Why not all nougat is healthy

Nougat is an iconic sweet that has become synonymous with the holidays, especially at Christmas celebrations. It is true that it may contain a few extra calories, but when it is a quality nougat, calories can take a back seat, since the quality of the ingredients that we are going to put in our body also counts, and in that sense not all nougats are equally healthy.

Every year we are faced with a large shelf full of a wide variety of nougat of all kinds and brands. Many choose the cheapest nougat, after all it is not a staple food, but a whim. But, precisely because it is about enjoying its flavor, why do we choose the first nougat we find?

Not all nougats are the same, and not all nougats are healthy. It all depends on the ingredients and the way they are made.

At Casa Mira we tell you why not all nougat is healthy.

Why some nougats are healthier than others

• Contain less sugar

One of the main problems with some nougats is their high sugar content. Sugar is a key ingredient in the elaboration of this sweet, and in some cases, it is added in excessive amounts. Nougats that contain less sugar are generally healthier. Sugar can contribute to health problems, such as obesity and diabetes or cardiovascular disease. When consumed in excess, sugar can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, followed by sharp drops that can leave people feeling tired and hungry again.

The best nougats are those with just the right amount of sugar, since good raw material makes excess sugar unnecessary.

• Low nutritional density

Another aspect to consider is the low nutritional density of some nougats. Nougats that have a higher nut content, such as almonds or walnuts, provide additional nutritional benefits. Nuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals, which improves the nutritional quality of the nougat.

A low-quality nougat will contain much less almond, and more fat will be added to compensate for the lack of flavor. Therefore, these nougats do not provide a significant amount of essential nutrients for the body, but many empty calories.

Here you can read the difference between an artisan nougat and an industrial nougat.

• Natural ingredients

Many commercial nougats contain artificial ingredients such as colorings, preservatives and flavorings. These additives can be harmful to health, as some of them have been linked to long-term health problems. Nougats that use natural ingredients and avoid artificial additives are much healthier.

Natural ingredients are usually easier to digest and less likely to cause allergic reactions or long-term health problems.

• Healthier fats

Quality nougats use healthy fats, such as olive oil or coconut oil, instead of unhealthy saturated or trans fats. These fats may have cardiovascular health benefits and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

At Casa Mira we explain how you can tell if a nougat is of quality.

• Transparent labeling

Be wary of nougats that provide unclear and inaccurate information on their labels, such as sugar, fat, protein and other nutrient content. The quality of a nougat depends largely on its nutritional composition and the quality of its ingredients. Since nougats contain a large dose of calories, we should at least opt for those that provide nutritional value to our body and not just empty calories. In this way, we will be able to enjoy the flavor of the holiday season without compromising our health.

As we have seen, the quality of a nougat influences its nutritional value. At Casa Mira we have been making nougat for decades in an artisanal way with the best natural ingredients. Every step is done with care, every detail matters and influences the flavor. This is the secret that makes us have long lines in front of our store, and that the tradition of shopping at Casa Mira is inherited from parents to children.

Prices may be higher than in industrial production, but since you are going to consume a centuries-old delicacy with a few extra calories, you should really enjoy the taste of an authentic artisan nougat.