I Tried Bonne Maman’s New Chocolate Hazelnut Spread — And It’s Incredible

Mara Weinraub
Mara WeinraubSenior Editor of Groceries at The Kitchn
I nudged my way into writing about food after a too-long stint working in advertising. At first, I freelanced for several digital food media outlets, and then worked at Hearst Magazines as the Senior Food & Drink Editor across nearly all titles, including Delish, Good Housekeeping, and Pioneer Woman. I’ve been at The Kitchn since August 2021, and one of my proudest accomplishments is my feature detailing the fascinating grocer solutions to America’s food waste problem. (If you haven’t read it, now’s the time!) I nerd out over groceries. One of the best parts of my job is sharing little-known or untold stories that help shoppers navigate the aisles — and their budget — like the “two-finger” rule on how to pick out the perfect watermelon, our editors' favorite hot cocoa mix, or a corner of our country's food system. I’m always looking for new ways to expand the groceries conversation at The Kitchn.
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published Apr 7, 2023
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As far as months go, March was a surprisingly chocolatey month for me. I expected nothing less from its bookends, February and April (the day after Valentine’s Day and Easter are two of my favorite days of the year). But generally speaking, if March was to have a designated food, chocolate would not be it. Instead, it would be potatoes, preferably twice-baked and dripping with butter.

But this year, March has come for the cocoa crown with a series of truly nutty and noteworthy launches — a plant-based twist on the OG PB cup, for starters, followed by a four-and-a-half pound peanut butter pie at Costco. The most recent drop, which launched March 28, skips the lovable legume entirely in Bonne Maman’s Hazelnut Chocolate Spread. Seriously, it may just cement the month as this year’s reigning queen. 

Credit: Mara Weinraub

What You Should Know About the Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread

Although it’s a slightly different shape, you probably recognize that lid. The familiar red-checkered pattern is a hallmark of the beloved brand and makers of some of Kitchn editors’ favorite preserves (in both standard and adorable sizes). What’s in this glass jar, however, is totally new. The moment I read that Bonne Maman was launching a chocolate hazelnut spread, I reached out to their team (work perk!) to try it for myself. 

Credit: Mara Weinraub

My Honest Review of the Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread

The best way to eat any nut spread, but especially a chocolate-flavored one, is directly from the jar with a spoon. So that’s where I began. As you can see, the viscous spread is holding form on the golden spoon — no droopy bits or runny blobs in sight. It has a deep, chocolate color and the glossiness of a Framebridge-printed photo. And it smells distinctly like Ferrero Rocher chocolates. But how does it taste?

Credit: Mara Weinraub

In a word: Incredible. It’s sweet, without venturing into “tastes like pure sugar” territory. It’s also proudly Team Hazelnut (hazelnuts are the second ingredient, sandwiched between sugar and vegetable oil). At the same time, the chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder and cocoa butter is well-represented. It’s a well-balanced trio and, when paired with freshly thawed frozen puff pastry squares, it’ll become your go-to two-ingredient Sunday breakfast. 

Bonne Maman’s Hazelnut Chocolate Spread is currently available in 8.8-ounce jars online and at select retailers nationwide, although the brand tells me that a 12.7-ounce version is coming soon. While this spread has total Big Jar Energy, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that a teeny version makes its debut in this year’s holiday advent calendar. 

Buy: Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, $16.99 for 2 (8.8-ounce) jars and a spreader at Bonne Maman

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