What is Nougat Made Of? A Look at the Delicious Treat
Do you love the taste of nougat? If so, you’re not alone! This delicious treat is enjoyed by people all over the world. However, not many people know what it is made of.
But what is nougat made of? There are several varieties of them, depending on the origin.
Nougat is a type of candy that is made from sugar or honey, nuts, and egg whites. It is often flavored with chocolate, vanilla, or fruit.
Nougat originated in the Middle East and has been enjoyed for centuries. It is thought to have been one of the first candies!
Traditional nougat resembles fudge and is unlike processed candy fillings, frequently created with hydrolyzed proteins and corn syrup.
When people refer to “nougat,” they may be referring to a different food or a filling (or layering) in a chocolate bar. You’ve probably tasted nougat versions from popular brands like 3 Musketeers, Snickers, and Milky Way.
In Europe, the sweet treat is often served during Christmas.
What Does Nougat Taste Like?
Nougat has a sweet, rich flavor that is similar to caramel. It is often described as being “fluffy” or “light.”
The texture of nougat can vary depending on how it is made. For example, Italian nougat is chewy while Turkish nougat is hard.
History of Nougat
Nougat’s history is quite fascinating!
The first recorded recipe for nougat dates back to the 13th century! As we mentioned earlier, nougat is thought to have originated in the Middle East. It was then brought to Europe by the Moors.
In the 18th century, nougat became popular in France. It was often made with almonds and pistachios. The French word for nougat is “nougatine.”
Nougat reached America in the early 20th century and has been enjoyed by sweet tooths ever since!
What is Nougat Made of?
Viennese nougat or German nougat. Credit: canva
3 Main Types of Nougat
People who are used to the nougat in candy bars may be surprised at traditional European nougat’s rich, intense flavor and dense texture.
Traditional nougat comes in three main types of nougat: white, brown, and Viennese.
White nougat
White nougat is the most common variety of traditional European nougat.
It’s made with beaten egg whites, sugar or honey, and sometimes other ingredients to add flavor and texture, such as nuts (typically almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios) and sometimes dried fruit.
The egg whites make the nougat lighter, softer, and chewier in texture.
Brown nougat
Brown nougat does not contain egg whites. Instead, it is made with caramelized sugar and tends to be harder, crunchier, and darker in color.
Viennese nougat (German nougat)
Viennese nougat, also known as German nougat, is a significantly different type of confection. It’s made from roasted hazelnuts, dark chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter (ideally) or regular butter.
Turron, Spanish nougat. Credit: canva
Nougat Around the World
Spain
Spanish nougat is called turrón. It is made with honey, sugar, egg whites, and almonds.
There are two types of Spanish nougat: jijona, which is soft and chewy, and Alicante, which is harder.
Greece
Greek nougat is called mandolato. It is made with honey, sugar, almonds, and egg whites.
Mandolato has a chewy texture and a delicate flavor. It is often flavored with vanilla or cinnamon.
Torrone with pistachio and almond brittle from Sicily. Credit: canva
Italy
Italian nougat is called torrone. As we mentioned earlier, it is chewy in texture and made with honey, sugar, egg whites, nuts (usually almonds), and sometimes dried fruit.
There are many regional variations of Italian nougat.
For example, nougat is made with red wine in the Aosta Valley. In Sardinia, it’s made with myrtle berries.
French
France has two main nougat types: Nougat de Montélimar, a soft white variety, and Nougatine, a crunchy dark variety.
Nougat de Montélimar is made with almonds, honey, and sugar.
Nougatine is made with caramelized sugar and almonds.
Turkey
Turkish nougat is called helva.
It’s a dense, hard candy made with sugar or honey and nuts (usually pistachios or hazelnuts).
Africa
African nougat is typically made with fruits rather than nuts.
Middle East
Middle Eastern countries also make forms of this confection, including ingredients such as rose or orange water. In Middle Eastern countries, nougat is also often made with dates.
Nougat in Candy Bars
Two slices of Snickers bars. Credit: canva
Nougat is a popular ingredient in candy bars.
