Can you freeze Nutella - The best way

Although it’s highly unlikely that hazelnut spread will last in any home long enough to require freezing, there are some people who are still curious as to whether or not Nutella can be frozen.

The answer is yes, you can freeze Nutella. Due to its high oil content, the Chocolate Hazelnut Delight is safe to keep for 6 months or more, as long as it is stored in an airtight container, out of direct heat and sunlight.

You don’t even have to refrigerate it. But if you have your reasons for hiding it in the freezer, there are some simple precautions you can take to ensure it comes out as delicious as it comes in.

Good practices for freezing Nutella

The only reason we can think of that you need to freeze Nutella is if you buy a whole case of jars to enjoy the volume discount on a product that you will definitely be using over time.

If this is your situation, the best thing to do is to put the unopened jars directly into your freezer. They are packaged for long-term storage, so they will stay perfectly sealed in your freezer this way.

If you’ve opened a jar and think you won’t be able to use it all before it goes bad, you can still freeze it. It is best to remove it from the container at this point and place it in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or freezer-safe Tupperware container.

If you go with the bag, it might be a little more difficult to get in at first, but it’s much easier to make sure all the air is removed before freezing, which is key.

If you’re putting it in a Tupperware container, you may want to line the surface with plastic wrap before snapping the lid on. This will prevent it from crystallizing and getting freezer burned.

How to thaw frozen Nutella

If you have a new, unopened container of Nutella in the freezer, you should be able to take it out and let it thaw in the fridge. Make sure it is completely defrosted before opening it.

It may need to be stirred well because the oils may have separated in the freezing process, but otherwise it should be good as new.  You don’t have to keep it in the fridge indefinitely, but it will actually last longer in a cool, dark cabinet once thawed and opened.

If you have frozen the Nutella in a Ziploc bag, you can peel the bag off the frozen paste and put it in a bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it thaw in the fridge. If you have frozen the Nutella in a Tupperware container, you can also let it thaw in the fridge, but keep it covered until completely thawed.

When the Nutella is completely defrosted, you will need to use a whisk or a hand mixer to mix it again and obtain a smooth paste.

Due to exposure to air, there is an increased risk of bacteria, so it is best to store Nutella in the fridge from now on and use it in the coming days.

Using frozen Nutella as a dessert

If your reasons for freezing Nutella have nothing to do with storage and more to do with having a delicious cold treat at your fingertips, there are a few other things to know about freezing this chocolate-nut spread.

If you pop them in the freezer, they are an amazing treat, much like a frozen hazelnut candy bar bite. It’s the perfect after-dinner treat on a warm summer night.

You can also melt Nutella, use it as a dip for fruits like strawberries or apple slices, and then freeze them.

It’s also perfect for summer, as you get a guilt-free snack that the kids and adults on the block will be lining up for.

A great way to wean an ice cream fanatic onto something more nutritious is to cut a banana in half and stick an ice cream stick into each one, then stick the bananas in the freezer. Once frozen, use a spatula to coat them with Nutella, then roll them in the shavings, crushed walnuts, or shredded coconut. Delicious.

One last way to freeze Nutella is to create your own version of an ice cream sundae. Mix 1 cup of Nutella with 1 cup of milk. When well mixed, put it in a popsicle mold and freeze until completely solid. Within 4-5 hours you will have the most amazing frozen treat you have ever tasted.

How to tell if your Nutella has gone bad

Although Nutella can last up to a year if stored correctly, under certain conditions it can go bad. The oil content helps prevent the growth of bacteria, but over time it becomes rancid. Although this isn’t life-threatening, it doesn’t taste great, so you’ll definitely want to avoid it if possible.

If kept outdoors, exposed to fluctuating temperatures or sunlight, it will go rancid more quickly, so be sure to store it in a cool, covered cabinet. 

Products with a high oil content separate naturally over time. This doesn’t mean your Nutella has gone bad, just that it needs a good shake. However, if it smells bad or has any unexpected discoloration, you should throw it away.

Over time, Nutella also hardens. This takes a while, and by the time it’s too hard to use, it will probably have lost most of its delicious flavor as well, so it’s time to buy a new jar. Finally, if your Nutella jar has been sitting in the back of your cupboard for literally years, it might be a good idea to splurge on a new jar and get rid of the old one.

Make your own Nutella

Nutella is technically a brand, so what you’re really going to make here is your own chocolate hazelnut spread. It’s easy and delicious and can be made a la carte, eliminating the need to freeze this delicious treat.

This is what you will need

• 1 tbsp toasted hazelnuts
• 1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder + 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
  • OR 1/4 C melted dark chocolate

All you have to do is make the nut butter with the hazelnuts, which requires a food processor and some patience. You will have to beat and scrape the sides of the processor many times until you get a fairly smooth texture.

Once you are 90% satisfied with the texture, you can add the cocoa and syrup or melted chocolate. Keep mixing until you are 100% satisfied with the final smooth, glossy finish of your cream.

If you need it, you can add a little water while you mix everything, so that it is silky. However, add the water slowly, because the more you mix, the smoother it will naturally be, and you don’t want to add too much water and end up with a mushy, lumpy hazelnut spread.

Patience really is a virtue when it comes to making any type of homemade nut butter.

Related questions

Can peanut butter be frozen?

Sure you can freeze peanut butter, but why should you? The high oil content and low moisture level of this healthy treat make it very shelf-stable, which means it will keep well in your cupboard or fridge without needing to be frozen.

However, if you want, you can put it in the freezer and take it out again to find it as fresh as when you put it in.

Can jello be frozen?

Gelatin freezes, but when thawed it becomes quite watery and does not have the thick, solid consistency that gelatin is known for. This is the fault of gelatin, which is the most used in gelatin.

If you have vegan-friendly products that use fruit pectin or carrageenan for the freezing effect, it will probably freeze with better results, but it’s best to test a small amount before freezing something critically important.

Can pesto be frozen?

Pesto can definitely be frozen, and it’s a fabulous rescue plan for dinner guests! Our favorite way to freeze pesto is the quick freeze method.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread your leftover pesto in a thin layer.

Stick it in the freezer until it’s frozen solid, but don’t forget about it! If you leave it too long, it will start to pick up unwanted freezer flavors and moisture crystals.

Once it’s frozen, you can cut it into pieces and put it in freezer-safe Ziploc brand bags. Since it freezes in thin sheets, you can chop up the perfect amount to use when you need it.