What Is Nougat Made Of?

There’s something special about nougat, but it’s difficult to pinpoint unless you know what it is made of. So that’s what we are here to do today.

Besides, it’s an important question – particularly if you have allergies, are following a particular diet, and so on.

So without further ado, onto the ingredients!

What Is Nougat Made Of?

Nougat is typically made of sugar, honey, whipped egg whites, and roasted nuts. However, there are different varieties of nougat, and some types and brands of nougat include or use different ingredients.

Whatever ingredients are used, the key is to create a soft, chewy texture.

For most nougat, this is achieved with the careful preparation of the sugar and honey mixture and the whisking of egg whites. 

By combining these ingredients in specific ways, candy makers create that distinctive nougat we all know and love.

Let’s delve into those ingredients in further detail.

Sugar

This is the primary sweetening agent in nougat.

Often, a combination of granulated sugar and sugar syrup, such as corn syrup or glucose syrup, is used to achieve the desired consistency.

The main ingredient in nougat, sugar, provides sweetness and contributes to the structure and texture of the confection.

The sugar is cooked to a specific temperature, typically between 252°F (122°C) and 293°F (145°C), which determines the final consistency of the nougat – whether it’s soft and chewy or slightly hard and crunchy.

Honey

Honey is not only a natural sweetener but also lends a distinct flavor and aroma to nougat.

Besides adding sweetness, honey imparts a unique flavor and aroma to nougat.

In traditional recipes, honey is cooked together with sugar, but in some modern variations, it may be replaced by other sweeteners or sugar syrups.

Egg Whites

Whipped egg whites provide structure and volume, giving nougat its characteristic light and airy texture.

Roasted Nuts

Nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, and walnuts are common inclusions in nougat, adding crunch and flavor.

The addition of roasted nuts enhances the flavor of nougat and provides a pleasant crunch and contrast to the soft, chewy texture. 

Other Ingredients Sometimes Used

It’s important to note that there are also several variations of nougat, and some recipes may include additional ingredients like dried fruits, spices, or chocolate.

Then there are other variations, like vegan nougat, that omit the main four altogether!

In addition to this, there are three main types of nougat, which we will learn about right now!

What Are The Different Types of Nougat Made Of?

The three main types of nougat are white nougat, brown nougat and Viennese/German nougat.

There are three main types of nougat, each with its own unique characteristics, flavors, and textures, making nougat a versatile and delightful confection.

White Nougat 

Also known as “nougat Montélimar” or “Torrone” in Italy, white nougat is the most common type.

Made with sugar, honey, whipped egg whites, and roasted nuts, it has a light, chewy texture and is often flavored with vanilla.

Brown Nougat

Also called “nougat noir” or “mandorlato” in Italy, brown nougat is made with caramelized sugar, giving it a darker color and a more robust, toasty flavor.

It’s denser and harder than white nougat, with a texture that can be crunchy or slightly crumbly.

Viennese or German Nougat

This variety is a chocolate-based nougat made by combining finely ground hazelnuts or almonds with chocolate.

It’s also called “gianduja” or “praliné” and has a smooth, velvety texture.

What Does Nougat Taste Like?

The taste of nougat varies from brand to brand and type to type. Generally, it has a sweet and nutty taste and a soft, chewy texture.

Let’s explore the varying tastes between the 3 main types of nougat.

Taste of White Nougat

The taste of white nougat is predominantly sweet, with a subtle nuttiness from the roasted nuts and a delicate honey flavor.

The whipped egg whites give it a light, airy, pleasantly chewy texture. Additional flavorings like vanilla or citrus zest may also be added to enhance the taste.

Taste of Brown Nougat

The taste of brown nougat is more robust than white nougat, with a pronounced toasty flavor due to the caramelized sugar.

The sweetness is balanced by the roasted nuts’ nutty, sometimes slightly bitter, notes.

Brown nougat’s texture is denser and harder than white nougat, ranging from crunchy to slightly crumbly.

Tatse of Viennese or German Nougat

This chocolate-based nougat is rich and smooth, with a harmonious blend of chocolate and ground hazelnuts or almonds.

Its taste is a delightful fusion of nutty, chocolaty flavors with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.

What Is The Texture Of Nougat?

The texture of nougat is typically soft and chewy, and it often has a slightly crunchy texture. However, some nougats are hard, while others are non-crunchy.

Once again, let’s delve deeper into the textures of the three main types of nougat:

Texture of White Nougat

White nougat has a soft, chewy texture due to the combination of whipped egg whites and sugar syrup.

Its airy, light consistency comes from the meringue-like structure created by the egg whites.

The addition of roasted nuts adds a contrasting crunch, creating a delightful balance of textures in each bite.

Texture of Brown Nougat

Brown nougat is denser and harder than white nougat, with a texture that ranges from slightly crumbly to crunchy.

The difference in texture is primarily due to the caramelization of sugar, which gives it a firmer consistency.

The roasted nuts also contribute to the overall crunchiness of brown nougat.

Texture of Viennese or German Nougat

The texture of Viennese or German nougat is smooth, creamy, and velvety, thanks to the combination of finely ground nuts and chocolate.

This type of nougat melts in your mouth, providing a luxurious, indulgent sensation that’s distinct from the other varieties.

Candy Bars That Include Nougat

Nougat has found its way into numerous candy bars, both classic favorites and more recent innovations.

Here are some popular nougat candy bars that feature this delectable confection:

Snickers

This iconic candy bar is a delicious combination of nougat, peanuts, caramel, and milk chocolate.

The nougat in Snickers is flavored with peanut butter, creating a unique and irresistible taste.

Milky Way

Milky Way is a classic choice for nougat lovers with its smooth, chocolate-malt-flavored nougat, caramel, and milk chocolate coating.

3 Musketeers

This candy bar showcases a whipped, fluffy chocolate nougat covered in milk chocolate.

Light and airy, it’s a favorite among those who prefer a less dense, less sweet treat.

Mars Bar

Similar to Milky Way, the Mars Bar features a soft nougat and caramel filling.

However, the nougat in Mars Bars has a slightly different texture and is often described as more “fudge-like.”

Toblerone

This distinctive Swiss chocolate bar, with its unique triangular shape, contains a blend of almond-honey nougat and rich milk chocolate.

The nougat pieces add a delightful crunch to the overall chocolate experience.

Charleston Chew

The Charleston Chew is a retro candy bar features a long, rectangular piece of flavored nougat, such as vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry, coated in a thin layer of chocolate.

It’s particularly popular for being enjoyed frozen, which gives it a satisfyingly crunchy texture.

Baby Ruth

This American classic candy bar combines peanuts, caramel, and a soft, chewy nougat filling, all enrobed in milk chocolate.

The nougat used in Baby Ruth bars is flavored with a hint of molasses, setting it apart from other candy bars.

Lastly

Nougat is a versatile and delicious confection made primarily from sugar, honey, egg whites, and roasted nuts.

Though that’s not always the case.

So my advice to you would be this; check the product packaging or the brands website ahead of time.

Besides, you never know what may be in there!