The Dark Secret of Nutella: How Sustainable Is Our Favorite Spread Really?

The crux of the matter lies in the main ingredients that make Nutella what it is. But when it comes to the origin of these raw materials, ZDF encounters some uncomfortable truths that could shake the "green fairy tale."

Cocoa from West Africa: A Bittersweet Aftertaste

The cocoa for Nutella mainly comes from West Africa, specifically from the Ivory Coast. Violations of social and environmental standards have long been criticized here. There are frequent reports that not all producers adhere to the rules, such as not cultivating in protected nature reserves. This raises serious questions about the true origin and conditions of the cocoa.

Palm Oil from Malaysia: Certified but Not Unproblematic

Ferrero assures that it only uses RSPO-certified palm oil from Malaysia. This certification is supposed to guarantee sustainable cultivation. However, the reality on the ground is more complex. The vast palm oil plantations often threaten the rights of locals and exert massive pressure on their way of life. Is "certified" always synonymous with "sustainable" in practice?

Hazelnuts from Turkey: Sweet, but with a Bitter Aftertaste

Most of the hazelnuts for Nutella come from Turkey. Here, persistent media reports about exploitation and poor working conditions on the plantations continue to surface. Ferrero is trying to counter this criticism with its own cultivation areas in Italy, but the problem in Turkey remains and calls into question the ethical sourcing of the nuts.

Ferrero's Big Promises

Ferrero goes public with big promises: no deforestation, no child labor, and even compensation areas to protect the environment. These are noble goals meant to reassure us all. But how consistently are these self-imposed commitments really enforced and monitored?

Environmental Concerns on Site

Reporter Rizkallah travels to where the raw materials grow and speaks with the people. The documentary also highlights direct environmental concerns: Residents at Lake Vico in Italy, where new hazelnut plantations for Ferrero have been established, no longer want to swim in the lake. They fear pollution from fertilizers and pesticides. Similar worries plague villagers in Malaysia, who fear that chemical residues from palm oil plantations could contaminate their water.

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