Question: What event inspired the creation of Nutella?
Answer: A cocoa shortage during World War II.
During and after WWII, Europe faced severe shortages of basic ingredients like cocoa. In Italy’s Piedmont region, pastry maker Pietro Ferrero got creative: He stretched scarce chocolate by mixing it with hazelnut, sugar, and oil—all easier to source locally. In 1946, his creation debuted as Pasta Gianduja, sold in loaves and sliced like cheese. Over the years, it evolved: first into a spreadable form called “Supercrema” and finally into Nutella in 1964. (See Details)
