Bhutanese Organic Crunchy Chocolate - Hazelnut Spread

Bhutanese Organic Crunchy Chocolate – Hazelnut Spread

Artisanal spread combining roasted Himalayan hazelnuts with premium cocoa for a velvety-crunchy texture.

Crunchy Chocolate Hazelnut Spread from the Mountains of Bhutan

Imagine the rich, buttery taste of Himalayan hazelnuts, roasted to perfection and swirled into a velvety, dark chocolate base, with crunchy pieces of nut in every bite. This is not just a spread; it is a jar of Bhutan’s future, crafted from hazelnuts grown by thousands of smallholder farmers across the Kingdom.

Our spread is an indulgent creation that combines the deep, roasted complexity of Bhutanese hazelnuts with premium cocoa. The result is a velvety-smooth texture studded with satisfying nut pieces, delivering a rich, chocolate-forward flavor with a satisfying crunch. We use only the finest pure ingredients: local hazelnuts, cold-pressed hazelnut oil, chocolate, cocoa powder, and a pinch of Himalayan pink salt. No weird or nasty ingredients in sight.

The hazelnuts are sourced through Mountain Hazelnuts, a social enterprise that has partnered with more than 8,000 smallholder farming families across the country. Under its inclusive contract farming model, the company provides saplings, training, and support at no cost, guaranteeing to purchase every harvest to mitigate market risk for families in some of Bhutan’s most remote areas. The enterprise aims to plant 10 million hazelnut trees, restoring degraded mountain slopes and providing long-term income for vulnerable communities.

How to enjoy this Himalayan indulgence in Bangkok:

The Classic Way: Spread generously on warm toast, drizzle over pancakes, or swirl into your morning oatmeal.
The Bangkok Twist – Chocolate Hazelnut Roti: Warm a piece of flaky roti or flatbread, spread a thick layer of this spread, and fold it like a taco. For an extra indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream.
The Modern Way: Use it as a dip for fresh fruit like bananas and strawberries, blend into smoothies for a rich, nutty protein boost, or simply enjoy it straight from the jar with a spoon (we won’t judge).
The Dessert Upgrade: Drizzle over ice cream, use as a filling for crepes, or swirl into brownie batter before baking.

Net Weight: 350g. Made without artificial preservatives, using traditional small-batch methods. Every purchase directly benefits Bhutanese farming communities participating in sustainable agroforestry.

History of Bhutanese Organic Crunchy Chocolate – Hazelnut Spread

The Birth of a Himalayan Hazelnut Industry

For centuries, the farmers of Bhutan grew traditional crops like rice, maize, and potatoes, but never hazelnuts. That changed in 2009, when a visionary social enterprise called Mountain Hazelnuts was established through a public-private-community partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan.

The idea was audacious: to transform Bhutan into a world-class producer of hazelnuts, creating long-term income for rural communities while restoring degraded mountain slopes. The company set a goal to plant 10 million hazelnut trees, and today, they work with over 8,000 smallholder farming families across the country.

The Challenge of High-Altitude Hazelnuts

Conventional wisdom said hazelnuts could not be grown at high altitudes. Bhutan proved that wrong. In a collaborative effort, the country’s hazelnut growers conducted a trial, planting 200 saplings in Chukha in 2015. The results were remarkable: 90% of the trees survived, and within a few years, they were producing a bountiful harvest. Bhutanese hazelnuts are now certified organic and are poised to become a premium export product.

A Sweet Partnership

The creation of this chocolate hazelnut spread is the result of a landmark collaboration between Mountain Hazelnuts and Yiga Chocolate, a Bhutanese start-up that pioneered premium artisanal chocolates in Bhutan using local products. Yiga Chocolate has also pioneered cacao cultivation on a trial basis in partnership with the Agriculture Ministry’s Research and Development Center in Gelephu. This spread is a symbol of the “Brand Bhutan” initiative, representing innovation, cooperation, and a deep commitment to supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture.

