National Nougat Day – March 26, 2027

National Nougat Day
Categories:
Tags:
CandyDessert
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every March 26
Holiday emoji:
🍬

National Nougat Day arrives every March 26, honoring the versatile and often-underrated candy. This delightful confection, crafted from whipped egg whites, honey, sugar, and nuts, boasts a rich history and a satisfying chew. Discover new ways to enjoy nougat, from classic bars to gourmet treats, and share your favorite nougat moments!

Want to sponsor National Nougat Day? Learn how

Expected National Nougat Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Nougat Day often inspires sweet deals from candy retailers and confectioners. Look for special offers on nougat-filled chocolate bars from brands like Mars (Milky Way, Snickers), Hershey’s (Zero Bar), and specialty nougat producers. Gourmet candy shops and online confectioneries may feature discounts on artisanal nougat varieties. Keep an eye out for limited-time flavors or bundle deals on nougat-centric treats. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as March 26 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Nougat Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalNougatDay. Share photos of your favorite nougat treats, from candy bars to homemade desserts.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalNougatDay. Film a short video reviewing different nougat types or attempting a nougat recipe.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalNougatDay. Ask your friends about their favorite nougat-filled candy bars.

Social Media Tips for National Nougat Day

Individuals

Treat yourself to a nougat-filled candy bar or a piece of gourmet nougat. Explore different varieties, from soft French nougat to crunchy Italian torrone, and share your tasting notes.

Creators

Create content showcasing the versatility of nougat. This could be a recipe for homemade nougat, a 'taste test' video comparing various brands, or a DIY craft project inspired by nougat's texture.

Brands

Candy brands can run promotions on nougat-containing products or launch a limited-edition nougat flavor. Bakeries and cafes can feature nougat in their desserts, such as nougat tarts or ice cream sundaes.

Top Brands for National Nougat Day

  1. Mars, Incorporated

    Founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars, this global confectionery giant is behind iconic nougat-filled bars like Milky Way and Snickers. Mars, Inc. is one of the largest food manufacturers in the world, known for its diverse portfolio of candies and pet care products.

  2. The Hershey Company

    Established in 1894 by Milton Hershey, The Hershey Company is a leading American chocolate manufacturer. While famous for its milk chocolate, Hershey's also produces the Zero Bar, a white fudge and caramel bar with a nougat center, offering a unique nougat experience.

  3. Ferrara Candy Company

    A subsidiary of Ferrero, Ferrara Candy Company is an American candy manufacturer. It produces a wide array of popular candies, including the classic Abba-Zaba bar, which features a chewy taffy exterior and a creamy peanut butter nougat center, a cult favorite since 1922.

  4. Mondo Nougat

    An Australian family-owned business founded in 1989, Mondo Nougat specializes in traditional Italian-style nougat. Using a recipe passed down through generations, they craft artisanal nougat in various flavors, showcasing the gourmet potential of this sweet treat.

  5. Pearson's Candy Company

    Founded in 1909 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Pearson's Candy Company is known for its classic American candy bars. Their Nut Goodie and Salted Nut Roll bars feature a distinctive nougat center, contributing to their enduring popularity for over a century.

  6. See's Candies

    Established in 1921 by Charles See, his wife Florence, and mother Mary in Los Angeles, See's Candies is renowned for its high-quality chocolates and confections. They offer various nougat pieces, often enrobed in chocolate, providing a premium nougat experience for candy connoisseurs.

  7. Ghirardelli Chocolate Company

    Founded in 1852 by Domenico Ghirardelli, this American chocolate manufacturer is one of the oldest in the United States. While primarily known for its premium chocolate squares and bars, Ghirardelli occasionally incorporates nougat into special edition chocolate creations, blending rich chocolate with chewy nougat.

National Nougat Day Hero

Frank C. Mars

Frank C. Mars (1883–1934) was an American businessman and the founder of Mars, Incorporated, one of the world's largest confectionery companies. He is credited with creating the Milky Way bar in 1923, which famously incorporated nougat into a chocolate bar, revolutionizing the candy industry. His innovation made nougat a staple ingredient in popular American confections, bringing the chewy treat to a mass audience.

History of National Nougat Day

Illusionary effects and magical journeys are part of nougat’s history. While today it is enjoyed all over the world with each region adding its unique flavors to it, there are many disputes as to where exactly it originated from.  

Some historical scholars claim that the first recorded instance of nougat being consumed was in the Middle East during the 10th century. Iraq, Syria, and Turkey have several centuries-old manuscripts that point to their existence. On the other hand, historians also have recorded evidence of nougat existing in the first century in Rome. Another fascinating story of nougat’s origins points to a chef inventing the recipe on the spot in honor of a wedding couple. 

