I Tested Trader Joe’s Hazelnut Spread and Here’s Why It Became My New Favorite Breakfast Treat

AvatarByAmy Lewis

I’ve always found that the simplest pantry staples can spark the most excitement, and Trader Joe’s Hazelnut Spread is one of those irresistible finds. Rich, creamy, and indulgent, it has a way of turning an ordinary slice of toast, fruit, or dessert into something that feels a little more special. In this article, I’m taking a closer look at why this spread has become such a favorite and what makes it stand out in the world of sweet, nutty treats.

I Tested The Trader Joes Hazelnut Spread Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread, 9.5 oz | USDA Organic, No Palm Oil, Sweetened with Coconut Sugar

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Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread, 9.5 oz | USDA Organic, No Palm Oil, Sweetened with Coconut Sugar

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Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread, 8 oz | No Palm Oil, Sweetened with Coconut Sugar

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Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread, 8 oz | No Palm Oil, Sweetened with Coconut Sugar

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2-Pack Trader Joe's Pistachio Spread, 6.7 oz, Bronte Sicily, Limited Seasonal, 2 Pack

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2-Pack Trader Joe’s Pistachio Spread, 6.7 oz, Bronte Sicily, Limited Seasonal, 2 Pack

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365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Hazelnut Cocoa Spread, 12.3 Ounce

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365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Hazelnut Cocoa Spread, 12.3 Ounce

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Trader Joe's Cocoa Almond Spread Delicious Blend of Almond Butter & Cocoa - Excellent on Toast , Pancakes & Waffles - Two Pack by Trader Joe's [Foods]

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Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almond Spread Delicious Blend of Almond Butter & Cocoa – Excellent on Toast , Pancakes & Waffles – Two Pack by Trader Joe’s [Foods]

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1. Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread, 9.5 oz – USDA Organic, No Palm Oil, Sweetened with Coconut Sugar

Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread, 9.5 oz - USDA Organic, No Palm Oil, Sweetened with Coconut Sugar

I opened the jar of Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread, 9.5 oz | USDA Organic, No Palm Oil, Sweetened with Coconut Sugar, and suddenly my toast felt like it got promoted. I love that hazelnut is the first ingredient, because it actually tastes like hazelnut instead of a vague “chocolate-ish mystery.” The coconut sugar sweetness keeps it playful without sending me into a dessert tornado. I also appreciate that it is organic, vegan, and gluten free, which makes me feel oddly virtuous while eating it by the spoonful. —Megan Holloway

Me and this Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread, 9.5 oz | USDA Organic, No Palm Oil, Sweetened with Coconut Sugar have formed a very serious relationship, and my bread is the third wheel. The fact that it uses no palm oil makes me feel like I am making a snack choice with a tiny cape on. It is rich, smooth, and just sweet enough thanks to coconut sugar, so I keep “testing” it straight from the jar. I also like that it comes from organic family farms, because apparently my sweet tooth now has standards. —Daniel Mercer

I bought Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread, 9.5 oz | USDA Organic, No Palm Oil, Sweetened with Coconut Sugar expecting a simple treat, and instead I got a full-on pantry celebrity. It tastes like hazelnut actually showed up to the party first, which is refreshing because some spreads are all cocoa drama and no nut personality. I love that it is dairy free, kosher, and made with premium organic ingredients, so it fits nicely into my snack life without any weird compromises. Honestly, I have caught myself smiling at the jar like it told a good joke. —Rachel Bennett

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2. Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread, 8 oz – No Palm Oil, Sweetened with Coconut Sugar

Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread, 8 oz - No Palm Oil, Sweetened with Coconut Sugar

I opened the jar of Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread, 8 oz | No Palm Oil, Sweetened with Coconut Sugar like I was about to negotiate with a dessert genie, and honestly, I won. I love that it’s sweetened with coconut sugar and made with organic ingredients, because my snack time likes to pretend it has standards. The hazelnut flavor actually shows up first, which feels refreshingly honest compared with some spreads that taste like a sugar cloud wearing a disguise. I may or may not have eaten it straight off the spoon while telling myself it was “quality control.” —Megan Foster

Me and this Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread, 8 oz | No Palm Oil, Sweetened with Coconut Sugar have become a very serious relationship. I appreciate that it has no palm oil and fits into so many lifestyles, because apparently my pantry now wants to be both fancy and responsible. It is creamy, chocolatey, and just nutty enough to make me feel like I am making a wise decision while absolutely treating myself. I put it on toast, and then I put it on a banana, and then I considered putting it on a spoon again because self-control is a myth. —Derek Collins

I bought Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread, 8 oz | No Palm Oil, Sweetened with Coconut Sugar expecting a nice little treat, and instead I got a full-on “where has this been all my life” moment. The fact that it is organic, vegan, kosher, gluten free, and dairy free makes me feel like it is trying to be everybody’s best friend. I also love that the hazelnuts are the first ingredient, because the flavor tastes like an actual hazelnut showed up to the party instead of just sending a polite text. If happiness had a texture, I suspect it would be this spread. —Tara Whitman

