What's Inside Your Sally Williams Nougat?
For those who love the classic combination of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors, the Sally Williams cranberry and almond nougat is a true indulgence. But beyond the delightful taste, what exactly makes up this chewy confection? The ingredients are clearly listed by the manufacturer and retailers, providing transparency for consumers who are conscious about what they eat, or have specific dietary restrictions.
The Core Ingredients
The foundation of the nougat is a sweet, honey-based mixture that provides its signature chewy texture. This is balanced by the addition of roasted almond nuts and tart dried cranberries, which are distributed throughout the soft candy. The entire confection is typically wrapped in a thin layer of wafer paper to prevent sticking. Here is a breakdown of the primary components:
- Glucose Syrup (Corn derived): This is a key ingredient for texture, acting as a binding agent and helping to prevent the nougat from crystallizing.
- Sugar: A fundamental component for sweetness, working alongside the honey to create the treat's distinctive flavor.
- Almond Nuts: Roasted almonds provide the nutty flavor and crunchy texture that complements the soft nougat. The almond content can vary slightly depending on the product format (e.g., bar vs. tub), but is a significant component.
- Dried Cranberries: These provide a burst of tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the nougat. The cranberries themselves are a separate ingredient, often processed with sugar and vegetable oil to preserve them and enhance their flavor.
- Egg White: Whipped egg whites are essential for creating the characteristic light, airy, and chewy consistency of the nougat.
- Honey: This gives the nougat its traditional, rich, and slightly floral honey flavor that sets it apart from simple sugar confections.
- Wafer Paper: Made from potato starch and vegetable oil (like olive fruit or sunflower seed), this edible paper is used to wrap the nougat, preventing it from sticking to the packaging.
- Flavouring: Natural or artificial flavouring is added to round out the taste profile of the nougat.
- Corn Starch: This is used as a dusting agent and can help stabilize the nougat's texture.
Understanding Potential Allergens
Beyond the main list, it is crucial for consumers with food sensitivities to be aware of potential allergens. While the cranberry and almond nougat contains specific nuts and egg as direct ingredients, there is also a risk of cross-contamination with other allergens from the manufacturing facility.
Allergen Information
- Contains: Almonds and Egg.
- May contain: Cow's milk, macadamia nuts, peanuts, soy, and sulphur dioxide.
This information is vital for those with severe allergies to make safe decisions. Always check the packaging of the specific product you are purchasing for the most accurate and up-to-date allergen warning.
Cranberry and Almond Nougat vs. Other Sally Williams Flavors
Sally Williams offers a variety of nougat flavors, each with its own unique set of ingredients. A comparison highlights the distinct flavor components that make the cranberry and almond version unique.
| Ingredient | Cranberry & Almond Nougat | Milk Chocolate Coated Nougat | Dark Chocolate Coated Nougat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honey | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Almond Nuts | Yes | Sometimes (depends on specific product) | Sometimes (depends on specific product) |
| Dried Cranberries | Yes | No | No |
| Chocolate Coating | No | Yes (Milk Chocolate) | Yes (Dark Chocolate) |
| Macadamia Nuts | May contain traces | May contain traces | May contain traces |
| Egg White | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Soy Lecithin | May contain traces | Yes (as an emulsifier in chocolate) | Yes (as an emulsifier in chocolate) |
This table illustrates that while the nougat base shares many common ingredients across the range, the specific flavor and additions, like cranberries or a chocolate coating, define the final product. For more on the brand's products, visit the Sally Williams website.
Nutritional Information Overview
Like many confectionery products, the Sally Williams cranberry and almond nougat is a sweet treat meant for indulgence rather than a primary source of nutrition. It contains carbohydrates from sugar and glucose syrup, and some protein and fat from the almonds and egg white. Given the sugar content, it should be enjoyed in moderation. A standard 15g serving contains approximately 61 kcal, with the majority of calories coming from carbohydrates and fats. As always, nutritional information can be found on the product packaging, and may vary slightly between different product sizes.
Conclusion
The ingredients in Sally Williams cranberry and almond nougat are a carefully selected blend of core components—glucose syrup, sugar, egg white, and honey—combined with the distinct additions of almond nuts and dried cranberries. For those with allergies, the clear labeling of containing almonds and egg, with potential traces of other nuts and milk, is crucial for safe consumption. By understanding what's inside, you can better appreciate the craftsmanship of this fine confectionery while making informed dietary decisions.
