8. How did WW2 make Nutella what it is today?
During WW2 a shortage of chocolate in Italy drove cocoa prices up. In turn, this price surge drove one Pietro Ferrero – Nutella’s Italian creator – to look for a cheaper alternative.
He decided to combine hazelnuts – which were cheap and easily available locally – with just a little cocoa, thus creating the lovable Nutella flavor we know today. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention 🙂
Bonus Fact: Nutella began its life as a solid product that could be sliced and served on bread or separately. But, due to mothers complaining that their kids threw away the “nutritious” bread and ate only the chocolate, Ferrero prepared a spreadable version … and the rest is history.