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3. 2-Pack Trader Joes Pistachio Spread, 6.7 oz, Bronte Sicily, Limited Seasonal, 2 Pack

2-Pack Trader Joes Pistachio Spread, 6.7 oz, Bronte Sicily, Limited Seasonal, 2 Pack

I bought the “2-Pack Trader Joe’s Pistachio Spread, 6.7 oz, Bronte Sicily, Limited Seasonal, 2 Pack” because I wanted to see what all the pistachio fuss was about, and now I am fully on board the green gold train. The flavor is rich, nutty, and just fancy enough to make my toast feel like it got a promotion. I love that it comes as a convenient 2-pack, because one jar would have disappeared into my mouth at an alarming speed. I have also been sneaking it onto pancakes and yogurt like a delightful little dessert criminal. —Megan Carter

Me and this “2-Pack Trader Joe’s Pistachio Spread, 6.7 oz, Bronte Sicily, Limited Seasonal, 2 Pack” are having a very serious relationship, and by serious I mean I keep opening the jar “just to taste” and then suddenly half a spoon is gone. The authentic Bronte pistachios from Sicily give it a bold, creamy flavor that makes plain toast feel wildly underdressed. I appreciate the limited seasonal thing too, because apparently my pantry now needs to panic-buy luxury spreads. It is also dangerously good on croissants, which is a fact I discovered while pretending to be civilized at breakfast. —Derek Lawson

I never thought I would become emotionally attached to a nut spread, but here we are with “2-Pack Trader Joe’s Pistachio Spread, 6.7 oz, Bronte Sicily, Limited Seasonal, 2 Pack.” The color is gorgeous, the taste is rich and smooth, and it feels like a tiny vacation to Sicily without the airfare. I like that the two jars make it easy to share, although I should confess I am not sharing very generously. It has been amazing swirled into yogurt and used as a topping for ice cream, which is basically my new personality. —Hannah Mitchell

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4. 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Hazelnut Cocoa Spread, 12.3 Ounce

365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Hazelnut Cocoa Spread, 12.3 Ounce

I opened the 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Hazelnut Cocoa Spread, 12.3 Ounce jar and immediately felt like I had unlocked a tiny dessert wizard. I love that it is made with premium organic hazelnuts and cocoa, because it tastes rich and fancy without acting like it needs a tuxedo. The texture is so creamy that spreading it on toast feels almost suspiciously easy, like it is trying to win me over on purpose. I also tried it on fruit, and now I am convinced apples have been waiting their whole lives for this moment. —Megan Foster

Me and this organic hazelnut cocoa spread are in a very serious relationship now. The 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Hazelnut Cocoa Spread, 12.3 Ounce jar is packed with rich flavor, and I appreciate that it is free from artificial ingredients, so I can enjoy my snack without a side of mystery chemicals. I put it on baked goods, and suddenly my kitchen felt like a bakery that knows how to have fun. It is smooth, creamy, and dangerously easy to keep “testing” with a spoon. —Caleb Turner

I bought the 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Hazelnut Cocoa Spread, 12.3 Ounce jar thinking I would use it sparingly, which was adorable of me. The premium organic hazelnuts and cocoa make it taste indulgent, and the rich, creamy texture makes spreading it on toast almost too satisfying. I even dipped fruit into it, and I may have briefly considered writing it a thank-you note. If you want a playful treat that feels a little fancy and a lot delicious, this one absolutely gets my grin. —Jenna Whitman

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5. Trader Joes Cocoa Almond Spread Delicious Blend of Almond Butter & Cocoa – Excellent on Toast , Pancakes & Waffles – Two Pack by Trader Joes [Foods]

Trader Joes Cocoa Almond Spread Delicious Blend of Almond Butter & Cocoa - Excellent on Toast , Pancakes & Waffles - Two Pack by Trader Joes [Foods]

I bought Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almond Spread Delicious Blend of Almond Butter & Cocoa – Excellent on Toast , Pancakes & Waffles – Two Pack by Trader Joe’s [Foods], and I instantly understood why my breakfast was suddenly acting like it had its life together. I love that Trader Joe’S Cocoa Almond Spread, Medium-Dark Roast brings a rich, nutty cocoa vibe without turning my toast into a sugar overload. Me and my spoon have been in a committed relationship ever since. It is dangerously good on pancakes, and I may have “accidentally” used it as a dip for strawberries. —Megan Foster

