Stiftung Warentest finds discounter brands lead in chocolate and hazelnut cream tests

Stiftung Warentest has released new results from consumer tests evaluating hazelnut-nougat creams and milk chocolate. In the hazelnut cream category, 18 products were assessed based on taste, nutritional value, and pollutant levels. The Aldi brand ‘Nusskati’ and ‘dark hazelnut cream’ from Kräm shared the top spot with an overall grade of 2.0. Notably, ‘Nusskati’ received a 1.5 for sensory qualities and was highlighted as a price leader at 50 cents per 100 grams. Nutella placed third with a 2.2 grade; while testers praised its aromatic and vanilla flavors, it ranked lower due to a high sugar content of 57 percent.

In a separate test of milk chocolate, 22 varieties were examined. Two products achieved a perfect taste score of 1.0, including a premium option from Lindt and a more affordable version from a discounter. The results indicate that high-quality taste is available across various price points, even though market leaders were not the sole winners. This follows trends in German consumer spending, where chocolate-related products saw significant market value in 2025.