Popular Candy Bars with Nougat
When most people think of nougat, they imagine the soft, whipped filling found in their favorite candy bars. While different from the chewy, nut-filled traditional European versions, this aerated filling is still a type of nougat. Here are some of the most well-known examples:
- Snickers: This iconic bar features a generous layer of nougat, topped with caramel and peanuts, all enrobed in milk chocolate. The nougat provides a firm yet chewy base that holds the other elements together.
- Milky Way: Known for its signature flavor, the Milky Way bar consists of a malt-flavored nougat and a layer of smooth caramel, all coated in milk chocolate. The nougat is famously light and fluffy.
- 3 Musketeers: For those who prefer a less dense nougat, the 3 Musketeers bar is an ideal choice. Its exceptionally light, whipped nougat is the star of the show, encased in a layer of milk chocolate.
- Baby Ruth: This classic candy bar combines chocolatey nougat with a layer of caramel and peanuts, creating a rich and satisfying chew with every bite.
- Zero Bar: The Zero bar contains a core of caramel, peanut, and almond nougat, coated in white fudge. It stands out for its unique flavor and white chocolate-like exterior.
The Difference Between Traditional and Commercial Nougat
The nougat found in American candy bars is often a softer, industrial version made with corn syrup and hydrolyzed proteins. This contrasts with the classic European varieties, which are typically made with egg whites, honey, and nuts.
European Nougat Traditions
- Italian Torrone: An elegant nougat, torrone is often served during holidays and comes in both soft and hard varieties. It features roasted nuts like almonds and hazelnuts and is traditionally made with honey and egg whites.
- Spanish Turrón: A popular Spanish Christmas treat, turrón has two main types: hard (Alicante) and soft (Jijona). Both are made with toasted almonds, honey, and sugar.
- French Nougat de Montélimar: This classic French nougat is known for its chewy texture and inclusion of almonds, pistachios, and often candied fruit, with a base of honey and egg whites.
Candies Similar to Nougat
Several confections share similarities with nougat in texture or ingredients, but are distinct in their preparation or composition.
- Divinity: An American confection that is sometimes compared to nougat, divinity is made with corn syrup, sugar, and whipped egg whites. It has a light and fluffy texture, but is generally less dense than nougat. It often contains pecans.
- Halva: This is a Middle Eastern sweet with a crumbly, yet dense texture, typically made from tahini (sesame paste) and sugar syrup. While it shares a nutty profile, its base ingredients are different.
- Taffy: Taffy is a chewy candy that can sometimes be aerated to give it a nougat-like lightness. However, it does not typically contain egg whites.
A Comparison of Popular Nougat Candies
| Candy Bar | Nougat Type | Key Flavors | Texture | Other Components |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snickers | Industrial, chewy | Chocolate, peanut | Chewy and dense | Caramel, roasted peanuts, milk chocolate coating |
| Milky Way | Industrial, whipped | Malt, chocolate | Light, fluffy, and smooth | Caramel, milk chocolate coating |
| 3 Musketeers | Industrial, whipped | Chocolate | Very light and airy | Milk chocolate coating |
| Baby Ruth | Industrial, chewy | Chocolate, peanut | Chewy and dense | Caramel, peanuts, milk chocolate coating |
| Zero Bar | Industrial, chewy | Caramel, almond, peanut | Chewy and firm | White fudge coating |
The Evolution of Nougat in Confectionery
Nougat's journey from a traditional confection to an industrial candy bar ingredient reflects a broader evolution in confectionery. In the past, nougat (torrone or turrón) was a laborious, artisanal product reserved for special occasions. With the advent of mass-produced candy bars in the 20th century, the recipe was adapted for efficiency and consistency. Modern industrial nougat often uses ingredients like corn syrup, vegetable fats, and soy proteins to achieve a specific texture and shelf life, which differs greatly from its honey-and-egg-white origins. This shift made the delicious taste and chewy texture of nougat accessible to a much wider audience, cementing its place in popular snack foods.
For more detailed information on nougat's origins and modern variations, see the article on the Britannica website.
Conclusion
So, what candy contains nougat? A multitude of popular chocolate bars owe their texture and flavor to a nougat filling, albeit a more processed version of the traditional confection. Whether it's the classic chew of a Snickers or the airy fluff of a 3 Musketeers, nougat is a versatile and beloved ingredient. Beyond the familiar candy aisle, many regional and artisan nougats offer a taste of this treat's rich history, providing a different experience with their high-quality ingredients and distinct textures. The next time you enjoy a candy bar, you'll know that the soft, sweet core is a modern descendant of a centuries-old sweet.
Other Candies with Nougat
- Toblerone: While primarily known for its Swiss milk chocolate, Toblerone includes almond and honey nougat pieces throughout its distinctive triangular bars.
- Moro Bar: A popular Cadbury product in some regions, the Moro bar features a filling of caramel and nougat.
- Double Decker: This UK-based chocolate bar from Cadbury layers soft, chewy nougat with crispy cereal, covered in milk chocolate.
- Rocky Road: Some variations of Rocky Road candy bars or ice cream include a marshmallow-like nougat base, along with nuts and chocolate.
Key Factors Affecting Nougat's Texture
- Cooking Temperature: The final temperature of the sugar syrup is a crucial factor, determining if the nougat will be soft and chewy or hard and brittle.
- Whipping Process: The egg whites or other whipping agent are beaten to incorporate air, which creates the signature aerated texture of soft nougat.
- Ingredient Ratios: The proportion of sugar to corn syrup influences the nougat's texture and chewiness.
- Add-ins: The type and quantity of nuts, fruits, and fats affect the nougat's consistency.
- Aeration: Industrial nougats often use specific whipping agents to create a very light, fluffy texture.
