How many calories does a nougat have? Your definitive guide to nougat nutrition

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a small, 14-gram piece of plain nougat with almonds may contain around 56 calories. However, this number can differ drastically depending on the specific ingredients, size, and added coatings. This guide will help clarify exactly how many calories does a nougat have, giving you a detailed breakdown of its nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

A nougat's calorie content varies significantly based on its ingredients, portion size, and type. The classic confection contains different amounts of sugar, honey, nuts, and added extras like chocolate that determine its final nutritional value.

Key Points

Calorie variation: A nougat's calorie count varies significantly based on ingredients and size; a small piece can be around 56 calories, while a whole bar can be much higher.
Ingredients matter: The primary factors influencing calories are the type and quantity of nuts, the proportion of sugar versus honey, and any added coatings like chocolate or caramel.
Additions increase calories: Chocolate-covered or caramel-filled nougats typically have a much higher calorie count due to added fats and sugars.
Not all 'diet' nougat is low-calorie: Products labeled 'reduced sugar' or 'sugar-free' may only have a minimal calorie reduction and are not necessarily a low-calorie food.
Moderation is key: Due to its high sugar and calorie density, nougat is best consumed as an occasional treat in a balanced diet.

Understanding the Basic Ingredients of Nougat

Nougat is primarily made from sugar or honey, nuts, and whipped egg whites. Variations in these core ingredients, along with additions, create different types of nougat like Italian torrone or French nougat de Montélimar.

Sweeteners: The type and amount of sugar or honey used significantly impact calorie content.
Nuts: Nuts like almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts add healthy fats and protein but also contribute substantially to calories. A higher nut content generally indicates a more nutritionally dense nougat.
Fillings and Coatings: Adding chocolate, caramel, or other sugary layers can significantly increase the calorie count.

Calorie Comparison Across Different Nougat Types

The calorie count for nougat is highly variable due to the diverse range of recipes and ingredients used. Below is a general overview of potential calorie ranges for different types of nougat:

Traditional Nougat (per 100g): Often rich in almonds and honey, these can contain approximately 400-450 kcal per 100 grams. A higher proportion of nuts usually correlates with higher quality and nutritional density.
Chocolate-Covered Nougat (per 100g): The addition of chocolate increases fat and sugar, pushing the calorie count to between 430 and over 500 kcal per 100 grams.
Commercial Candy Bars with Nougat (per bar): Many popular candy bars feature nougat as one component alongside caramel, peanuts, and chocolate. These can range from 170 to 240 calories per bar.
Sugar-Free Nougat (per 100g): While using sugar substitutes, the calorie reduction in these versions may be less significant than expected, sometimes only around 11% less than traditional nougat.

Comparison Table: Nougat vs. Other Popular Candies

To provide context for nougat's calorie density, here is a comparison of approximate calories per 100 grams for various sweets:


Confectionery Type	Approx. Calories per 100g	Key Ingredients	Note
Traditional Nougat (Almond)	390-450 kcal	Honey, almonds, egg whites	Varies by nut ratio
Chocolate-Covered Nougat	430-500+ kcal	Chocolate, sugar, nuts	Coating adds significant calories
Dark Chocolate	~550 kcal	Cocoa solids, sugar, cocoa butter	Generally higher fat content
Milk Chocolate	~530 kcal	Cocoa butter, milk, sugar	Creamier and higher in sugar
Jelly Beans	~370 kcal	Sugar, corn syrup, flavorings	Purely sugar and carbohydrate
Gummy Bears	~330 kcal	Sugar, gelatin, corn syrup	Another high-sugar, low-fat candy

Factors Influencing Calorie Fluctuations

Beyond the basic type, several elements contribute to the final calorie count of nougat:

Nut Ratio: A higher proportion of nuts adds beneficial nutrients but also increases calories. Cheaper nougats may use more sugar and fewer nuts.
Sweetener Type: Honey and refined sugar contribute calories, with subtle nutritional differences.
Inclusions: Additional ingredients like dried fruit or extra flavorings will alter the calorie profile.

Enjoying Nougat Mindfully

Nougat, being high in sugar and calories, is best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence. Opting for high-quality artisan nougats with a greater nut content can offer more nutritional benefits from fats and protein. Moderation is crucial for enjoying this treat as part of a balanced diet. Always check nutrition labels for precise information, as recipes vary greatly. For more detailed data, consult resources like the USDA's food database.

Conclusion: A Calorie-Dense Treat to Enjoy in Moderation

Determining exactly how many calories does a nougat have depends heavily on its specific ingredients, portion size, and any additions like chocolate or caramel. A small piece of plain nougat might be around 50-60 calories, while a larger, more complex bar will be significantly higher. Nougats with more sugar, chocolate, and caramel will have more calories. For a more balanced choice, consider artisan nougats with a high nut-to-sugar ratio. Ultimately, like other sweets, nougat is a treat to be enjoyed in moderation within a healthy diet.

To learn more about the nutritional content of nougat, you can explore the USDA FoodData Central database.

Frequently Asked Questions

While nougat contains some beneficial ingredients like nuts and honey, it is calorie-dense and high in sugar. High-quality artisan nougat with a high nut content is a better choice than mass-produced versions, but it should still be consumed in moderation as a treat, not a health food.

Nuts add protein and healthy fats, but they also increase the calorie count. Honey is a sugar source, contributing calories just like refined sugar. The ratio of nuts and honey/sugar is the primary determinant of the final nutritional profile and calorie count.

A chocolate-covered nougat bar generally has more calories than a traditional one. A 100-gram serving can contain over 430 calories, depending on the thickness of the chocolate, and additional fillings like caramel can increase this further.

Not necessarily. The primary difference between hard and soft nougat is the cooking temperature, not the core ingredients. The calorie count is more influenced by the ratio of nuts to sugar than by the final texture.

Sugar-free or reduced-sugar nougats do contain fewer calories from sugar. However, the overall calorie reduction is often minimal (around 11%) because manufacturers may increase fat or use other caloric sugar substitutes to maintain flavor and texture.

Yes, portion size is a critical factor. Because nougat is calorie-dense, a small piece is a manageable treat. A full-sized bar or tablet, however, can contain a very high number of calories, making moderation essential.

For mindful consumption, a small, 14-25 gram piece of nougat is often a good portion size. This is roughly equivalent to a one-inch square, which can contain between 56 and 112 calories depending on the ingredients.