Can I Put Nutella In My Protein Shake? | A Dietitian’s Take

Yes, but Nutella adds more sugar and fat than protein. Treat it as a flavor addition and account for it in your daily macros.

The idea sounds simple — scoop your favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread into a protein shake, and suddenly your post-workout drink tastes like dessert. Most people try it because plain shakes can feel like a chore, and Nutella is sitting right there in the pantry.

You can put Nutella in a protein shake, but the honest answer is that it works better as a flavoring ingredient than as a meaningful protein source. A single serving of Nutella delivers mostly sugar and fat, with only a trace of protein. The trick is knowing how much to add so you don’t accidentally turn your shake into a sugar bomb, especially if satiety and body composition are your goals.

The Nutritional Reality Of Nutella

A standard two-tablespoon serving of Nutella weighs about 37 grams. That scoop contains roughly 200 calories, 11 grams of fat, and 21 grams of sugar. It provides just 2 grams of protein.

That protein count matters because the entire point of a protein shake is, well, the protein. If you blend a scoop of whey (25g protein) with a serving of Nutella (2g protein), you’re getting 27g total — respectable, but you’re also taking in half your daily added sugar in one drink.

Restaurant versions take this further. A regular Steak ‘n Shake Nutella Milkshake lists 820 calories, 40g protein, and roughly 110g of carbs. A Boloco Nutella shake carries 730 calories and 97 grams of sugar. Those are closer to dessert milkshakes than recovery drinks.

Why The Craving Is So Common

Chocolate and hazelnut is a classic pairing. The craving is real, and for good reason — your brain associates that sweet, fatty taste with reward, making the shake feel more like a treat than a chore.

• Flavor masking: Nutella easily covers the taste of chalky or unflavored protein powders, which makes it a go-to for picky blenders.
• Calorie density: For anyone struggling to eat enough to build muscle, Nutella is a quick way to add calories without volume.
• Post-workout reward: The sweet taste can make the shake feel satisfying in a way that plain protein often doesn’t.
• Convenience: It requires no prep — just scoop and blend. No roasting hazelnuts or melting chocolate.

The context matters. If you are bulking or maintaining weight, a 200-calorie scoop fits easily. If you are cutting fat, that same scoop eats up a big chunk of your daily allowance.

Making A Balanced Version At Home

Homemade Nutella shakes let you control the portions. Restaurants have no incentive to go light on the spread, but you do. A homemade version can easily stay under 500 calories while delivering 30 grams of protein.

An easy method comes from Amiraspantry, which offers a detailed Nutella protein shake recipe using rolled oats, milk, chocolate protein powder, and a controlled amount of spread. The oats add fiber and texture that help slow down digestion.

The general formula is straightforward: one scoop of chocolate protein powder, one cup of milk (dairy or plant-based), half a banana or oats for body, ice, and no more than one tablespoon of Nutella for flavor. That keeps the sugar in check while you still get the taste.

Calorie counts vary widely by recipe and serving size. The packaged shake comes in lower because the container is smaller — typically a 4-6 ounce serving rather than a full blender bottle.

How To Adjust It For Your Macros

You don’t have to give up the flavor if you want to keep your shake lean. Small swaps make a big difference in the final nutrition numbers.

1. Use Nutella as a garnish. Start with half a tablespoon rather than two. You still get the taste, but you save 100 calories and 10 grams of sugar.
2. Pick an unsweetened base. Unsweetened almond milk cuts roughly 80 calories compared to whole milk without losing creaminess.
3. Choose a complementary protein powder. Chocolate, chocolate-hazelnut, or mocha flavors work well and let you use less spread overall.
4. Add a fiber source. Spinach, oats, or a tablespoon of chia seeds help slow down sugar absorption and improve satiety.

Another option is skipping Nutella entirely and making a hazelnut cocoa powder blend. Toasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt give you the flavor profile with far less sugar and more healthy fats.

Alternatives For Special Diets

Standard Nutella contains skim milk powder, so it is not dairy-free or suitable for vegans. If you avoid dairy for dietary or personal reasons, there are still ways to get a similar tasting shake.

Ora.organic provides one approach with a vegan Nutella coffee shake that relies on plant-based protein, cold brew, and your choice of milk alternative. The coffee helps mask the beany taste some vegan proteins have.

A tofu-based Nutella smoothie is another option that adds protein without relying on whey or casein. Silken tofu gives it a creamy texture similar to a milkshake while keeping the fat content moderate.

The Bottom Line

You can absolutely add Nutella to a protein shake, but treat it like a condiment rather than a core ingredient. The difference between a 400-calorie homemade shake and an 800-calorie restaurant shake comes down to portion control and supporting ingredients. Nutella adds flavor, not protein, and should be accounted for in your daily numbers.

If you track macros closely or manage a condition like insulin resistance, a registered dietitian can help you fit a sweetened shake into your weekly plan while supporting your overall dietary management.