Why I Switched From Nutella To Goya

Hazelnut spread is an all-time favorite spread at home and my personal favorite at the same time. I can’t imagine any person who wouldn’t like hazelnut spread. Its flavor is rich, very classy and once I have a sandwich with hazelnut filling, I just couldn’t stop eating. That’s why my kids are lucky because they share the same guilty pleasure with me and when I indulge them with sandwiches and pancakes with hazelnut spread, I also indulge myself. We are also blessed with generous aunts and in-laws who live abroad and their favorite gift to send over are huge bottles of an imported brand of hazelnut spread called Nutella.

But you know, Nutella is kind of expensive and I can’t just buy even a small jar in a whim. I’m not sourgraping but why have our pockets suffer when there’s something in the market which is even more delicious if not at par with an imported brand? Yes, I’m talking about Goya.

Just last week, in an event attended by some co-moms and special celebrity guests, Goya had introduced a new spread that doubled the amount of hazelnuts used in making it. Imagine my joy when I tasted it and realized that Goya hazelnut spreads really leveled-up to a world-class level and the brand should be something we can all be proud of.

At the Lifestyle Camp hosted by Goya and CATPR,, with a full display of Goya Double Hazelnut Spread and other Goya spreads and products

with some of the lovely mommy bloggers (l-r) rochellerivera.com, joybites.com, iamjinggiourgous.com, shopgirljen.com, artofbeingamom.com, mermaidinstilletos.com

one of the delicious gourmet food prepared by Chef AJ reyes of Privatus, Lechon Pao with Goya Double Hazelnut

Our host chef that day, chef AJ Reyes of Privatus, prepared a spread of dishes which creatively used Goya hazelnut as one of the ingredients. Mind you, he was even able to incorporate the sweetness of hazelnut chocolate to savory dishes such as the Lechon Pao and as appetizer dip for Nachos.

The celebrity guests that day were Camille Pratts, Kelly Misa and Lourd Ramos and in that short event, they were able to impart nuggets of wisdom in being practical in homemaking, the realities and hardships of being a mom, and how hard work and determination can empower someone to achieve his or her dreams and even attain world fame ( like Lourd).

With celebrity guests Camille Pratts, Lourd Ramos, Chef AJ Reyes and Kelly Misa

Nachos and Dips (Goya Double Hazelnut Spread is a delicious dip for nachos, yes!)

It was definitely a fun-filled and life-enriching day. I really loved the part when Camille and Kelly advised us not to believe everything we see in social media or in show business because they are just only 10% true. The 90% are most often for business. I think what they meant was that, as celebrities, they have these responsibilities to show what’s beautiful, fancy and fun, but in reality, they are both just like us normal moms when they get home. It was a relief to think that all the struggles we experience at home, the days when we can’t even brush our hair because of so many house chores to finish, sleepless nights when the kids are sick, all these happen for real. When I think of all these things that we have in common, I feel empowered and confident that even though there are difficult days, there will also be beautiful days when everything will be bright and perfect.

Lourd Ramos, the hair and make-up stylist icon who had made his way to the top through grit and perseverance, told us how he managed to elevate how most Filipinos perceive beauty stylists. There were years when most people would take them like slaves, at someone’s beck and call, but now, Lourd Ramos is a power to recon with when it comes to the beauty industry (I know because I’m a fan of Asia’s  Next Top Model and he was one of the highest regarded stylists in the show).

Won this huge photo book of Lourd Ramos’ creations! The book is a colorful and glossy catalogue of the beauty stylist’s works.

Imprint by Lourd Ramos can be purchased in leading bookstores.

Lourd, Camille and Kelly showed us that success in life can be achieved by making smart choices. We always need to prioritize the things that matter most, like family, a good relationship with the people we work with, and that we should always strive for excellence.

That’s why I switched to Goya. It’s a local brand that I’ll be proud to endorse and tell my relatives to switch into when it comes to their pasalubong. It’s also a practical choice for moms like me who won’t settle for less but needs to follow a budget. Goya Double Hazelnut Spread for one is definitely a #GoDoubleGoSmart choice. Where can you find a chocolate spread with double the amount of hazelnut for an affordable price?

Goya Double Hazelnut cake – recipe in this blog

In this simple cake recipe, I’ve used Goya Double Hazelnut Spread for the frosting and some Maltitos and Take It as toppings/sidings, to make a simple but amazing cake that you can serve in special occasions or on those days when you want to impress for less. I hope you enjoy the recipe!