How many calories are in a nougat candy?

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard 14-gram piece of nougat with almonds contains approximately 56 calories. How many calories are in a nougat candy, however, is not a simple number, as the total depends heavily on its specific ingredients, preparation, and size.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of nougat varies significantly due to ingredients like nuts, honey, and chocolate coatings. Richer varieties often contain more calories per serving than simpler, traditional nougats.

Key Points

Caloric Range: The calorie count for nougat varies widely, from roughly 45-60 calories for a small, simple piece to over 1000 for a large, rich candy bar.
Ingredient Impact: Add-ins like chocolate, caramel, and nuts significantly increase the calorie and fat content compared to simple nougat varieties.
Density of Nutrients: While calorie-dense, higher-quality nougats with more nuts offer beneficial fats, protein, and minerals.
Portion Control is Key: Due to its high energy density, managing serving size is crucial for controlling calorie intake when eating nougat.
Quality vs. Calories: Surprisingly, some 'no added sugar' versions have only slightly fewer calories than traditional nougat, as they often substitute with other high-energy ingredients.
Diverse Nougat Types: Chewy American-style nougat differs in calories and composition from traditional French or Spanish versions, which are often denser with nuts.

Understanding the Caloric Breakdown of Nougat

Nougat, a classic confection with roots in various cultures, is traditionally made from sugar, honey, egg whites, and nuts. While these core ingredients provide a baseline for its nutritional content, modern variations introduce a wide range of additional elements that can dramatically alter the final calorie count. The simple combination of sugar and honey provides a high carbohydrate and sugar content, making nougat a calorie-dense treat. The addition of nuts like almonds, pistachios, or macadamia nuts, while adding healthy fats and protein, also increases the overall energy density.

Factors That Influence Nougat's Calorie Content

Several key factors determine the calorie load of any given nougat candy. By understanding these variables, you can make more informed choices about your snack.

Ingredient Composition: The ratio of main ingredients—sugar, honey, and nuts—is critical. Artisan nougats with a higher proportion of nuts tend to have a different caloric profile than mass-produced versions with more sugar. For example, higher nut content, like in Supreme Quality nougat, can actually reduce the proportion of sugars compared to lower-quality variants.
Added Ingredients and Coatings: Many nougats are coated in chocolate, caramel, or other sugary glazes, which significantly increase the calorie count. A chocolate-covered nougat will almost always be higher in calories than a plain one. Add-ins like peanut butter or additional candies can further escalate the numbers.
Serving Size: This is one of the most obvious factors. A single small piece of nougat might have around 50-60 calories, but a larger candy bar or multiple pieces can quickly add up to several hundred calories.
Honey vs. Sugar: While both are calorie-dense, the balance between honey and refined sugar can affect the overall profile. Some premium brands use high-quality honey for a more natural sweetness, which may lead to a slightly different nutritional outcome than varieties with more refined sugar.
Processing: Traditional nougats, like those from France (nougat de Montélimar) or Spain (turrón), differ from chewy, American-style nougat found in candy bars. The processing method and added ingredients like corn syrup can lead to different textures and nutritional values.

Calorie Comparison: Different Nougat Types

The following table highlights the caloric differences between several nougat varieties, based on standard nutritional data available from food databases.


Nougat Type (per 100g)	Approx. Calories (kcal)	Key Differentiating Ingredients
Plain Nougat	398	Simple honey, egg white, and sugar base.
Nougat with Almonds	398	Almonds, egg whites, honey, and sugar.
Chocolate-Covered Nougat	436	Plain nougat base with an added chocolate layer.
Milky Way-style Bar	471	Chocolate coating with a richer, fluffier nougat and caramel.
Macadamia Nougat	445	Honey nougat with added macadamia nuts.
Hard Nougat (Turrón)	~490	Traditional Spanish nougat, typically with a high concentration of nuts.

Breaking Down the Ingredients and Their Impact

Each component in a nougat recipe contributes to its final caloric value. Here is a breakdown of how key ingredients affect the candy's energy content.

Sugars and Syrups: Honey and sugar are the primary caloric contributors in most nougats. They provide the sweetness and structure but are dense sources of simple carbohydrates. Industrial nougats often use more sugar to cut costs.
Egg Whites: While a crucial part of creating nougat's chewy texture, egg whites are very low in calories compared to the other ingredients. Their primary role is structural and does not significantly impact the overall calorie count.
Nuts: Almonds, macadamias, and other nuts add significant calories due to their fat content. However, they also provide nutritional benefits like protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The amount and type of nuts can greatly change the nougat's overall nutritional density.
Chocolate and Caramel: These additions, common in many candy bars, are high in both sugar and fat. A milk chocolate coating, for instance, adds a substantial amount of extra calories.
Fats: Some recipes may include butter or other fats to alter texture or flavor. These are highly calorie-dense and will increase the total caloric value.

The Role of Serving Size and Moderation

Because nougat is an energy-dense food, its total calorie intake is highly dependent on portion control. For a typical small piece (e.g., 14g), the calorie count is relatively modest. However, if consumed from a large bar or in multiple servings, the calories can accumulate quickly. A traditional Spanish nougat bar of 250 grams, for example, could contain well over 1000 calories. Understanding this helps in balancing enjoyment with a healthy diet.

For more detailed nutritional information, you can consult reliable sources like the USDA National Nutrient Database.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a nougat candy is not a fixed figure but a variable that changes based on its composition. While the simple base of egg whites, honey, and sugar already makes it a high-calorie treat, the addition of nuts, chocolate, caramel, and other ingredients further increases its energy density. Factors like serving size and the specific brand play a critical role in the final tally. For those mindful of their caloric intake, opting for simpler, traditional nougats with a high nut content in moderate portions is a more health-conscious choice than indulging in richer, coated varieties. Acknowledging nougat as a treat to be enjoyed in moderation is key to incorporating it into a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary source of calories in nougat comes from its high sugar and honey content, which are both concentrated sources of carbohydrates. Additional ingredients like chocolate and nuts also contribute significantly to the calorie count.

Nuts, such as almonds and macadamias, increase the calorie count of nougat because they are high in fat. While this adds calories, it also provides beneficial nutrients like protein and healthy fats.

Not necessarily. Studies show that nougat without added sugar may have only a slightly lower calorie count compared to traditional nougat. The reduction in sugar is often offset by other calorie-dense ingredients, and the natural sugars from ingredients like nuts remain.

A chocolate-covered nougat bar typically has a higher calorie count than plain nougat. For example, some varieties can range from 160 to over 200 calories per bar, depending on the size and added ingredients like caramel.

Yes, different brands use varying recipes, serving sizes, and ingredients, which directly impacts the calorie count. Comparing nutritional information from specific brands is the most accurate way to determine the calories.

Most nougat types are high in sugar due to honey and sugar being fundamental ingredients. Industrial or lower-quality nougats often contain more sugar to reduce production costs compared to higher-quality artisan versions.

Yes, but in moderation. Due to its high sugar and calorie content, nougat should be considered a treat rather than a dietary staple. Prioritizing smaller portions and higher-quality nougat with a greater nut content is a more balanced approach.