Group · Sweet foods
Nougat
Nougat is a traditional confection of Mediterranean origin, particularly famous in Montélimar. It comes in two main families: white nougat, soft and made with egg white, honey and sugar, and dark nougat, which is crunchier and caramelised. It often contains almonds, pistachios or hazelnuts. It is an emblematic sweet of festive seasons and markets. Nutritionally, nougat provides around 437 kcal per 100 g, with a very high share of carbohydrate (over 69.3 g) from sugar and honey. High in energy, it is best enjoyed in small amounts, as an occasional treat within a varied diet.
Macronutrient breakdown
Nutrition table per 100 g
| Calories | 437 kcal |
| Kilojoules | 1840 kJ |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrate | 69,3 g |
| Fat | 13,9 g |
| Fibre | 3,3 g |
Tips
Nougat is above all a confection for pleasure, to be enjoyed in moderation. Its high energy density and high sugar content make it a food to have occasionally rather than every day. A sensible portion is one or two small squares, around 20 to 30 g, ideal at the end of a meal with a coffee or tea, or as an occasional teatime treat.
Nutrition facts and composition: per 100 g, nougat provides 398 kcal, 69.3 g of carbohydrate, 6.98 g of protein, just 13.9 g of fat and 3.27 g of fibre. Its richness in simple carbohydrate gives it a high glycaemic index. The presence of almonds, pistachios or hazelnuts adds some useful unsaturated fats and a bit of nutritious crunch.
- Varieties: Montélimar nougat (white), dark caramel nougat, versions with dried fruit or coated in chocolate.
- Storage: in airtight packaging, away from damp and heat, to keep it soft or crunchy.
- Pairings: on a petits fours platter, crumbled over ice cream or a yoghurt, or chopped into a dried fruit salad.
For active people: thanks to its quickly available carbohydrate, a small piece of nougat can be a one-off source of energy before an intense effort or during a long outing. However, its sticky texture and concentration of sugar make it less practical than other options. For recovery, it is better to choose balanced snacks combining carbohydrate and protein: you will find good ideas in our protein snack recipes. Nougat remains a sweet extra, not a performance food.
Weight control: if you are following a balanced diet plan, nougat is one of the foods to eat sparingly because of its sugars and its unfilling calories. To compare it with other treats, see our food calorie table. If you like sweets made with nuts and honey, you may also enjoy sesame brittle or the softness of fruit jelly sweets.
Find all the related confectionery and treats in our Sugary foods family, so you can make indulgent choices with your eyes open.