What Is Amlou? (Morocco’s Almond-Argan Spread)
Quick answer
Amlou is a rich Moroccan spread made from ground roasted almonds, argan oil and honey — thick, nutty and sweet, often nicknamed “Berber Nutella.” It’s a speciality of the Souss region around Agadir and Essaouira, traditionally eaten at breakfast with bread.
Amlou is one of those discoveries that makes travellers fall for Moroccan breakfasts. Made from just a few local ingredients, it’s deeply satisfying — and a great edible souvenir.
Here’s what it is and how to enjoy it.
What amlou is
Amlou is made by grinding roasted almonds into a paste, then blending in culinary argan oil and honey to a thick, drizzly, dip-like consistency. The argan oil — pressed from the nuts of the argan tree native to southwest Morocco — gives it its distinctive nutty depth.
It’s rich and sweet but more wholesome than its “Berber Nutella” nickname suggests, with no chocolate — just almonds, argan and honey (some versions add other nuts or a little spice).
How it’s eaten
Traditionally amlou is a breakfast treat, scooped up with fresh bread or msemen pancakes alongside mint tea — a speciality of the Amazigh (Berber) south. It also goes wonderfully with crêpes, on toast, or as a dip.
A little is filling and energy-dense, which is partly why it’s prized in the rural south.
Where to try and buy it
You’ll find amlou at riad breakfasts (especially in the south and Marrakech), in cafés, and for sale at argan cooperatives and souks around Agadir, Essaouira and Taroudant — the argan heartland. Cooperatives are the best source for quality and fair, fixed prices, and you can often see argan oil being made.
Jarred amlou is a lovely packable souvenir (check airline rules for the liquid-ish content). Pair a jar with a bottle of culinary argan oil to recreate Moroccan breakfasts at home.
Key takeaways
- Amlou = ground almonds + argan oil + honey (“Berber Nutella,” no chocolate).
- A speciality of the argan-growing Souss region (Agadir/Essaouira).
- Eaten at breakfast with bread or msemen and mint tea.
- Buy from argan cooperatives — a great packable souvenir.
Frequently asked questions
What does amlou taste like?
Rich, nutty and sweet — like a smooth almond butter blended with honey and the distinctive nutty depth of argan oil. No chocolate, despite the “Berber Nutella” nickname.
What is amlou made of?
Ground roasted almonds, culinary argan oil and honey, blended to a thick spread. Some versions add other nuts or a little spice.
Where can you buy amlou in Morocco?
At argan cooperatives and souks around Agadir, Essaouira and Taroudant (the argan region), and at many riad breakfasts. Cooperatives offer the best quality and fair prices.
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