If you love Nutella or chocolate spreads, but don’t love the palm oil, refined sugar, and additives inside the jar, then this healthy homemade vegan Nutella is the perfect swap, especially when it comes to feeding little ones. It’s nut-free, so probably should be called “Notella” as it’smade with chickpeas for creaminess and plant protein, Medjool dates for natural sweetness, cocoa for rich chocolate flavour, and soy milk to bring it all together.
Every ingredient adds something nourishing: chickpeas are high in fibre and protein to keep little tummies full and support steady energy; dates provide natural sugars, minerals, and fibre for digestion; and cacao is full of antioxidants and magnesium. Even soy milk contributes extra protein, calcium, and creaminess.
Because it’s nut-free, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened, this spread is especially great for kids and toddlers and is safe to send to schools and nurseries. For little ones under 24 months, swap cocoa or cacao for carob to avoid caffeine while still getting that chocolatey taste. You can spread it on toast, swirl it into porridge, or serve it as a fruit dip – it’s a fun and healthy way to enjoy a chocolate spread that the whole family can feel good about.
Why It’s Great for Kids ✨
•Fibre-rich: Chickpeas and dates add plenty of fibre to support healthy digestion and regularity.
•Protein-packed: Both chickpeas and soy milk provide plant protein to keep kids satisfied and fuel growing bodies.
•Naturally sweetened: Medjool dates offer sweetness plus potassium, magnesium, and iron — unlike refined sugar, they bring nutrition along with flavour.
•Nut-free: Perfect for school lunchboxes or homes where allergies are a concern.
•Toddler-friendly option: Swap cocoa with carob for a naturally sweet, caffeine-free spread suitable for under 2s.
•Balanced energy: The combo of fibre, protein, and natural sugars helps avoid big sugar spikes and crashes, making it a steadier option than store-bought chocolate spreads.
FAQs: Healthy Vegan Nutella
Can I use a different plant milk?
Yes! Oat, almond, or cashew milk will all work. Soy milk gives the creamiest result, but any unsweetened plant milk is fine. You can even sub with water if you prefer for a less creamy taste.
Do I have to roast the chickpeas?
Technically no, but roasting helps dry them out and removes the strong “bean” taste. I highly recommend this for a smoother, sweeter spread.
Can I make it sweeter?
Yes, simply add 1-2 extra dates or a drizzle of maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter spread.
Can I make this without a high-powered blender?
Yes, simply soak the dates in hot water for 10 minutes first, then use a food processor or stick immersion blender. It might not be as smooth, but it will still taste delicious.
Healthy Vegan Nutella
Ingredients
- 1 x 400g can of chickpeas
- 4 medjool dates (pitted)
- 50 g cacao powder (sub with carob for under 24 months.)
- 315 ml soy milk (warmed up to help make blending easier)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180c/350f.
- Place the chickpeas on a baking sheet and wipe with paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Bake the chickpeas for around 20 minutes, until lightly golden. This removes excess moisture and helps mellow the flavour.
- Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth. Add a little extra milk if you want a runnier spread. We usually start around 1 cup of milk and work up to around 1.25 cups. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides a couple times.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge.
Storage
Keeps in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze in small portions for up to 2 months.Notes
Nutrition - Per Serving
Did you make this recipe?
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23 Comments
Can you swap the soy milk for a different milk? Thank you
Yes you can! We like oat for a good creamy swap but all others will work too ☺️
I made this and it’s really runny. Is it supposed to be like that . I followed all of the recipe and instructions
Hmmmmm, did you drain the chickpeas? It is quite a dry mixture with roasted chickpeas and medjool dates, you could thicken it by adding some chia seeds to save this batch.
Mine is also really runny, I’ve popped it in the fridge in the hopes it’ll firm up when cold? Can I just add more roasted chickpeas? Thanks.
Yes you can add more chickpeas if needed 🙂
How much does the recipe make?
Around 1.5 cups x
Very very nice!
I like it, my husband does and tomorrow i will let my toddler taste some 🙂
SO happy to hear this! x
Yumm! Just made this and so good and chocolatey! Added a smidge of vanilla and maple syrup- Hope the kids like it just as much!
So happy you liked this! And hope your kids did too x
Can I steam the chick peas instead ? And how many days does it stay ok in the fridge?
Hi, this uses cooked chickpeas from a can, steaming wouldn’t add any extra benefit to this. Roasting in the oven or an airfryer helps dry these out (so more similar to hazelnuts), and also removes that overly chickpea like flavour. x
Hi ! If cheackpeas aren t from a can but fresh, do i neeh to boil them and then bake in the oven or airfryer?
When you say fresh do you mean dried? If so, they need to be cooked first 🙂
also, we find it lasts 7+ days in the fridge, and you can freeze it in smaller portions too x
I’m really going to try this. I Don’t let my 5 year old eat bad processed or sugary foods. So this will be a great treat without her feeling left out when her friends are eating Nutella from the jar.
Yay! Hope they enjoy it x
I made this today with almond milk and cocoa plus a small spoon of golden syrup. My three year old approves and although it doesn’t taste like Nutella, it has helped ease my cravings! So easy to make too.
So happy you like it!
This is insanely good! Taste and texture is like chocolate icing. I look forward to makng a cake/cupcakes and putting this on top
What a genius idea, I need to try that!