For so long, hazelnuts have ruled the roost in the breakfast table spread game.
Sure there are traditional jams, marmalades and glossy jars of Marmite, but if you’re after a sweeter start to the day, it’s Nutella (or unbranded variations of it) that needs to be beat.
Yet a little-known contender is waiting in the wings, one that until now only serious foodies had on their radar: pistachio cream.
Yes, it turns out pistachios are for more than shucking for a quick snack or decorating the tops of cakes. The nut, which originated in the Middle East but is now cultivated around the world, can be blitzed and blended with almond and olive oil to make a silky smooth paste that can be used on everything from crunchy toast and dolloping on cookies to drizzling over ice cream. Or you can make like Nutella and eat it with spoon straight out of the jar.
The Italians have been using it for decades in delectable desserts and pastries like gelato, cannoli and tartufi. With all things #Brat continuing to dominate our news feeds, it’s time to give this sweet and nutty green spread its dues.
Pistachio cream is undeniably indulgent, a glossy pale green spread with miles more sophistication than a chocolate spread. The nutty taste is often softened with vanilla, butter, milk or white chocolate.
You can whip up your own at home of course, but pistachio nuts are notoriously expensive and the shelf life is limited. The risk of something going awry means that jarred versions are the best bet.
Luckily, there are a few to choose from - we’ve rounded up the best below.
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Pisti Pistachio Cream Spread
Made from roasted Sicilian pistachios, this spread only uses sunflower oil and some salt, as per the family recipe, to make the spread. The lack of added sugar means that while this spread can be regarded as healthy, the heightened fat content means it should still be enjoyed sparingly. Add some to pancakes or a waffle stack to take brunch dishes to a new level.
Buy now £15.99, Amazon
Aromataste Pistachio Cream
Proudly made in Italy by a small business, Aroma Taste's pistachio crema has been made using a blend of high-quality pistachio nuts and milk to soften the spread. The 200g jar makes a wonderful small gift or an indulgent little luxury to bring joy to everyday meals.
Buy now £13.45, Amazon
EATALIAN by AMZ BETTER Pistachio Cream
This sweeter-than-usual paste comes topped with chopped pistachio nuts on top, adding an irresistible crunch to the spread. It doesn’t have as much raw pistachio content as some of the other options on our list (22 per cent here) but if you're looking for a sweet alternative, it'll hit the sweet spot.
Pimp up a breakfast croissant by slicing in half and spreading this in the middle. Divine.
Buy now £8.49, Amazon
LAVORATTI 1938 Pistachio cream spread 400g
Selfridges' food hall holds many treasures, this pistachio cream among them. Presented in pleasing vintage style by makers Lavoratti, the nut's richness has been softened with sugar, cocoa butter, milk powder, soybean and salt so it's not as green as you might expect, but it is lusciously running making it much easier to devour. One to hide at the back of the kitchen cupboard so you don't have to share - this is expensive stuff, after all.
Buy now £29.99, Selfridges
Veggy Duck Sweet Spreadable Pistachio Cream
Prepare to be ruined forever by this thick pistachio spread from Veggie Duck. It can be used in myriad ways, from livening up morning toast to smearing all over a slice of panettone when Christmas rolls around. It's even good on plain crackers. Buy in bulk if you can.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
Lina Stores Pistachio Cream
For gourmet Italian pantry essentials, few do it with more flair than Lina Stores. The small London chain has it all from salami and cheeses to jars of deliciousness. The proof is in the pudding with this jar, made from Sicilian pistachio and blitzed with sugar, sunflower oil, powdered milk and whey. It's made by the Fiasconaro brothers, all specialists in Italian pastries, so you can feel assured the taste is as authentic as it gets.
Buy now £12.95, Lina Stores
Pistachio Spread 190g - Alicos
This slightly darker pistachio spread comes from the vast Italian food store and eatery Eataly. Every mouthful delivers an intense flavour hit and as it's only made with the nut, it's a vegan-friendly spread too. It’s currently on sale along with an almond cream, meaning now’s the perfect time to give it a whirl.
Buy now £8.90, Eataly
Fabbri Pistachio Cream, 200g
Get a taste of Italy with this generous jar of Fabbri pistachio cream. The spreadable boasts 35.6 per cent pistachio with the rest made up of sunflower oil sugar, cocoa butter and cornstarch. It makes a delightfully unexpected macaron or cupcake filling, can be daubed between layers of sponge cake or enjoyed simply with a warm brioche roll.
Buy now £14.99, Sous Chef
Brontedolci Crema al Pistacchio Sweet Pistachio Spread Cream 190g
High in vitamins and taste, this spreadable pistachio cream has plenty going for it to earn a spot in your coveted kitchen cupboards. This 40 per cent nut version has added cocoa butter, sugar and vegetable oil to make it easier to handle. Give it a good mix before spreading every time you want to use it.
Buy now £6.95, Italian Gourmet UK
