KANSAS CITY — Nutella is spreading across restaurant menus, and it’s not just a toast topper anymore. Restaurant operators are finding innovative ways to serve up the hazelnut spread, from mixing it into milkshakes to packing it into pastries.
Menchie’s unveiled a new frozen yogurt flavor starring the spread: Creamy Cocoa Hazelnut made with Nutella. Menchie’s will also offer a Nutella topping customers can add to their own yogurt creations.
“Over the years, Nutella has become an iconic brand with worldwide recognition,” said Amit Kleinberger, chief executive officer of Menchie’s. “We are honored to have the opportunity to partner with them to create something amazing.”
But Menchie’s isn’t the only chain to harness the flavor of Nutella for frosty treats. Steak ’n Shake added a Nutella milkshake to its menu, and Carvel released an entire line of Nutella items, including three different ice creams and a milkshake featuring the spread.
Tim Hortons is keeping Nutella close to its breakfast roots with the release of the Chocolate Hazelnut Donut filled with Nutella and Pastry Pockets filled with Nutella. The cafe and bake shop is also offering packets of Nutella for customers to use on their bagels.
And the hazelnut hype is not limited to the United States. Canadian restaurant Coffee Culture Café & Eatery recently launched a line of Nutella beverages and baked goods. The line includes a coffee drink, muffin, peanut butter cookie sandwich and cheesecake all featuring Nutella. And customers can’t get enough.
“We knew that people simply go crazy for Nutella,” said Perry Ouzounis, vice-president of operations for Coffee Culture Café & Eatery. “We have literally been blown away by how popular the new menu has been. Frankly, the challenge now is keeping up with demand.”