As globalization increased over the centuries, the humble nougat traveled from the Middle East to Europe, and then to the rest of the world, gaining popularity as it did so. Before it became common amongst the masses, nougat was considered a luxury, only being eaten at special occasions like weddings, birthdays, Christmas, etc. During WW2, it was also rationed among soldiers to give them a morale boost. 

The word ‘nougat’ originates from the French dialect Occitan and it means ‘nut bread’ or ‘nut cake,’ which is interesting because it does not have any key ingredients that make a bread except for eggs, and that too only egg whites. With all these wonderful reasons at its core, National Nougat Day has a special place in many people’s hearts, and it’s not just because of its delicious taste.

National Nougat Day timeline

1st Century
Nougat’s Birth in Rome

The Romans invent nougat as a way of honoring their gods and enriching their cultural heritage.

1500s–1600s
Globalization Taking Nougat Around

Nougat starts gaining popularity as different people from different cultures start incorporating it into their food items.

1851
Nougat-Making Machine at the Great Exhibition

A hard-candy-making machine is displayed at the Great Exhibition in London for all to see.

1932
First Chocolate-Nougat Bar Introduced

The 3 Musketeers chocolate bar becomes one of the first major commercial brands to have nougat inside it.

National Nougat Day FAQs

When is National Nougat Day?

In 2027, National Nougat Day is observed on Friday, March 26. This end-of-week timing makes it an ideal day to treat yourself to a nougat delight.

What are the main types of nougat?

Beyond white and brown, there are also variations like Viennese nougat, which is a chocolate and nut paste, and various regional specialties. Each type offers a distinct texture and flavor profile, from soft and fluffy to dense and crunchy.

How popular is nougat in candy bars?

Its ability to add chewiness and a sweet, airy contrast to chocolate and caramel makes it a favorite among confectioners. Nougat’s enduring presence in top-selling candy bars highlights its significant role in the global candy market.

What is nougat made of?

The exact recipe can vary, with some versions including dried fruit, chocolate, or different flavorings. The combination of sweet, nutty, and sometimes fruity notes gives nougat its unique and appealing taste.

National Nougat Day Activities

  1. Eat a nougat au-naturel

    To appreciate a nougat in all its glory and flavors, consume the sweet without any add-ons. You will be able to relish the sweetness that will be accompanied by legendary tales about it.

  2. Visit a local candy store

    The inner child in us always squeals with delight and excitement when the smells of sugar, caramel, and nuts hang heavy in the air. Lined with varieties of sweets that are an equal delight to the eyes as they are to the stomach, these stores take us on a nostalgic adventure of our childhoods.

  3. Try other varieties of nougat

    Why limit yourself to just one kind of nougat when you can have other versions too? Of course, after following our first suggestion, you can dive deep into other nougat flavors. Our personal favorite is the Italian nougat called, Torrone or Turron, and it is scented with honey or citrus fruits.

5 Facts About Egg Whites That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Egg whites are more nutritious than yolks

    Egg whites are 90% water and 10% protein, and this is a drastic difference in nutrition as compared to yolks that are full of cholesterol.

  2. Egg whites are for your health

    Containing about 54 g potassium, which is an essential electrolyte for your neuron-, bone-, and cell functioning, egg whites are the ultimate energy health bombs.

  3. Egg whites are heart-healthy

    Recent studies have shown that consuming egg whites can help reduce the risk of developing hypertension.

  4. Egg whites for hair treatment

    While there is no scientific backing to this claim, many age-old remedies point to egg whites being beneficial for hair growth and shine.

  5. Secure future with egg whites

    Eating egg whites, which contain riboflavin (vitamin B12), can help prevent age-related diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Why We Love National Nougat Day

  1. It’s a celebration of a versatile sweet treat

    Be it nougat with chocolate or nuts and raisins, coffee, or even wine, it’s still a delicious treat that satisfies the senses with its various textures. Nougat’s versatility means you can add your preferences to it and still have it turn out great.

  2. It’s a celebration of cultural similarities

    Historians have debated endlessly about the true origins of nougat as it has popped up in several regions in the world over the centuries. What is interesting is that there is little to no chance for these regions to have had any contact with outsiders as travel was scarce due to its dangers and lengths in the old times. Yet despite these geographical distances, nougat’s importance in many cultures shows how similar humans can be at the core.

  3. It’s a celebration for our sweet tooth

    It is a truth universally acknowledged that humans have a separate stomach to store all sweet treats/desserts. No matter how full you may be, there’s always room for dessert and, in this case, there’s always room for nougat.

National Nougat Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 March 26 Friday
2028 March 26 Sunday
2029 March 26 Monday
2030 March 26 Tuesday
2031 March 26 Wednesday