World Nutella Day

World Nutella Day is observed annually on February 5. This global celebration honors the popular hazelnut and cocoa spread, uniting millions of fans through social media, creative recipes, and shared meals. What began as a passionate grassroots movement by a single blogger has transformed into a massive international event supported by the manufacturer, celebrating the spread’s cultural impact and its ability to “spread smiles” across 170 countries.

History of World Nutella Day

The holiday was established in 2007 by Sara Rosso, an American food blogger living in Italy. Rosso was so captivated by the hazelnut spread that she felt it deserved its own day of recognition to help introduce it to people who might not be familiar with it, particularly in the United States. She chose February 5th as the date for fans to share photos, recipes, and poems dedicated to the product. The event quickly went viral, growing from a niche blogging tradition into a worldwide phenomenon with millions of participants.

In 2015, Sara Rosso officially transferred the rights and oversight of World Nutella Day to Ferrero, the Italian company that produces the spread. This transition allowed the holiday to receive official corporate support while maintaining its fan-led spirit. The history of the product itself dates back to post-World War II Italy, when cocoa was scarce. Pastry maker Pietro Ferrero created a paste using hazelnuts, sugar, and a small amount of cocoa to provide an affordable treat, eventually leading to the spreadable “Nutella” brand launched by his son, Michele Ferrero, in 1964.

Why is World Nutella Day important?

This day is significant because it highlights how a brand can become a global cultural icon through the genuine passion of its consumers. It celebrates the power of digital community, as the holiday was one of the first major examples of a “fan-created” brand day that gained mainstream legitimacy. For many, Nutella represents a nostalgic link to childhood breakfasts and European travel, and the holiday provides a yearly opportunity to celebrate those personal memories on a global scale.

Economically and socially, the day underscores the success of the Ferrero company’s innovation in the food industry. Nutella has become so popular that Ferrero now uses approximately one-quarter of the world’s total hazelnut supply each year. The day also promotes the versatility of the product, encouraging people to move beyond simple toast and explore Nutella in baking, frozen desserts, and even savory pairings. It serves as a lighthearted break in the winter months, focusing on the simple joy of sharing a favorite treat with friends and family.

• The day honors the creativity of American blogger Sara Rosso, who founded the event in 2007.
• It celebrates the 60-year evolution of the brand from a solid block to a creamy spread.
• The holiday promotes the diverse ways to use Nutella, from biscuits to plant-based varieties.
• It recognizes the cultural heritage of the Piedmont region in Italy, where the recipe began.
• Fans use the occasion to share thousands of original recipes and “Nutella art” online.

How to Celebrate World Nutella Day

The most common way to celebrate is by incorporating the spread into every meal of the day. Enthusiasts often start with Nutella-filled crepes or pancakes for breakfast, move to a Nutella and fruit sandwich for lunch, and finish with a Nutella-themed dessert like brownies or mousse. Many people enjoy the “pure” experience of eating a spoonful straight from the jar, which has become a symbolic gesture of the holiday. Sharing these culinary creations on social media using the official hashtag is a core part of the tradition.

For those who want to be more social, hosting a Nutella-themed party is a popular option. Hosts often set up a “topping bar” with various breads, fruits, pretzels, and crackers for guests to dip into the hazelnut cream. Some fans even take the celebration further by writing poems, creating artwork, or dressing up in Nutella-themed clothing. It is also a day for experimentation, where home cooks attempt to make their own homemade version of the spread using toasted hazelnuts, melted chocolate, and a touch of salt.

• Spread Nutella on a warm croissant or a piece of sourdough toast.
• Host a “blind taste test” comparing different Nutella-inspired snacks and biscuits.
• Bake a batch of Nutella-stuffed cookies to share with neighbors or coworkers.
• Take a creative photo of your Nutella jar and post it with #WorldNutellaDay.
• Try pairing the spread with a savory snack like salty pretzels or sea salt crackers.

World Nutella Day Dates Table