minutes. Line a baking tray using a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Spread the hazelnuts on the tray evenly and roast for 12-15 minutes. After about 10 minutes, check to see if the nuts are browning evenly. Stir to prevent them from burning.
Remove the roasted hazelnuts from the oven and spread them on a kitchen towel. Allow them to cool.
When the nuts are cool to touch, gently rub them using the paper towel until the skin comes off from the seeds.
In a food processor, add the dehusked and roasted hazelnuts and grind until finely ground. The nuts need to be processed until they start to release oil.
Now add sugar and cocoa powder and process them with the liquified hazelnuts until homogenous.
Add the salt and process for another 5 minutes. Do not forget to scrape the surface of the processor frequently to make sure the nuts are evenly ground and combined with the ingredients.
Last but not the least, add chocolate chips and grind until combined. If the mixture feels clumpy, add vegetable oil like coconut oil until desired consistency is achieved.
Using a spatula, transfer the spread from the processor into a sterilized jar. Keep it in the fridge for 1 week.