Hazelnut & Cocoa Spread

Move over, Nutella—this decadent chocolate-hazelnut spread from Pariani is made with exquisite nocciola Piemonte, from the mountainous northern Piedmont region of Italy. Piedmontese hazelnuts are so precious that they are IGP-certified (the official Italian designation for products that are best in a specific region); their orchards are a UNESCO heritage site! More flavorful than your average hazelnut, nocciola Piemonte has a rich, complex flavor that stands up to the dark cocoa in this creamy spread. You’ll find a million and one uses for this spread, or just eat it with a spoon—we'll never tell.

Based in Givoletto, just outside of Torino, Pariani’s slogan is “Research and Excellence”—and they mean it! Research is, in fact, the way the company began; the founder, Mattia Pariani, was a student at the University of Torino when his thesis on hazelnut oil won the National Innovation Prize. Not content to stay on the academic side, he decided to turn his prize-winning idea into action. He founded his namesake company in 2010, focusing on oil and other products from the world-famous nocciola Piemonte.

Over time, Pariani has expanded its focus to the five essential Italian nuts—hazelnut, pistachio, almond, walnut, and pignoli (pine nuts)—and candied fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients. Through it all, they’ve become a world-reknowned artisan producer with a reputation for the highest quality. Their mission: To create unusual ingredients and products, to satisfy even the most demanding palates, and to inspire creative recipes. Those unusual products have found fans in Michelin-starred kitchens around the world, and are truly a chef’s best friend. Pariani partners with select farmers around the country to source their ingredients, and only the best of the best will do.