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    3 New Chocolate-Hazelnut Spreads Tasted

    By | Shine Food – Fri, Jun 8, 2012 2:50 PM EDT

    Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut ButterI'll never forget the first time I tasted Nutella: It was smeared all over a warm crepe and topped with sliced banana. And it was one of the most delicious things I had ever tasted. I decided then and there that that first trip to Paris wouldn't be my last. Because I had to go back for more Nutella. Nowadays, Nutella's sold everywhere in the US and, in fact, has trademarked itself as "the original hazelnut spread." But we knew hazelnut spread really hit the mainstream when we received a package from Jif the other week with their new version of chocolate-hazelnut spread. Here's more on that new item and two other hazelnut spread options:

    Jif Chocolate Hazelnut Spread 1. Jif's Chocolate Flavored Hazelnut Spread: Sweet, sweet, sweet. When we tasted this item in the test kitchen, we were all overwhelmed by how sugary this smooth, glossy spread is. It doesn't deliver much hazelnut flavor, but its consistency would make it spreadable enough for frosting cake or filling cookies.

    Related: Delicious Chocolate Dessert Recipes

    2. Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter (new formula): On the other end of the spectrum, Justin's spread is so toasty and nutty, it hovers somewhere between savory and sweet. I personally love the intense nut flavor and the grainy texture. This is great on good whole-grain toast. Today, I enjoyed it swiped onto 34's new Graham Sweet Crisps.

    3. Nocciolata Organic Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa and Milk: For the past few years, we've been triple-testing any recipes that used Nutella with Nocciolata because it's the most readily available in local markets. It has a rich chocolately hazelnut flavor and isn't too sweet. Even though it's nice and smooth, it's also quite thin and nearly runny. Despite that texture, it's consistently worked in our recipes.

    Related: Gooey Chocolate Brownie Recipes

    Hazelnut is easily my favorite pairing with chocolate, so it's exciting to see the combo become more popular through these spreads. I just have to remind myself that it's not a nutritious option for breakfast or lunch just because it's packed like peanut butter. In fact, all the spreads have sugar and some, tons of it. I think of these spreads as dessert or special little snacks and enjoy them occasionally as such.

    -by Genevieve Ko

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