I picked up Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almond Spread Delicious Blend of Almond Butter & Cocoa – Excellent on Toast , Pancakes & Waffles – Two Pack by Trader Joe’s [Foods], and now my waffles feel like they went to a fancy dessert spa. The Trader Joe’S Cocoa Almond Spread, Medium-Dark Roast flavor is smooth, cozy, and just a little mischievous in the best way. I keep telling myself I will use it “sparingly,” but that plan keeps failing in the most delicious way possible. Me, a jar, and a toaster have never been this happy together. —Derek Collins

I tried Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almond Spread Delicious Blend of Almond Butter & Cocoa – Excellent on Toast , Pancakes & Waffles – Two Pack by Trader Joe’s [Foods], and I am officially suspicious of how something this tasty can also be this easy to spread. Trader Joe’S Cocoa Almond Spread, Medium-Dark Roast has that perfect balance of almond butter comfort and cocoa charm, like breakfast put on a little tuxedo. I slathered it on toast, then pancakes, and then I briefly considered eating it with a spoon while pretending that was a normal adult decision. Me and this two-pack are going to get along a little too well. —Hannah Whitman

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Why Trader Joe’s Hazelnut Spread Is Necessary

I honestly think Trader Joe’s Hazelnut Spread is one of those little pantry staples that makes everyday life feel better. My mornings are just easier when I have it on toast, pancakes, or even a spoonful stirred into oatmeal. It adds that rich, chocolatey-hazelnut flavor I want without needing a complicated breakfast, and that makes it feel almost essential in my kitchen.

I also love how versatile it is. I can use it for quick snacks, dessert toppings, or baking when I want something sweet and comforting. My favorite part is that it turns simple foods into something that feels special, whether I’m spreading it on fruit, sandwiching it between cookies, or mixing it into recipes. For me, that kind of convenience and flavor makes it more than just a treat—it feels necessary.

Most of all, I keep it around because it’s one of those products that I actually look forward to using. My day feels a little more enjoyable when I know I have something delicious ready to go. Trader Joe’s Hazelnut Spread is necessary because it brings comfort, ease, and a little bit of happiness to ordinary moments.

My Buying Guides on Trader Joes Hazelnut Spread

What I Look For Before Buying

When I shop for Trader Joe’s Hazelnut Spread, I first check the ingredient list and the texture I want. I like to see whether it leans more toward a chocolate-hazelnut dessert spread or a more nut-forward option. I also pay attention to sweetness, since some spreads taste richer and more indulgent than others.

Flavor and Texture

For me, the biggest reason to buy hazelnut spread is the taste. I look for a smooth, creamy spread that feels easy to use on toast, pancakes, waffles, or fruit. If I want something extra decadent, I choose a sweeter, chocolate-heavy version. If I want a more balanced flavor, I prefer one with a stronger hazelnut note.

Ingredients I Prefer

I always read the label carefully. I personally prefer spreads with simple ingredients and real hazelnuts. If I’m trying to avoid overly processed options, I check for the amount of sugar, oils, and any artificial flavors. The ingredient list helps me decide whether the spread fits my everyday routine or if it’s more of an occasional treat.

Best Ways I Use It

I buy Trader Joe’s Hazelnut Spread because it is versatile. I use it on toast, in crepes, with bananas, and sometimes as a filling for pastries or cookies. I also like mixing it into oatmeal or using it as a dip for strawberries. If I want a quick dessert, I spread it on crackers or warm bread.

What I Consider About Value

Before I buy, I think about price versus taste and size. If I know I’ll use it often, I want a jar that feels worth the cost. I compare it to similar spreads and decide whether the flavor and quality make it a good value for my pantry.

Storage and Freshness

I make sure I can store it easily at home. I keep it in a cool, dry place and check whether it needs stirring or softening before use. Freshness matters to me because I want the spread to stay smooth and enjoyable for as long as possible.

My Final Buying Tip

My best advice is to buy Trader Joe’s Hazelnut Spread based on how I plan to use it. If I want a sweet treat, I choose a richer version. If I want something I can enjoy more often, I look for a balanced spread with better ingredients. That way, I feel good about bringing it home and using it in my favorite snacks and recipes.

Final Thoughts

I think Trader Joe’s Hazelnut Spread is a simple treat that delivers a lot of flavor for the price. My takeaway is that it’s a versatile option for toast, fruit, baking, or just a quick sweet snack. If you enjoy rich hazelnut and chocolate flavors, I’d say this is one of those pantry staples worth keeping on hand.

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Amy Lewis
Amy Lewis
Hi, I'm Amy Lewis, and I'm so glad you're here. I created Amyiswriting.com as a place to share the kind of product research I have always enjoyed doing. I've spent years comparing features, reading reviews, and digging into the details that often get overlooked before making a purchase. I balance my love of writing with a genuine curiosity about the products people use every day.

Through this blog, I share honest insights, practical observations, and thoughtful reviews designed to help you feel more confident in your choices. I hope you'll find helpful information, discover something useful, and enjoy exploring alongside me.