Celebrate National Nougat Day: A Sweet, Timeless Treat!

March 26th is National Nougat Day, and if you’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into a 3 Musketeers, Milky Way, or Snickers bar, you’ve experienced the magic nougat has to offer! This fluffy, sweet confection has been delighting taste buds for centuries, evolving from its ancient roots into the star ingredient of some of America’s most beloved candy bars.

But what exactly is nougat? Is it the chewy, honey-kissed treat from Europe? The rich, nutty delight of Viennese nougat? Or the light, airy filling that makes American candy bars so irresistible? The answer is: all of the above! Nougat is sort of like the chameleon of the candy world, adapting to a variety of cultures and cravings across the globe. In the United States, it’s become an unsung hero of the candy aisle, pairing perfectly with chocolate, caramel, nuts, and even peanut butter.

So, grab your favorite nougat-filled candy bar, and join us as we dive into the sweet, sticky history of this timeless treat!

The History of Nougat: From Ancient Confections to Modern Candy Bars

Nougat’s story begins centuries ago, long before it became the fluffy filling in your favorite candy bars. The earliest forms of nougat can be traced back to the Middle East in 10th century Baghdad. This ancient recipe was made with egg whites, honey, nuts, cinnamon, cloves, hemp seeds, coconut, and dried fruit.

This ancient version was a luxurious treat enjoyed by royalty and commoners alike. It was also incredibly portable, making it a favorite among travelers and explorers, offering a perfect snack to give you a quick boost of energy.

As global trade expanded in the 15th and 16th centuries, nougat found new life in Europe, where different regions put their own spin on the sweet delicacy. In Italy, it became torrone, a chewy holiday treat, packed with almonds and citrus zest.

In France, it transformed into nougat de Montélimar, a softer, honey-based treat, often studded with almonds, pistachios, and occasionally candied fruits. Interestingly, the treat wasn’t officially called "nougat" until 1827, when the name first appeared in an English cookbook of Italian cookery. Some say the word stems from the Latin "nux" (meaning nut), a fitting tribute to nougat’s nutty ingredients.

Yet, others attribute its name to an 18th-century legend from Montélimar, France. As the story goes, a woman created the whipped egg-white confection, and upon tasting it, her delighted friends exclaimed, "Tu nous gâtes!" (You spoil us!). Whether fact or folklore, Montélimar has since become synonymous with white nougat, and the city's rich nougat-making heritage continues today.

Fun fact: Montélimar nougat was famously name-dropped by the Beatles in the opening line of their 1968 song Savoy Truffle from the White Album. The ode to confectionery, written by George Harrison, was a playful warning to his friend, Eric Clapton and his love for (or overindulgence of) chocolates.

In Austria, Viennese nougat emerged as a rich, chocolatey version that’s more like a dense fudge than the fluffy nougat we know today. Made with finely ground hazelnuts, sugar, and cocoa, this brown nougat is a decadent treat that’s often enjoyed on its own or as a filling in cakes or pralines. It’s a far cry from the airy nougat found in American candy bars, but it’s just as delicious!

Time marches on, and nougat wasn’t destined to stay the way these European cultures first envisioned it. With the Industrial Revolution and a bit of American ingenuity, old world nougat candy took on an entirely new identity in the USA – one that would help change the candy industry forever!

The Rise of Nougat in American Candy Bars

By the early 20th century, American candy makers began experimenting with nougat, swapping out honey for corn syrup to create a lighter, airier texture. This innovation paved the way for some of the most iconic candy bars in history. The 3 Musketeers bar debuted in 1932, featuring a whipped chocolate nougat center, while Snickers combined nougat with caramel and peanuts to become one of the best-selling candy bars of all time.

Today, nougat is a staple in countless candy bars, each offering its own unique twist on this timeless treat. From classic milk chocolate-covered nougat candy to peanut-packed variations, there’s a nougat-filled candy bar for just about every taste!

Famous Candy Bars with Nougat

Toblerone

First created in 1908, Toblerone is the OG of nougat candy bars! Toblerone combines honey-almond nougat with Swiss milk chocolate in its iconic triangular shape that was inspired by the Matterhorn Mountain in the Swiss Alps.

Goo Goo Cluster

Invented in 1912, the Goo Goo Cluster was the first American candy bar to contain marshmallow nougat. Invented in Nashville, Tennessee this treat has solidified its place in American candy history as the nation’s “first combination candy bar” – combining multiple tasty elements, in one singular treat.

Charleston Chew

This chewy, chocolate-covered nougat bar debuted in 1922 and quickly became a favorite for its unique texture and nostalgic charm. Whether you enjoy it frozen or at room temperature, the Charleston Chew is a timeless treat that’s perfect for sharing, or you can keep all to yourself… We won’t tell!

Milky Way

Invented by Frank C. Mars in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1923, the Milky Way candy bar combined a new, fluffier type of nougat with caramel and milk chocolate, creating an iconic candy bar that is still immensely popular over 100 years later! Interestingly, Frank C. Mars first business venture in Minnesota was called “The Nougat House” which delivered baskets of candy to local residents.

Snickers Bar

The Snickers bar was famously named after the Mars family’s favorite horse. Invented in 1930, this has easily become one of the most popular candy bars of all time. Combining rich milk chocolate with caramel, peanuts and fluffy nougat, you can really see why Snickers always satisfies!

3 Musketeers

Introduced in 1932, 3 Musketeers is a uniquely fluffy, whipped nougat coated in milk chocolate. This incredibly soft candy bar is simple, sweet, and utterly satisfying. Originally, it came in three flavors (hence the name), but today it’s all about that classic chocolate-covered nougat!

Big Hunk

A popular retro candy bar from the 1950’s, Big Hunk is about as close to classic European nougat as it gets! Crunchy whole roasted peanuts encased in honey-sweetened vanilla nougat, this candy bar brings back a taste of the good ol’ days of sock hops and drive-in movie theaters, for those craving a bit of nostalgia with their sweet treats.

Reese’s Fast Break

The newest addition to this list is perhaps one of the greatest candy bars of the new millennium. Reese’s Fast Break was introduced in 2001 and immediately took the candy world by storm. Who knew that simply combining milk chocolate, nougat, and creamy Reese’s Peanut Butter would taste so good?

Whether you’re a fan of classic nougat or love it paired with caramel, nuts, peanut butter, or all of the above, there’s a nougat candy bar out there for you. And thanks to Redstone Foods, you can stock up on all your favorites to celebrate National Nougat Day in style!

At Redstone Foods, we’re proud to offer a huge selection of nougat-filled candy bars, from timeless classics to modern favorites. With over 6,000 unique products in our inventory, we’ve got something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Our commitment to exceptional customer service ensures you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for, whether you’re stocking up for your store or treating yourself to a nostalgic snack.

Sign up for an account with us online or give us a call today! Discover why Redstone Foods is known as America’s favorite candy distributor. We know your taste buds (and your customers) will thank you!

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