The Snickers bar is loved worldwide for its combination of milk chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and the often overlooked nougat. While most people are familiar with the crunchy peanuts and gooey caramel, fewer understand the makeup of the nougat layer. In this article, we explore the nougat in Snickers, including its ingredients and how it contributes to the overall experience. If you enjoy the flavors of Snickers, you might also want to try this Snickers cake recipe for a delightful twist on the classic treat.
Introduction:
Mars, Inc. introduced Snickers in 1930, and it quickly became a favorite candy bar. The combination of crunchy peanuts, sweet caramel, and creamy chocolate creates a perfect balance, though many overlook the nougat despite its key role in texture and flavor.
Nougat plays a crucial role in many candy bars and gives Snickers its soft, chewy base. It balances the other layers and provides the bar’s distinct bite. But what exactly is nougat, and what are its ingredients?
What is Nougat?
Nougat consists of whipped egg whites, sugar, and honey. It appears in several varieties, each offering a different texture and flavor. Traditional nougat has a long history, especially in Mediterranean and European confectionery, where confectioners originally used natural ingredients like honey and nuts to make it.
The version used in Snickers is a simpler, mass-produced type, designed to complement the caramel and peanuts without dominating the flavor. Unlike traditional nougat, Snickers’ version is more about texture than standing out as a flavor.
The Role of Nougat in Snickers
Nougat is more than just a filler—it perfectly balances the textures and flavors. Without it, the bar would feel incomplete, lacking the soft chew that contrasts with the crunchy peanuts and gooey caramel.
Here’s how it contributes to the bar:
- Texture: It provides a soft, chewy base that contrasts with the harder peanuts and smooth caramel.
- Flavor: It adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of vanilla, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Structure: It acts as a foundation, keeping the layers intact and preventing the bar from becoming too dense.
Compared to the lighter, airier version found in other candy bars like 3 Musketeers, this nougat is firmer and chewier. To learn more about its role in candy-making, check out this resource on nougat history.
Ingredients
Snickers nougat contains specific ingredients chosen for texture and sweetness. These ingredients ensure that the nougat complements the other layers of the candy bar. Let’s explore the main ingredients in Snickers nougat:
- Egg whites: Provide the fluffy, airy texture. Whipping them stabilizes the nougat.
- Corn syrup: Adds sweetness and keeps the nougat soft and chewy.
- Sugar: The primary sweetener, responsible for the nougat’s flavor.
- Milk powder: Adds a creamy texture and binds the ingredients.
- Artificial flavoring: Enhances the taste with a subtle vanilla note.
These ingredients are combined in a specific process to create the perfect nougat for Snickers.
How Snickers Nougat is Made
The process of making Snickers nougat follows a few essential steps. While commercial production emphasizes consistency, the basic process remains simple:
- Whipping egg whites: Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks, creating a fluffy base.
- Adding sugar and corn syrup: Heat the sugar and corn syrup, then slowly add them to the whipped egg whites to stabilize the mixture.
- Incorporating additional ingredients: Mix in the milk powder and flavoring to enhance the taste and structure.
- Cooling and setting: Allow the nougat to cool and set before layering it into the Snickers bar.
Comparison with Other Candy Bars’ Nougat
Other popular candy bars also include nougat, but they use it in different ways. Let’s compare the nougat in Snickers to that in other candy bars:
- 3 Musketeers: This bar contains whipped chocolate nougat, which is much lighter and airier compared to Snickers.
- Milky Way: The nougat in this bar has a distinct malt flavor, giving it a richer taste than what’s found in Snickers.
- Baby Ruth: Here, the nougat is thicker and more chocolaty, offering a chewier texture.
Although each bar incorporates nougat differently, Snickers finds the perfect balance, using it as a base that supports the caramel and peanuts.
Why Nougat is Used in Snickers (Beyond Taste)
Nougat in Snickers doesn’t just add flavor; it also plays a crucial structural role. Here’s why nougat is so important:
- Texture balance: Nougat adds chewiness that contrasts with the crunch of peanuts and the gooey caramel.
- Structural support: Nougat provides a base for the caramel and peanuts, keeping the bar from collapsing.
- Layer cohesion: Nougat helps bind the layers, ensuring every bite includes the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Common Misconceptions About Snickers Nougat
Many people misidentify the white layer in Snickers. Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions:
Nougat vs. Marshmallow
Some confuse nougat with marshmallow, but they’re quite different. While both use whipped egg whites, nougat is denser and chewier, while marshmallow is soft and fluffy.
Nougat vs. Cream
Others think the white layer in Snickers is a cream filling. However, cream would be too soft to support the bar’s other layers. Nougat, being firmer, provides the right balance of chewiness and structure.
FAQs
What makes up nougat?
Snickers nougat combines whipped egg whites, sugar, corn syrup, milk powder, and vanilla flavoring.
What ingredients go into nougat?
Nougat includes whipped egg whites, sugar, corn syrup, milk powder, and vanilla flavoring.
Does the nougat contain nuts?
No, it doesn’t contain nuts. However, the bar includes peanuts, which add a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Is nougat in Snickers different from other candy bars?
Yes, Snickers nougat is formulated to complement the caramel and peanuts. It’s firmer and less sweet than the nougat found in 3 Musketeers or Milky Way.
Conclusion
The nougat in Snickers plays a crucial role in balancing the textures and flavors. Made from whipped egg whites, sugar, corn syrup, and other key ingredients, it creates a soft, chewy base that supports the other layers. Without it, the bar wouldn’t have its signature bite or distinctive structure. Whether you’re a fan of the crunchy peanuts or the sweet caramel, nougat is the element that brings everything together.