All About Hazelnuts

Hazelnut Blog – Keylink WP

Hazelnut Heaven: Flavour Combinations to Fall in Love With

One of our favourite flavours to pair with chocolate is the classic hazelnut – whether enrobed in caramel and encased in milk chocolate or ground into a sumptuous paste with sugar or chocolate to create decadent fillings for bonbons and bars. And don’t forget gelato and chocolate drinks! Keep reading to find out how you can add hazelnut to your product range with our selection of nut products and flavourings, and use code HAZNUT20 to save 20% on Nutural World’s Hazelnut Nut Paste in September…

by Lyndsey Hall

01 September 2025

The History of Hazelnuts

The humble hazelnut has been around since prehistoric times, originating in Asia – where the delicious tree nut was considered one of the five sacred foods of that time – with evidence of hazelnuts found across Europe since around 8,000 BCE.  

Not only are hazelnuts a versatile ingredient, with a distinctive flavour, great texture, and nutritional benefits, they’re also woven into many cultural traditions. The Ancient Romans used hazel branches in wedding ceremonies, and in Ireland, hazel was referred to as the ‘Tree of Knowledge’, and in medieval times, was a symbol of fertility. In England, hazelnuts were carried as good luck charms, and hazel rods were used for water-divining and warding off evil spirits. 

Italy, the home of gianduja (and your favourite chocolate and hazelnut flavoured spread) is the world’s top consumer of hazelnuts today, with 78,000 metric tons eaten each year! Turkey, the biggest producer of hazelnuts, comes in second place, with 60,000 MT consumed per year. 

With the popularity of the classic nut still growing, especially in bakery and confectionery, we wanted to take a deep dive into everything hazelnut and show you how to make the most of this versatile nut! 

Hazelnut Paste, Praliné, Gianduja or Hazelnut Cream?

You’d be forgiven for thinking hazelnut paste and hazelnut cream were the same, but what about praliné and gianduja? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers: 

Hazelnut Paste – a nut butter made from 100% nuts 

Hazelnut Cream – a creamy spread made from nuts, sugar and sometimes cocoa powder 

Praliné – a combination of nuts and sugar, caramelised  

Gianduja – a blend of nuts and chocolate, often in a solid block 

Which Flavours Pair Best with Hazelnut?

Hazelnut blends beautifully with lots of different flavours, thanks to its sweet, nutty, buttery and earthy notes. Try one of the following for a pairing that will bring out the best in this popular little nut: 

Vanilla

The sweetness and warmth of vanilla perfectly complements the rich, nuttiness of hazelnut. Layer vanilla ganache with hazelnut gianduja for a decadent bonbon filling. 

Coffee

Sweet, nutty hazelnut and earthy, rich coffee: a match made in heaven! Encase an indulgent hazelnut praline in a Callebaut Cappuccino Flavoured White Chocolate shell. Or whip up a hazelnut milk and Van Houten Milk Chocolate Drink Powder mocha! 

Caramel

Whole hazelnuts in caramel, encased in milk chocolate are a staple of every chocolate box for good reason! The buttery, rich, sweetness of caramel perfectly balances the earthy undertone of hazelnut. Put a modern twist on this duo with a caramel alternative, like dulce de leche or toffee! Read our blog post Caramel Alternatives Your Customers Will Adore for more inspiration.

Spices

Hazelnut also makes the perfect foundation for a warming, spiced sweet treat. Use cinnamon or nutmeg to add depth and gentle heat to your chocolate and patisserie creations. 

Fruits

Lots of fruity flavours taste fantastic with the addition of hazelnut, whether you prefer stone fruits like peach and cherry, pome fruits like apple and pear, tart but sweet berries, or even citrus fruits! 

Hazelnuts are one of the most well-loved and versatile nuts around, with so many perfect flavour pairings and ways to enjoy! Whether you prefer a classic Paris Brest or a chocolate and hazelnut stuffed croissant, or even a decadent gelato made with hazelnut paste, there’s so many options – the possibilities are endless!  

And for the month of September, we’re offering 20% off our Nutural World Hazelnut Nut Paste, just use code HAZNUT20 at the checkout.  

We love to see what you make with our products, don’t forget to tag us @ keylinkltd on social media in all your hazelnut creations! 

Lyndsey is a marketing executive, writer and lover of books and chocolate from Sheffield.

Her favourite chocolate is Cacao Barry Lactee Superieure.