Chocolate, Chickpea and Hazelnut Spread

If you are looking for a decadent yet wholesome alternative to store-bought chocolate spreads, this chocolate, chickpea and hazelnut spread is your answer. Free from preservatives, packed with fibre, and rich in healthy fats and plant protein, this chocolate, chickpea, and hazelnut spread is a delicious way to indulge—guilt-free.

For women navigating perimenopause, blood sugar stability becomes especially important. Many commercial spreads are loaded with refined sugar and palm oil, which can trigger blood sugar spikes and crashes. These fluctuations are linked to increased irritability, energy dips, and cravings—things many of us are already grappling with during hormonal shifts.

This homemade chocolate, chickpea and hazelnut spread swaps processed ingredients for chickpeas (rich in fibre and plant protein), heart-healthy olive oil, and hazelnuts—known for their vitamin E and healthy fat content. It is sweetened naturally with Medjool dates and maple syrup and finished off with antioxidant-rich dark cocoa. The result? A creamy, satisfying spread that supports stable energy levels and satisfies that chocolate craving.

Ingredients

• 50 g blanched, roasted hazelnuts
• 2–3 tbsp maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 2 Medjool dates (if your dates are a little dry, soak them in hot water for a few minutes first)
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 100 g cooked, drained chickpeas
• 4–6 tsp dark cocoa powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• 3–4 tbsp water (as needed for texture)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a food processor.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water gradually to achieve a spreadable consistency (you might need to add more water if you feel the mixture is too thick).

3. Taste and adjust: for extra sweetness, add another date or more maple syrup.

4. Once blended to a luscious, uniform texture, transfer to a clean glass jar.

5. Store in the refrigerator; it should keep well for up to 1 week.

Enjoy this delicious chocolate, chickpea and hazelnut spread on toast or use it instead of butter icing on cupcakes.

If you are in the mood for more wholesome treats, why not try these delicious, nutrient-packed seed biscuits: https://vitalityher.com/nutritious-seed-biscuits/