Nougat

Nougat is a confection made from sugar, honey, egg whites, and often nuts like almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts. The mixture is cooked until it reaches a chewy or firm consistency, then cooled and cut into pieces. It can be soft and chewy or hard and brittle depending on the recipe.

Nougat is primarily used as a sweet filling or ingredient in candies, chocolates, and baked goods. Its chewy texture and sweet flavor add a distinct characteristic to these products. Manufacturers use it to create a satisfying mouthfeel and a rich, sweet taste.

Nougat is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a source of sugar and calories, and high consumption may contribute to weight gain or other health issues associated with excess sugar intake. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated similar sugar-based confections, but specific evaluations for 'nougat' as a distinct ingredient with established limits are not typically detailed. Evidence on the health impacts of nougat primarily relates to its sugar content.