Calories in Nougat: Nutritional facts for Nougat Types

A 100g serving of nougat with almonds contains 398 calories.

One kilogram (1000g) of nougat with almonds contains 3,980 calories.

A single piece of nougat (14g) contains 56 calories, while commercial bars vary, with a Ferrara Torrone bar (43g) having 180 calories and a 3 Musketeers bar (54.4g) containing 240 calories.

The nutritional upsides of nougat are minimal and are mainly derived from the nuts and egg whites. A summary of these limited potential advantages is available here.

• Contains Healthy Fats from Nuts: Nougat made with almonds or other nuts provides monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. A study by Guasch-Ferré, M., et al. (2017), "Nut Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease," found that higher nut consumption was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Provides a Source of Protein: The combination of egg whites and nuts offers a modest amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. A medium nougat bar (34g) contains 1.1g of protein.
• Supplies Some Minerals: The nuts in nougat contribute small amounts of essential minerals like magnesium and copper, which are important for nerve function and energy production. A large nougat bar (85g) can provide 7% of the Daily Value for magnesium.

The confection's composition presents several health liabilities, primarily due to its main ingredient. An overview of these health risks is presented here.

• Extremely High in Sugar: Nougat is predominantly made of sugar and honey, which can cause a rapid and significant spike in blood glucose levels. A scientific statement from the American Heart Association by Johnson, R. K., et al. (2009), "Dietary sugars intake and cardiovascular health," recommends strict limits on added sugar, linking high consumption to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. A healthier alternative is a small handful of plain almonds. A suggested amount is to limit consumption to one small bar on a rare occasion.
• High Calorie Density: Nougat is a very energy-dense food, meaning a small portion contains a large number of calories with very few micronutrients. A review by Popkin, B. M., et al. (2012), "Global nutrition transition and the pandemic of obesity in developing countries," discusses how a shift toward energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods is a major driver of the global obesity epidemic.

No, nougats are not good for a person because the confection is almost entirely sugar, and any minor benefits from nuts or egg whites are completely negated by the massive sugar content. The impact on metabolic health is negative. The high concentration of simple sugars can overwhelm the body's ability to regulate blood glucose, promoting insulin resistance over time. A review by Stanhope, K. L. (2016), "Sugar consumption, metabolic disease and obesity: The state of the controversy," details how excessive sugar intake is a key driver of metabolic syndrome. For dental health, the sticky, sugary nature of nougat is particularly detrimental, as it adheres to teeth and increases the risk of cavities. A study by Touger-Decker, R., & van Loveren, C. (2003), "Sugars and dental caries," affirms the direct relationship between the frequency of sugar consumption and the risk of developing dental caries. For liver health, the high sugar content can be converted into fat by the liver, contributing to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A review by Tappy, L., & Lê, K. A. (2010), "Metabolic effects of fructose and the worldwide increase in obesity," explains this metabolic pathway.

No, nougat is not a healthy food. The confection is composed almost entirely of sugar and lacks significant amounts of beneficial nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Such foods are considered sources of "empty calories" and can contribute to nutrient deficiencies if they displace more wholesome foods from the diet. A review by Popkin, B. M., et al. (2012), "Global nutrition transition and the pandemic of obesity in developing countries," discusses how a shift toward energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods is a major driver of the global obesity epidemic. The high sugar content is the primary health concern. A meta-analysis by Malik, V. S., et al. (2006), "Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and weight gain: a systematic review," found clear evidence linking the consumption of sugary items to weight gain. The lack of fiber and protein also makes nougat a poor choice for satiety. A study by Holt, S. H., et al. (1995), "A satiety index of common foods," found that confectionery items like candy bars were among the least filling foods tested per calorie. A suggested consumption rate is to treat nougat as a rare indulgence, limiting intake to one small piece (14g) to manage sugar intake.

Yes, nougat is fattening. The confection is exceptionally high in calories from sugar packed into a small, dense serving, making the food extremely energy-dense. Consuming more calories than the body expends leads to weight gain. A study by Pérez-Escamilla, R., et al. (2012), "Dietary energy density and body weight in adults and children: a systematic review," found a positive association between dietary energy density and body weight. The large amount of sugar in nougat promotes fat storage in the body. The liver can convert excess sugar into fat through a process called de novo lipogenesis. A review by Tappy, L., & Lê, K. A. (2010), "Metabolic effects of fructose and the worldwide increase in obesity," explains the metabolic pathways through which excess dietary sugar can lead to fat accumulation. The high sugar content is also highly palatable and not very filling, which can lead to overeating. A study by Holt, S. H., et al. (1995), "A satiety index of common foods," found that candy bars were among the least satiating foods tested per calorie. A suggested consumption rate is to limit intake to a single small piece (14g) on an infrequent basis.

The ingredients and preparation method dictate the calorie count of nougat. German nougat has the highest calorie value at 550 calories per 100 grams, a consequence of its high-fat chocolate and hazelnut base. A classic white nougat contains the lowest calorie value at 398 calories per 100 grams, a reflection of its simpler, lower-fat composition of egg whites, sugar, and honey. Brown nougat, or nougatine, falls in between but is still very high in calories due to the density of caramelized sugar.

A classic white nougat is nutritionally similar to many other sugar-based confections, but it can be slightly better or worse depending on the comparison. Compared to a gummy candy, which is almost 100% sugar, a nougat with almonds offers a small amount of protein, fiber, and healthy fats from the nuts. However, compared to a chocolate bar with a high cocoa content, nougat has fewer minerals like iron and magnesium. A 100g serving of nougat has 398 calories and 45g of sugar, while a 100g serving of milk chocolate has around 535 calories and 59g of sugar. Nougat is lower in fat than most chocolate bars but higher in sugar than many cookies.

Nougat functions solely as a sweet confection and is never served with main courses. The confection's intense sweetness makes nougat incompatible with savory dishes. Nougat is conventionally offered after a meal with coffee, eaten as an independent snack, or presented as a holiday gift.

A serving of nougat weighs between 14 and 50 grams on average. The nougat food energy (per 100g serving) is 398 calories. A small piece like those found in a mixed candy box, weighs around 14 grams and contains 56 calories. A medium individually wrapped bar like a Ferrara Torrone, weighs around 43 grams. Larger candy bars that contain nougat, such as a 3 Musketeers bar, weigh over 50 grams. The serving size is small due to the confection's high density of sugar and calories.

The history of nougat traces back to ancient times, with roots in the Middle East. The name "nougat" comes from the Latin panis nucatus, meaning 'nut bread'. Early versions of the confection, made with honey, nuts, and spices, were present in the Byzantine Empire and across the Arabic world. The recipe is believed to have traveled from the Middle East to Europe via trade routes. By the 15th century, nougat was being produced in Italy and Spain. The modern white nougat, made with whipped egg whites, is most famously associated with Montélimar, France, where the confection has been made since at least the 17th century, benefiting from the region's abundant almond and honey production.