This spread is brought to you by Bhutan Growers, continuing this mission of empowering rural communities through value-added agricultural products. Every jar represents not just an exceptional treat, but a story of resilience, innovation, and a nation’s dedication to Gross National Happiness.

Nutritional Value of Bhutanese Organic Crunchy Chocolate – Hazelnut Spread

Nutrient

Range

Calories

530

Protein

Fat

34g

Carbohydrates

69g

Fiber

Sodium

Dietary Pros:

100% Plant-Based / Vegan
High in Vitamin E and Antioxidants
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
No Artificial Preservatives
Made with Small-Batch Traditional Methods

Nutritional Excellence:
This spread is a powerhouse of nutrition. Hazelnuts are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and copper. They also contain significant amounts of plant sterols and phenolic compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Cocoa is one of the richest dietary sources of flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that support heart health, brain function, and circulation.

Health and Lifestyle Benefits:

❤️ Heart Health: Hazelnuts are associated with lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and lower total cholesterol. Their high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and L-arginine help regulate blood flow and maintain healthy blood pressure. Cocoa flavanols also help improve endothelial function and blood vessel health.
✨ Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Support: The combination of vitamin E, plant sterols, and polyphenols in hazelnuts work together to reduce chronic inflammation and combat oxidative stress. Cocoa adds another layer of powerful flavonoids that neutralize free radicals.
🧠 Brain Function & Mood: Cocoa flavanols can improve blood flow to the brain, boosting memory, attention, and learning. They also promote the release of endorphins and serotonin, supporting feelings of well-being and reducing stress.
🩸 Blood Sugar Control: Regular consumption of hazelnuts has been linked to lower fasting glucose levels and may help prevent type 2 diabetes. The fiber and healthy fats in the spread help stabilize blood sugar.
🌿 Digestive Health: Hazelnuts contain beneficial fiber and act as a prebiotic, supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
🤝 Supports Smallholder Farmers: By choosing this spread, you are directly supporting over 8,000 smallholder farming families in Bhutan, helping them earn a stable income, restore degraded mountain land, and build a sustainable future for their communities.

A Note on Indulgence: While this spread is made with wholesome ingredients, it is still a treat. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet. The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber makes it more satiating than conventional sweet spreads, so a little goes a long way.

How to make Bhutanese Organic Crunchy Chocolate – Hazelnut Spread?

Here are three delicious ways to bring the flavor of Bhutan’s hazelnuts into your kitchen.

Himalayan Hot Chocolate (Bhutanese Fusion)
- Ingredients: 2 cups milk (or coconut milk), 2 tablespoons of Bhutanese Organic Crunchy Chocolate – Hazelnut Spread, a pinch of Himalayan pink salt.
- Method: In a small saucepan, gently warm the milk over medium heat. Whisk in the chocolate hazelnut spread and a pinch of salt until fully combined and frothy. Pour into mugs and enjoy. The spread adds a rich, nutty depth and tiny crunchy bits to a classic hot chocolate.
Chocolate Hazelnut Red Rice Pudding (Himalayan Dessert)
- Ingredients: 1 cup cooked Bhutanese Red Rice, 1 cup coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of Bhutanese Organic Crunchy Chocolate – Hazelnut Spread, 1 tablespoon honey or palm sugar, a pinch of Himalayan pink salt.
- Method: In a pot, combine the cooked red rice and coconut milk. Simmer over low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency (about 10 minutes). Stir in the chocolate hazelnut spread, honey, and salt until well combined. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with a few crushed hazelnuts or a drizzle of extra spread.
Crunchy Chocolate Hazelnut Toast with Banana (The Ultimate Breakfast)
- Ingredients: 2 slices of thick-cut bread, 2 tablespoons of Bhutanese Organic Crunchy Chocolate – Hazelnut Spread, 1 ripe banana (sliced), a sprinkle of Himalayan pink salt.
- Method: Toast the bread until golden and crisp. Spread a generous layer of the chocolate hazelnut spread over the warm toast. Top with sliced banana and a tiny sprinkle of Himalayan pink salt. The salt enhances the sweetness and nuttiness of the spread, creating an unforgettable breakfast or snack.