7 mistakes you make when buying nougat at Christmas time

Christmas is coming and the shelves are full of nougat bars of all kinds and colors. Facing so much variety sometimes becomes complicated, and that makes us make mistakes when choosing the perfect nougat for our table. Are all nougats similar? why do they have so much difference in price? do they really cost what they are worth?…

Discover the mistakes you make when buying nougat at Christmas.

Mistakes when buying nougat at Christmas

1. Not paying attention to ingredients

One of the attractions of eating nougat, in addition to its flavor, is that some of its ingredients provide some very healthy nutrients for the body, such as almonds. Nougat is not harmful to our health as long as we pay careful attention to the ingredients that compose it. It is not the same to eat an industrial nougat loaded with artificial flavors and sugars, than an artisan one with quality almonds and honey. Obviously, both are a good load of calories, but at least your body gets the satisfaction of ingesting some extra vitamins.

On the other hand, it is also advisable to check, especially in industrial nougats, that they do not contain traces of other possible ingredients that have nothing to do with the preparation of the nougat, and that can cause unsuspected allergies and intolerances.

Here you can read an interesting post on When a nougat is considered gourmet.

2. Buying without checking the expiration date

When purchasing nougat, it is essential to check the expiration date to make sure it is fresh and in its best condition. It should be taken into account that industrial nougat, because it contains artificial preservatives, tends to last longer, while homemade nougat has a shorter expiration date. Consuming an expired nougat can cause gastric discomfort, and also affects its taste and texture.

3. Not considering taste preferences

You may not be a nougat lover, but it is probably because you have never tasted a good artisan nougat. The differences in taste and texture between industrial and artisan nougat are more than considerable, since the ingredients and the way of elaboration are different. An artisan nougat will always have a good almond, usually Marcona almonds, artisan honey, egg white and little sugar, without any additional additives. Industrial nougat uses lower quality almonds in smaller proportions, glucose syrup, flour thickeners, flavorings, emulsifiers and extra sugar to compensate for the loss of flavor.

The elaboration of artisan nougat has hardly changed over the centuries, and continues to be a meticulous process in which every detail counts so that the flavor and texture are totally perfect.

4. Ignoring brand reputation

Currently the variety of nougat manufacturing brands is immense. Many of these brands are not nougat manufacturers, but are large brands that are dedicated to making different types of sweets, usually industrial. Sometimes, the reputation of the brand of our nougat can be an indication of the type of nougat we are going to consume. Love your body and opt for brands that bet on the quality of the ingredients.

5. Neglecting value for money

We know that the price difference between nougats is more than remarkable, that makes many buyers opt for the cheaper nougats. However, since it is a sweet that you are going to offer to your guests and that is not usually consumed outside the Christmas festivities, it is well worth giving yourself a tribute and opt for a higher priced nougat, as it is usually justified by the higher quality of the ingredients and its type of elaboration .

The price of a good almond is high, therefore, it is impossible for a cheap nougat to offer the same quality in its nuts as an expensive one. The same happens with the artisanal preparation, which requires time, dedication and a professional who knows the proportions and textures suitable for each type of nougat. Of course, it is vital to take a good look at the ingredients so that the price really justifies the quality of its components.

6. Not taking into account dietary needs

Nowadays there are different types of nougat for all tastes and dietary needs. If you are on a diet, are diabetic or suffer from any food allergy or intolerance, you do not have to give up to delight your palate with a good nougat. You can find in the market some sugar-free or gluten-free varieties that will allow you at least to enjoy this sweet at Christmas.

7. Neglecting storage

Once the nougat has been purchased, it is essential to store it correctly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Nougat should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, if you want to enjoy all its properties in perfect condition.

In Casa Mira we offer nougat of excellent quality, handmade and with ingredients of unbeatable quality. Our almonds are of the Marcona variety, and the honey we use is rosemary honey. But the best way to find out the excellent quality of our nougats is to taste them. We invite you to visit and know all the variety of nougats and sweets prepared in our workshop in our online store.