Nutella is a classic hazelnut and chocolate spread with a lot of uses, especially in baking. Unsurprisingly, this American favorite is a hit among kids that’s why it’s always a good idea to keep a bottle or two in handy. While Nutella can keep for several months at room temperature, it can go rancid because it’s made from nut fat and dairy. You can freeze Nutella to avoid spoilage.
According to Nutella’s website, this product should not be kept in the fridge much more frozen to extend its shelf life. However, any food can be frozen and Nutella is no exemption. So yes, you can freeze Nutella to help boost its longevity but after defrosting, the consistency won’t be the same. Still, there’s a trick to keep its smooth consistency after freezing.
How to Freeze Nutella?
There are two ways to freeze Nutella, one is to stick the product directly into the freezer or transferring it to a different container prior to freezing.
Freezing Unopened Nutella
You can stick the spread in the freezer while kept in its original packaging. Since Nutella is packed in a plastic container, it won’t break as the material freezes.
Freezing Opened Nutella
If you’re planning to store a large amount of Nutella, we recommend opting for a large plastic container. On the other hand, use small plastic bags if you’re only using a dollop of Nutella or two at a time.
To transfer Nutella to another container, simply spoon the nut spread in a freezer safe plastic bag with an airtight lid and seal it very well. Once it’s ready, just stick the spread in the freezer until it’s ready to use. When you need Nutella, just get a bag or two and defrost away.
How to Defrost Nutella?
Because it’s largely made of nut butters and chocolate, Nutella will harden when frozen just like a stick of butter or a chocolate bar. And once you thaw it, Nutella becomes very soft. The proper way to defrost Nutella is to leave it to thaw at room temperature for several hours.
When it’s thawed completely, Nutella’s consistency might be on the watery side. In some cases, the nut oils will separate from the chocolate solids. To restore its smoothness, get a whisk and start whipping the spread vigorously. The introduction of air into the spread should give Nutella body, restoring its texture once more.
Summary
Nutella is a fabulous treat, especially if you have chocoholic kids. Now that you know how to properly freeze and thaw Nutella, you can keep more of this beloved chocolate spread in the fridge and turn it into a delicious treat any time!