What is nougat, and why does it sometimes contain nuts?
Nougat is a diverse confection with origins in the Mediterranean and Middle East, known by various names such as torrone in Italy and turrón in Spain. Its basic components include a sweet paste of sugar and/or honey, whipped egg whites, and often nuts. The inclusion of nuts is a hallmark of traditional, artisanal recipes, adding flavor, texture, and richness. For example, classic Montélimar nougat from France contains almonds and pistachios, and Spanish turrón heavily features almonds. These are historical and cultural staples, with ingredients selected for their quality and regional availability.
The two major types of nougat and their ingredients
The most straightforward way to distinguish if a nougat contains nuts is to identify its type: white nougat or brown nougat.
White Nougat (Nougat Blanc): This is the more familiar, chewy, or soft variety. It is made by whipping egg whites with a cooked honey and sugar syrup to create a light, airy base. To this base, producers typically fold in roasted nuts like almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts. Candied fruits, such as cherries or orange peel, are also common additions. Montélimar and Italian torrone are prime examples of this style.
Brown Nougat (Nougatine or Nougat Noir): This type of nougat is firmer and has a darker color, primarily from the caramelization of the sugar and honey. It is often made without egg whites and has a higher fat content, with recipes sometimes including chocolate and ground nuts like hazelnuts. French nougatine is a well-known, brittle version, while German brown nougat, often referred to as gianduia, is a creamy hazelnut confection.
Industrial vs. artisanal nougat: A critical distinction
The question of whether there are nuts in nougat becomes more complex when considering the difference between artisanal and mass-produced versions, especially those used in popular candy bars.
Artisanal Nougat:
- Typically made with high-quality ingredients, including real honey, sugar, and a generous amount of toasted nuts.
- Recipes are often traditional, emphasizing classic combinations like almond or pistachio.
- As a rule, assume that artisanal nougat contains nuts unless explicitly labeled as nut-free.
Industrial Nougat (Candy Bar Filling):
- In candy bars like Milky Way or 3 Musketeers, the nougat is often a soft, aerated mixture made with corn syrup, sugar, and a whipping agent like hydrolyzed soy protein or gelatin, not egg whites.
- This type of nougat may not contain any nuts directly in the mix, though products made in the same facility may have cross-contamination warnings.
- In some bars, like Snickers or Baby Ruth, the peanuts are a separate ingredient, not part of the nougat base.
Comparison of nougat types
To better understand the differences, here is a comparison table outlining key characteristics of common nougat types:
| Feature | Traditional White Nougat (e.g., Montélimar) | Industrial Candy Bar Nougat (e.g., Milky Way) | Brown Nougat (e.g., German Gianduia) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredients | Sugar, honey, egg whites | Sugar, corn syrup, whipping agents (e.g., soy protein) | Sugar, fat (often vegetable oil), ground hazelnuts, cocoa |
| Nut Content | High; contains whole or chopped almonds, pistachios | None in the base; separate nuts added for certain products | High; contains finely ground hazelnuts |
| Texture | Chewy or soft; can also be hard and brittle | Soft, light, and fluffy | Creamy and smooth, similar to a nut butter |
| Primary Use | Served alone as a treat; often associated with holidays | Used as a filling inside chocolate bars | Used in chocolate fillings or as a spread |
| Key Allergen | Nuts, eggs | Soy (from protein), milk | Nuts, milk, soy |
What to look for on a product label
For those with allergies, reading the ingredient list is crucial. A label on traditional nougat will almost certainly list almonds, pistachios, or other nuts prominently. Conversely, a mass-produced candy bar might list ingredients like "corn syrup," "hydrolyzed soy protein," or "gelatin" in its nougat component, with nuts listed as a separate, optional ingredient or noted in a "may contain" allergy warning. Always check for specific tree nut or peanut listings on the packaging.
Exploring nut-free and alternative nougat options
For those who need or prefer nut-free alternatives, options do exist. Some specialty brands create nougat variations using seeds, coconut, or simply rely on the honey and candied fruit without nuts. Homemade recipes can also be adapted to exclude nuts entirely. In these cases, gumdrops, dried fruits, or other candies are often used to provide texture. For those with nut allergies, it is essential to source products that are certified to be produced in nut-free facilities to avoid cross-contamination.
Conclusion: Read the label to be sure
In summary, the answer to "Are there nuts in nougat?" is not a simple yes or no. The presence of nuts is a fundamental aspect of many traditional and artisanal nougat varieties, which are prized for their inclusion of almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios. However, the light, whipped fillings found in many American candy bars are often a different, nut-free confection altogether. For consumers concerned about allergens, the most reliable strategy is always to read the product label carefully, distinguishing between regional classics and modern commercial interpretations. The historical diversity of this sweet ensures that there is a nougat for almost every preference, including those who must avoid nuts.
Visit Le Val Roubion for more on traditional Montélimar nougat