In the United States, nougat is often used as a filling for candy bars and sweets. This type of nougat, while loosely based on the European version, is made differently.
Popular candy items that include some form of nougat are Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Mars bars, Reese’s Fast Break, Baby Ruth bars, and Reese’s Whipps.
The nougat filling in American candy bars such as Snickers, Milky Way, and Baby Ruth typically features corn syrup that has been aerated with soy protein or gelatin instead of white eggs. Those ingredients are not found in traditional nougat recipes.
The 3 Musketeers candy bar famously features whipped nougat covered in chocolate.
What is nougat, and why is it in every candy bar?
How to Make Nougat?
Preparing to make nougat. Credit: canva
The process of making nougat is quite simple.
The preparation of nougat starts with the nuts. You can use any type of nuts or even seeds, such as almonds, cashew nuts, and pistachios. The choice of add-ons depends on the taste of those who will make the recipe.
You can either boil them to make the skins softer, remove the skins entirely, or leave them on and toast them.
Next, heat the sugar or honey until it becomes a syrup.
Then, beat the egg whites and add them to the mixture. After that, stir in the nuts.
Once all ingredients are combined, cook the mixture until it thickens and becomes firm.
After that, pour it into a mold and allow it to cool. An important tip is to keep it in the refrigerator, removing it just a few minutes before being served.
Once it is cooled, cut it into pieces. And it is ready to be enjoyed!
How to make Nougat
FAQs
Is nougat a marshmallow?
No, nougat is not a marshmallow. Nougat is made with sugar, honey, nuts, and egg whites. Marshmallows are made with sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and water.
What is the difference between nougat and fudge?
Nougat is made with sugar or honey, nuts (usually almonds), and egg whites. Fudge is made with sugar, butter, milk, and chocolate.
Is nougat gluten-free?
Yes, nougat is gluten-free.
Is nougat a healthy snack?
Nougat is not a particularly healthy snack because it is high in sugar. However, it does contain some protein and vitamins from the nuts.
Is nougat healthier than chocolate?
No, nougat is not healthier than chocolate. Nougat is high in sugar and calories. Chocolate is a good source of antioxidants and has been shown to have health benefits.
Which is better, marshmallow or nougat?
This is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the taste of marshmallows, while others prefer nougat. Both are high in sugar and calories.
What is the difference between nougat and caramel?
Nougat is made with sugar or honey, nuts (usually almonds), and egg whites. Caramel is made with sugar, butter, and cream. Caramel is also thinner and has a softer texture.
What is the difference between nougat and toffee?
Nougat is made with sugar or honey, nuts (usually almonds), and egg whites. Toffee is made with sugar and butter. Toffee is also harder and has a crunchier texture.
What is the shelf life of nougat?
The shelf life of nougat is about six months. After that, it will start to harden and lose its flavor.
Nougat should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Are nougat and fudge the same?
No, nougat is not the same as fudge. Nougat is made with sugar, honey, nuts, and egg whites. Fudge is made with sugar, butter, milk, and chocolate.
Nougat is a delightful candy that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made from a combination of sugar or honey, nuts, and egg whites. The result is a fluffy and delicious confection that can be flavored with chocolate, vanilla, or fruit.
Traditional nougat has a texture similar to fudge and is distinct from processed candy fillings which often contain hydrolyzed proteins and corn syrup.
When people talk about nougat, they may be referring to different things. It can be a standalone treat or used as a filling or layer in a chocolate bar. Popular brands such as 3 Musketeers, Snickers, and Milky Way incorporate nougat as an essential component of their candy bars.
It is interesting to note that nougat has its origins in the Middle East. Over time, it has become a beloved sweet treat in many cultures and is often served during Christmas in Europe.
In conclusion, nougat is a delightful candy made from sugar or honey, nuts, and egg whites. Its fluffy texture and various flavors make it a favorite among candy lovers. Whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into chocolate bars, nougat is a delicious indulgence that has stood the test of time.
