Here’s Why You Should Never Store Nutella in The Fridge

Nutella is more than just a spread—it’s a way of life. Whether slathered on toast, drizzled over pancakes, or eaten straight from the jar with a spoon (we’ve all been there), this chocolate-hazelnut spread is a pantry essential. But here’s the thing: putting Nutella in the fridge is one of the worst things you can do to it. You might think you’re preserving its freshness or preventing spoilage, but all you’re really doing is turning your smooth, silky spread into a rock-hard, unspreadable disaster. No matter the season, and whether the jar is opened or unopened, Nutella and the fridge should never mix.

Cold as the Fridge, Hard as a Brick

Nutella’s magic lies in its creamy, almost seductive consistency. That luscious texture comes from a delicate balance of sugar, cocoa, hazelnuts, and—most importantly—palm oil. This oil is what keeps Nutella spreadable at room temperature. But the moment you shove it in the fridge? That oil solidifies, and suddenly, your favorite spread has the consistency of a chocolate bar that’s seen one too many winters. Try to scoop it, and you’ll be digging at it like an archeologist on a bad day.

Spreadability? More Like a Workout

Let’s say you do manage to chisel out a spoonful of fridge-cold Nutella. Now what? Good luck spreading it. Straight out of the jar, it’s stiff, clumpy, and refuses to cooperate. Instead of gliding onto your toast in a smooth, velvety layer, it tears through the bread like an impatient toddler with wrapping paper. If you were hoping for an even coat of chocolatey goodness, you can forget about it. The only way to make it spreadable again is to let it sit out and warm up—a process that can take way too long when you just want a quick snack.

Flavor Takes a Frosty Hit

Nutella’s taste is all about balance. The nuttiness of the hazelnuts, the richness of the cocoa, the hint of vanilla—it all comes together in a symphony of sweet perfection. But refrigeration dulls those flavors. Cold temperatures mute the aromatic compounds in the spread, meaning you won’t get the same intense chocolate-hazelnut experience you signed up for. Instead, you’ll get a bland, underwhelming version of Nutella, and honestly, that’s just a waste of a perfectly good jar.

Separation Anxiety: The Oil Problem

Even if you later bring Nutella back to room temperature, the damage may already be done. Refrigeration can cause the oil to separate from the solids, leaving you with an uneven, grainy mess instead of the silky spread you love. Unlike natural peanut butter, Nutella isn’t meant to be stirred back together—it’s formulated to stay perfectly mixed. But once it’s been compromised in the fridge, there’s no guarantee it will ever return to its original glory.

Unopened Jar? Still a No-Go

Maybe you’re thinking, "Fine, I won’t refrigerate my open jar of Nutella, but what about an unopened one?" Still a terrible idea. Even before you crack the seal, Nutella should be kept at room temperature (ideally between 64–72°F). Refrigerating it won’t extend its shelf life—it’s already designed to be shelf-stable for months. What it will do is mess with the texture, making it harder to scoop and use when you finally open it.

Warm Weather Worries? Don’t Sweat It

You might be tempted to refrigerate Nutella in the summer, fearing it will melt into a soupy mess. But here’s the good news: Nutella doesn’t actually melt at room temperature. It might get slightly softer on a hot day, but it won’t turn into a runny liquid. If you’re really worried, just store it in a cool, dark pantry—away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Problem solved, no fridge required.