Moroccan Amlou vs El Mordjene: Which Spread to Choose?
Moroccan amlou and El Mordjene, the Algerian spread that went viral on TikTok, compete for shelf space and pantry spots — but they do not belong to the same category. One is a traditional three-ingredient product; the other, an industrial sugary recipe close to Nutella. This comparison helps you choose with full knowledge, according to your taste and nutritional priorities.
Quick answer: Authentic amlou (argan oil, roasted nuts, honey) offers a more favorable nutritional profile: less added sugar, no palm oil, no emulsifiers. El Mordjene suits you if you want a very smooth, very sweet spread at a low price — to be consumed in moderation.
Key takeaways
- Amlou: 3 natural ingredients, artisanal production, Moroccan origin (Souss).
- El Mordjene: industrial recipe (sugar, palm oil, milk, emulsifiers, flavors).
- Taste: amlou = roasted hazelnut + honey; Mordjene = sweet vanilla classic spread.
- Price: amlou more expensive (rare argan oil); Mordjene more affordable.
| Criterion | Traditional Moroccan amlou | El Mordjene (Cebon) |
|---|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Roasted nuts, culinary argan oil, honey | Sugar, palm oil, hazelnut, skimmed milk, whey, emulsifiers, vanilla flavor |
| Added sugar | No (sweetness from honey only) | Yes, first ingredient |
| Fats | Unsaturated fatty acids (argan oil) | Palm oil (saturated fats) |
| Texture | Creamy, slightly grainy | Smooth, homogeneous (emulsifiers) |
| Origin / history | Berber heritage, Moroccan cooperatives | Algerian family business (Cebon, since 1997), TikTok buzz 2024 |
| Nutritional profile | Vitamin E, plant proteins, antioxidants | Caloric, rich in sugars and saturated fats |
Moroccan Amlou: tradition, simplicity, and nutrition
Amlou is a spread born in southwestern Morocco, around the argan tree. Its authentic recipe contains only three components:
- Culinary argan oil: rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids, it provides the lipid base and characteristic hazelnut aroma.
- Roasted nuts: almonds, peanuts, or cashews — source of plant proteins, fiber, and minerals.
- Pure honey: natural binder, sweetness without added refined sugar.
Made artisanally, often by women’s cooperatives, amlou stands out from industrial spreads by the absence of additives. To learn more about this product, see our presentation of organic artisanal amlou.
El Mordjene: the Algerian TikTok phenomenon
El Mordjene is produced by Cebon, an Algerian LLC founded in 1997. Its popularity exploded in 2024 on social media, especially TikTok, thanks to an indulgent positioning and an attractive price.
Its composition falls within the family of industrial spreads: sugar at the top of the list, palm oil, hazelnuts in modest proportion, milk powder, emulsifiers (lecithin), and vanilla flavor. Nothing reprehensible in itself for an occasional treat — but the nutritional profile differs significantly from traditional amlou.
Does El Mordjene replace amlou?
No: these are two different products in origin, recipe, and nutritional profile. El Mordjene responds to a craving for a sweet, smooth spread, close to Nutella habits. Amlou offers an authentic Maghrebi experience, richer in good fats and less sweet. You can enjoy both, but for a more balanced daily diet, amlou remains the most coherent choice.
Practical nutritional comparison
| Goal | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce added sugar | Amlou | Natural sweetness from honey, no refined sugar at the top of the list |
| Avoid palm oil | Amlou | Lipid base = argan oil, no palm |
| Plant protein intake | Amlou | Significant share of roasted nuts |
| Very smooth texture, very sweet taste | El Mordjene | Industrial formulation optimized for the sweet palate |
| Tight budget | El Mordjene | Unit price generally lower than artisanal amlou |
| Moroccan cultural discovery | Amlou | Emblematic product of the Souss, linked to the UNESCO argan tree |
How to make the right choice according to your profile
- Family concerned about ingredient quality: artisanal amlou, 3-component label, ideally organic.
- Fan of Nutella-style sweet spreads: El Mordjene may suit as an occasional treat — read the recommended portion.
- Athlete or student seeking sustained energy: amlou (good fats + proteins + honey) rather than an industrial sugary spread.
- Curious about TikTok trends: taste El Mordjene for the experience, but compare with genuine amlou to measure the gap.
Frequently asked questions
- Is amlou gluten-free? Yes, the traditional recipe contains no gluten. However, check the label for traces or additives.
- Does El Mordjene contain hazelnuts? Yes, but in modest proportion compared to sugar and palm oil — read the order of ingredients.
- Where to buy authentic amlou in France? Maghrebi grocery stores, specialty shops, or online — see our Moroccan amlou buying guide.
- Can El Mordjene be compared to Nutella? Yes, both belong to the industrial sugary spread category. Amlou, on the other hand, belongs to another category — closer to almond butter enriched with argan oil.
In conclusion, Moroccan amlou and El Mordjene do not compete on the same ground. Amlou is a nutritional and cultural treasure; El Mordjene, a trendy indulgence to consume with discernment. For a more conscious daily diet, artisanal amlou remains the choice most aligned with a search for quality and authenticity.
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