I wrote about the 3 things I love about the baby’s first year at Everyday Family. Have a read if you have time? Thank you!
Dear Nutella,
Congratulations. You have gained a new fan.
He is only 3 years old, so I think you can count on at least another 30 years of loyalty.
His love for you is hard to dispute when he eats you right out of the jar. That’s his preferred method, but we’ve convinced him that you’re still yummy when sitting on a slice of bread.
He usually hates anything on bread (plain and simple kinda guy), but for you, he’ll tolerate a spread. For that, I thank you.
Wait, says the nutritionists, and the crunchy Mamas, how could I possibly be thanking you, essentially liquid chocolate – aren’t you in the ‘bad food’ category?
Maybe so. But when you have a picky eater, and he finally succumbs to the spell of you, enough to tolerate something on his precious plain bread, then yes, I thank you.
You see, this is the first step to even more exciting and yes, healthier spread options. And who knows? It may open more doors to actual food. Like fruit and vegetables. His menu will go beyond, gasp, 10 items.
Getting him to try something new has always been a challenge. Choosing what he eats is one way he exerts his independence. Breaking down the barrier of, “Look, not everything unfamiliar tastes bad,” we realized, is key to getting him to a better diet.
So we started with you, Nutella. Who could resist you? (Okay, some people hate you – let’s not go there.)
Well, my son did. At first. For three whole days, he said no.
I don’t know how many rejected Nutella sandwiches I ate (probably a fair few, and I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy them), but if that’s the price to pay to get my very stubborn son to try something new, I’m happy to pay it.
Thank you, Nutella.
Love,
Your #2 fan (#1 being Monkey)
I wish I didn’t have to write a disclaimer, saying don’t hate me for feeding my son Nutella, but I feel like I need to say it: Don’t hate me for feeding my son Nutella. Thank you.
Tell me – Nutella, aye or nay?
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Hi, I'm Alison. I write. I mother. I make wishes. I keep memories. Founder of Little Love Media, social media consultancy. I get by on copious amounts of chocolate, cupcakes, coffee, blogging & social media.
I am running out tomorrow to get some. I have that picky eater you are talking about and I never even thought of trying this. I bet we’ll have a #3 and #4 fan when all is said and done. I’m glad you found something Monkey likes. Gia loves strawberries but only when they are drowned in chocolate. What are you gonna do? I need her to eat something.
AnnMarie recently wrote…Some Social Skills Tips
Right? We do what we need to do. Did it work? The Nutella?
Yay for new foods!
I don’t have it often, but I am an-eat-it-from-the-jar kind of girl if it’s in the cupboard. I also love it spread on toast or a wedge of French bread.
Kim recently wrote…10 Things in My Purse
It’s made to be eat-in-from-the-jar!
Eddie and Cort LOVE Nutella. I think it is nasty.
Well, it’s good for a lick off the knife, but the idea of chocolate on bread is gross to me. It just tastes…wrong.
Katie recently wrote…Project 365 {week 5}
I’m not sure that we can still be friends.
Joking.
I asked this on my FB page a few weeks ago because I hate this stuff so much. My kids love it though.
tracy recently wrote…Sad
I’ll still love you, Nutella-hater.
Can you believe I’ve never tried Nutella?
Jessica recently wrote…3 Food Documentaries That Will Change Your Diet
Shut the front door.
I’m one of those odd ones who doesn’t like Nutella. Then again, I’m also not a fan of chocolate either.
Yay for getting him to try new foods!
Kimberly recently wrote…Born Yesterday
I’ll forgive the non-love of chocolate. Only because you’re awesome.
I Looooove Nutella.
In fact, I eat it right out to fhe jar with a spoon when nobody is looking…
Shhh. Don’t tell. Xxx
My Inner Chick recently wrote…How Bizzy Got His Meow Back
Your secret is safe with me.
I love Nutella so very much. It is wonderful.
Tracie recently wrote…We Watch Puppies Bowl
You, me and Monkey three.
I feel very strongly that when you have a picky eater, you will do just about anything to get them to eat! I say bravo mama and keep up the good work!
thedoseofreality recently wrote…Top 10 Reasons Our Purses Are Dragging Us Down
I’m glad you agree!!! And thank you.
I’m a definite Yay in the Nutella debate. I say it’s PACKED full o’ nutrients, merely because it’s the one item Ella will eat at breakfast time! (-:
Ado recently wrote…Today: What I did, Percentage-Wise
Yay, fellow Nutella Mom!
Nutella looks and sounds delicious. You won’t get judgement from me!
My husband and son are nut allergic, so we’ve never had it in the house.
It’s just as well, it looks like something I’d become addicted to!
The Dose of Reality recently wrote…Top 10 Reasons Our Purses Are Dragging Us Down
I’m sorry they’re allergic
i would eat it out of the jar too! but now that we know Damian has a nut allergy, I don’t buy it anymore. However, while snooping around the teen’s room a few weeks ago, looking for old coloring books to let the preschoolers “borrow” I learned that my older teen has a nutella stash! I was shocked! and then i had some. eh, at least she’s keeping it where damian can’t find it. Nutella is yummy and i think spreading it on a slice of bread is a better snack than a bag of chips. it is absolutely yummy on apples! and celery! seriously. celery and nutella. yum.
