Is Nutella & Go! with Breadsticks Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed snack is Kosher, we look beyond the brand name and dive into the specific components. For Nutella & Go! with Breadsticks, the ingredients list is relatively straightforward, but a food scientist's eye notices specific details that impact the Kosher status.

The primary component of the dip is the Sugar, Palm Oil, and Hazelnuts. These are all plant-based and inherently Kosher (Pareve). The cocoa and skim milk powder are also generally acceptable, provided the equipment used isn't shared with non-Kosher meat products. The presence of Skim Milk is the critical flag here: this product is definitely dairy. Therefore, it cannot be consumed with meat meals.

Looking at the breadsticks, the main ingredient is Enriched Flour. While wheat is Kosher, cross-contamination with non-Kosher grains can occasionally occur in large facilities. However, because this product is widely distributed in the US and Europe, manufacturers usually ensure the flour is processed under Kosher supervision. The Lecithin used is derived from soybeans, not eggs, making it Pareve. Finally, the Vanillin (artificial flavor) and Malt Extract are the items that require the most scrutiny in processed foods. In this specific product, these are synthetic or derived from barley (which is Kosher) and are not processed with wine or vinegar that would render them non-Kosher.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Nutella & Go! with Breadsticks is a high-energy snack, meaning it packs a lot of calories into a small serving. The primary macronutrients are carbohydrates from the breadsticks and sugar, and fats from the palm oil and hazelnuts. A single serving contains a significant amount of added sugar, which contributes to its sweet taste but also means it should be consumed in moderation, especially for those monitoring blood sugar levels.

The fat content is largely from palm oil and hazelnuts. While these provide the creamy texture, the saturated fat content is notable. It fits into a diet as an occasional indulgence rather than a staple food item. It does provide a small amount of protein from the skim milk and hazelnuts, but it is not a significant source of this macronutrient. For those on a strict weight-loss regimen, the calorie density makes it a 'sometimes' food rather than an 'everyday' food.