The American Milky Way: A Caramel and Nougat Duo
The American version of the Milky Way candy bar is a classic for a reason. Its composition is a carefully balanced combination of three key elements. A rich, milk chocolate shell encases a sweet, malt-flavored nougat layer and a generous topping of creamy, stretching caramel. This iconic flavor combination was originally designed to evoke the taste of malted milkshakes, a popular treat when the bar was invented in 1923.
The Science Behind the Fluffy Nougat
Unlike traditional hard nougats, the Milky Way's interior is a light, airy confection. The recipe includes several key ingredients to achieve its signature texture:
- Whipped Egg Whites: These create the aerated, fluffy consistency that defines the nougat.
- Sugar and Corn Syrup: A syrup is cooked to a specific temperature and then whipped into the egg whites.
- Malted Milk Powder: This is what gives the nougat its distinctive, milkshake-like flavor.
- Other Ingredients: Chocolate, artificial flavors, and milkfat are also incorporated to perfect the taste.
The International Milky Way: Simply Nougat
Traveling abroad can lead to a candy bar surprise. The version of the Milky Way bar sold outside the United States, particularly in Europe, is not the same product. This international bar, which is comparable to the American 3 Musketeers, contains only a light, whipped nougat center, without any caramel. Because of this low-density nougat, the European Milky Way actually floats when placed in milk, a feature highlighted in some advertising campaigns.
A Comparison of Popular Mars Bars
To better understand the differences, a comparison with other popular candy bars from Mars, Inc. is useful.
| Candy Bar | Nougat | Caramel | Nuts | Other Fillings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Milky Way | Yes (Malted) | Yes | No | None |
| European Milky Way | Yes (Plain) | No | No | None |
| 3 Musketeers | Yes (Chocolate) | No | No | None |
| Snickers | Yes (Peanut-flavored) | Yes | Yes (Peanuts) | None |
The Milky Way Production Process
Creating the layers of a Milky Way bar is a sophisticated process that ensures consistency and quality. The production involves several mechanized steps:
- Nougat Preparation: A sugar and corn syrup mixture is boiled and then beaten with egg whites to create a fluffy, aerated substance.
- Caramel Application: The prepared nougat is formed into a slab, and a layer of caramel is added on top.
- Cutting and Enrobing: The layered slabs are cut into bar-sized pieces. These pieces are then sent through an enrober, which drenches them in a rich milk chocolate coating.
- Cooling and Packaging: After being coated, the bars pass through a cooling tunnel to set the chocolate before being wrapped for distribution.
A Note on Variations
Over the years, Mars has introduced several variations of the Milky Way, including the Milky Way Simply Caramel, which featured only caramel and no nougat (and was discontinued in 2023), and the Milky Way Midnight, a dark chocolate version with vanilla nougat. These variations demonstrate the brand's ability to adapt to changing consumer tastes while maintaining the spirit of the original treat.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Nougats
In short, the inside of a Milky Way is indeed nougat, but the full picture is more complex. The American version is a delightful marriage of nougat and caramel, a tribute to the malted milkshakes of the past. The European version, by contrast, is a lighter, simpler confection of nougat alone, more closely resembling the American 3 Musketeers. Both are beloved for their unique textures and flavors. Understanding these differences adds a new layer of appreciation for this century-old candy bar. Learn more about the history of the Milky Way candy bar on Wikipedia.