Vanita recently wrote…Why Google Plus is Better For This Blogger
That’s interesting, celery and Nutella. Good way to try and get him to eat something green.
Now I want peanut butter.
Blond Duck recently wrote…Balloons
Grab a spoon!
um, so, my kids will get the nutella jar down from the cabinet and just go at it with spoons. At least, I’ve found them like that before
it’s all good. glad he’s branching out and trying new things! yay for that!
sarah recently wrote…the sunday spill: the bear with flare
If Monkey could reach the Nutella where we’ve purpose;y stashed it so he can’t reach it, he would most definitely be eating it out of a jar, and I would most certainly catch him at it.
No judgment here. If that gets your little man to eat something on bread, I say go with it. There is enough for us to worry about, than for us to worry about what other people are feeding their children. I hope he Will can able to explore the world of stuff spread on bread.
KalleyC recently wrote…The She Cave
Exactly – why worry about someone else’s parenting right?
My son likes it too. I am so glad you are not left with extra sandwiches now. He sounds like he is eating as many as he is served.
JDaniel4′s Mom recently wrote…16 Valentine’s Day Activities For Kids
He asks for second servings!
I’ve never had Nutella. Seriously.
And no judgement here, as Moms we do what we have to.
No. This needs to be rectified. Immediately.
Oh those toddlers…whatever it takes to get them to eat! So yay for Nutella!
Natalie recently wrote…The Winter Blues
Oh yes, whatever. It. Takes.
We love Nutella in this house and frequently put it in homemade crepes for breakfast. So yummy! I also like to dip my strawberries in it!
Yay, fellw Nutella household!
Would you belieive me if I told you I have never even tried Nutella? Everyone seems ot be crazy about it. I might have to break down. That last thing I need another vice…I’ll keep you posted.
adrienne recently wrote…I can let go…a little.
You’re not alone, a bunch of people here have never tried it!
Ha! Why would anyone hate you for feeding your son Nutella?! I always give it to my kids. It’s delicious! One of my kids is SOOO picky too! I’m so glad when he tries anything new!
xo
Runnermomjen recently wrote…Atrophy
Oh I don’t know, it’s not healthy, it’s chocolate/ junk food etc. You never know.
No Nutella fans around here. Well except for me, but it has too much sugar for me to eat it regularly. Sugar and I are NOT friends. Well, we are, but you know what i mean….
Glad you got him to try something new! YAY!! 
Elaine A. recently wrote…Just One Day
I know, I have to stop myself from eating it out of a jar every day.
No disclaimer needed (I do it, too, but we really, really must stop that, right? Sure, there are some who are exceptions – very few, really – but overwhelmingly, the people we know/read are good mothers and we don’t need to explain ourselves!).
As for Nutella, or any similar spread like Justin’s Nut Butters, I can’t keep it in the house – I like it as much as the kids do and I eat it all.
Glad you found something Monkey likes & hope it is your gateway food to some new menu items!
Missy recently wrote…Adrift
Yes, about the disclaimer. You just never know who reads your blog, right? I wouldn’t want to be called out because I would hate to fight them and it’d all be ugly – oh you know.
I was gifted a jar of Speculoos spread and I hoarded it like it was gold. It was from France because it’s not available in Malaysia. I nearly cried when we finished it.
I love Nutella but we can’t eat it because of my daughters allergy.
You have amazing patience when it comes to food. Good for you for taking baby steps and approaching his pickiness delicately.
I”m sorry about the allergy.
We have to be patient, we’re worried about the lack of nutrition, so you know, whatever it takes!
If only there was a way to spread it on broccoli then i’d buy shares in the company. sadly with my picky eater, bread is the easy part. but heaven forbid a green vegetable passes her lips!
Someone said try it on celery!
Sadly I can’t eat Nutella because I’m allergic to nuts. I so know what you mean about being happy when a picky eater WILL eat something. Same thing in our house with our 3 year old. I mean, we’re about ready to give him a caramel apple in order to get him to try an apple. Yeah, he won’t eat real fruit.
Christine recently wrote…Are you ready to ski?
Caramel apple is still an apple.
We do what we have to.
Nutella is not the devil, so yay!
It’s the opposite of devil, yay!
oh hell yes!
my kids are picky eaters too. For me you have to do what works within reason and compromise without guilt. Nutella is fine for him. If it works do it. We love it in our house.
Pass the Nutella please!
Yay for Nutella!!
You have no idea how much I LOVE that you wrote a love letter to Nutella! I let my kids put chocolate spread on their bread. Because sometimes, it just has to be like that!
ilene recently wrote…This Ain’t My First Rodeo
Yes, sometimes, it does have to be just like that.
Oh, you won’t get any judgement from me. We love the stuff, especially on graham crackers!
Victoria KP recently wrote…To the Moon
Chocolatey, crunch – win win!
I really need to try this stuff huh?
Amanda Jillian recently wrote…Shadow Play
Um, yes, dude. Now.
Aye aye capt’
Amanda Jillian recently wrote…White and Simple
I can’t stand when other moms pick each other apart. If your son is eating, enjoying his food and getting nutrients, who cares what he is eating. good for you for finding something he likes. Getting our kids to eat sometimes is a tough job.
kaen recently wrote…NKOTB….What Was I Thinking?
It is definitely a JOB. Thank you for the support!
in italy there used to an add that went like “Che mondo sarebbe senza Nutella?” – what world would be without Nutella?
I love nutella. I know why my thighs are still chubby… nutella, and I wish I was your three year old which can eat without any worry
TOI recently wrote…Week 5: Cold and Fun
He is definitely on the skinny side
I love the Italian phrase!
I have a total love/hate relationship with nutella. I love it so much that I hate having it in the house! Though this makes me wonder if it would get T to like peanut butter…perhaps it could be an exercise for both of us; experimentation on her part and restraint on mine! Glad to know that you’ve found a way to get Monkey to try new things.
Leslie recently wrote…Preschool Valentines
Worth a try, yes?
I’m forever gratefull to Nutella. When N°1 was 18 months she had to stay in the hospital with pneumonia and wouldn’t touch any of the hospital food, except for toast with Nutella. I’m convinced she owns her life to that liquid chocolate.
Tinne from Tantrums and Tomatoes recently wrote…About a belt
Nutella IS a lifesaver.
And Nutella on whole grain bread is even worthier!! Sometimes I can pull that one off.
Lady Jennie recently wrote…Life in the Trenches – Chapter 5
Oh yes, only whole grain in this house!
Hey, Nutella isn’t all bad! Compare it to peanut butter nutritionally. At least that is my justification
Sometimes getting picky eaters to eat is what it is all about. My grandson loves it and it is always at Grandma’s house 
I figure it’s better than nothing. You’re a great grandma.
What’s funny is that Nutella has been around forever, and all of a sudden it’s like, the “It” spread. Peanut Butter is SO pissed about this.
Julie recently wrote…Mama needs a brand new bag
Hah! I’ve loved it forever. Peanut butter is still around in my house though. I love both.
I can’t keep it in the house because it disappears so fast. My parents buy it for the kids to have chocolate sandwiches at their house!
Poppy recently wrote…Why I Swear in Front of My Children
Grandparents trying to one up you, eh?
Dude. If it gets the kid to eat, spread it on a ham sandwich.
(You’re not getting any nutella negativity from me!)
Nutella Negativity, I like that!
(we don’t eat ham, but we will spread it on whatever else, even cheese if we have to)
Not a fan! I feel like I’m alone. There is, however, a pure chocolate spread that’s popular in Israel. YUM!
You’re not alone. a bunch of commenters up top have never tried it, nor are they interested. Meh.
Loved the post about the baby’s first year too! It’s such a hard year so it’s nice to focus on the good stuff, too. I’d leave the comment there, but they make it kind of hard.
Thanks for reading!
I am not a fan of Nutella but I do love the new combo of chocolate and peanut butter that some of the popular brands are coming out with. I also love Cookie Butter from Trader Joe’s. That is definitely a weakness for me!
Glad Monkey is adding to his likes. It takes them a while, sometimes! I feel like I’m still trying to get Ash to like things and she is going to be 11 years old in a month!
Kristen recently wrote…Connecting Through Music
Cookie Butter! Are you kidding me??
I’m a Nutella junkie. Hence I cannot keep it in my house!
Rach (DonutsMama) recently wrote…This Year
I know, it’s too tempting, I have to restrain myself.
Tried Nutella once. I am not a fan. Which weird because I usually love chocolate. And hazlenut. Huh…
Kristin recently wrote…I Can’t Do Maths, But I Do Know How to Google
Huh. That IS weird.
I used to be so big on Nutella. But now I just haven’t found a reason to buy it. My girls are pretty good eaters, however. My oldest is a bit more picky, but she’s learning that when it comes to mealtime, mommy doesn’t play around. lol.
Jessica recently wrote…Short Little Bits
Mom and Dad don’t play around here either. But we have one stubborn little boy.
Don’t think of it as chocolate spread. It’s hazlenut butter with cocoa in it. And honestly, when I have time and inclination to make it myself, there’s only hazlenuts, cocoa and a little oil in the stuff and it vanishes just as fast as the bought stuff.
I can get behind homemade Nutella!
Oh Allison, I totally can relate! My little girl used to be like that too, and she’s so in love with Nutella until now! In my healthy world, that should be out of menu but when you’re dealing with a picky eater, sometime you just have to be happy when they actually eat something!
Anyway I love your writing. I have been a secret admirer for awhile but I thought I want to say something now. Your boys are so adorable and their mommy is fabulous!
Lili recently posted … http://spiceandsplash.com/content/weekly-wrap-1
Thank you Lili, for your support and kind words!
And thank you for reading and commenting, always appreciated