Nugget vs. Nougat — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 15, 2024
A nugget is a small piece of fried or baked food, typically breaded chicken, while nougat is a sweet confection made from sugar, honey, nuts, and egg whites.
Difference Between Nugget and Nougat
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Nuggets, often associated with chicken, are bite-sized pieces that are breaded and deep-fried or baked. On the other hand, nougat is a chewy or sometimes hard candy made from whipped egg whites, sugar or honey, roasted nuts, and sometimes dried fruit or chocolate.
The primary function of a nugget is to serve as a quick, convenient protein source, commonly found in fast food and pre-packaged meals. Conversely, nougat serves as a sweet treat and is a popular ingredient in various candy bars and desserts.
Nuggets are typically enjoyed with dipping sauces such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard. Whereas, nougat is enjoyed as it is or used as a filling in chocolates and other confections, highlighting its versatility in desserts.
The texture of nuggets can vary from crispy to soft depending on the coating and cooking method. In contrast, nougat's texture ranges from soft and chewy to hard and brittle, depending on the specific type of nougat and its preparation.
Nuggets are a staple in many Western diets, especially popular among children, while nougat has a more global presence, featured prominently in European, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines.
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Comparison Chart
Type
Food item
Confection
Main Ingredients
Chicken, breading, oil
Sugar or honey, nuts, egg whites
Texture
Crispy or soft
Chewy or hard
Common Uses
Fast food, snacks
Desserts, candy bars
Cooking Method
Fried or baked
Whipped, then cooked
Compare with Definitions
Nugget
Typically served with dipping sauces.
She dipped her nuggets in a sweet and sour sauce.
Nougat
Originates from Europe, popular worldwide.
Traditional nougat is often bought as a souvenir in France.
Nugget
Can also refer to small, valuable chunks of gold.
They found a nugget of gold in the creek.
Nougat
Can be chewy or hard.
He preferred the chewy nougat over the hard variety.
Nugget
Small piece of breaded and fried chicken.
He ordered a box of chicken nuggets with barbecue sauce.
Nougat
Sweet confection made with sugar or honey and nuts.
The chocolate bar had a soft nougat center.
Nugget
Often used in fast food.
Nuggets are a popular menu item at many fast-food restaurants.
Nougat
Featured in many candy bars.
Her favorite candy bar features almonds and nougat.
Nugget
Can be made from various meats.
Turkey nuggets are a healthier alternative to chicken.
Nougat
Made using whipped egg whites.
The fluffy texture of nougat comes from whipped egg whites.
Nugget
A small, solid lump, especially of gold.
Nougat
Nougat (US: NOO-gət, UK: NOO-gah; French: [nuɡa]; Azerbaijani: nuqa; Persian: نوقا) is a family of confections made with sugar or honey, roasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, and macadamia nuts are common), whipped egg whites, and sometimes chopped candied fruit. The consistency of nougat is chewy, and it is used in a variety of candy bars and chocolates.
Nugget
A small compact portion or unit
Nuggets of information.
Nougat
A confection made from a sugar or honey paste into which nuts are mixed.
Nugget
(countable) A small, compact chunk or clump.
A gold nugget
Nougat
(uncountable) A mixture consisting of egg white and a sweetener, variously mixed with almonds or hazelnuts or used without nuts as a filler in candy bars.
Nugget
(countable) A chicken nugget.
Nougat
(countable) A piece of this mixture, typically eaten as a confection.
Nugget
(countable) A tidbit of something valuable.
A nugget of wisdom
A nugget of truth
Nougat
A cake, sweetmeat, or confection made with almonds or other nuts.
Nugget
(countable) A small piece of tasty food, a tidbit.
Nougat
Nuts or fruit pieces in a sugar paste
Nugget
(uncountable) A type of boot polish.
Nugget
(countable) A bud from the Cannabis sativa plant, especially one that is potent.
Nugget
An inexperienced, newly trained fighter pilot.
Nugget
(comptheory) A partial description gleaned from data mining.
Nugget
A person with no arms or legs; a basket case.
Nugget
A lump; a mass, esp. a native lump of a precious metal; as, a nugget of gold.
Nugget
Something of value, usually found among many other less valuable things; - often used figuratively; as, a nugget of useful information in a sea of data.
Nugget
A solid lump of a precious metal (especially gold) as found in the earth
Common Curiosities
How is nougat used in desserts?
Nougat is often used as a filling in candy bars and other confections.
Are nuggets always made from chicken?
No, nuggets can also be made from turkey, pork, or meat substitutes.
What types of sauces are commonly served with nuggets?
Common sauces include ketchup, barbecue sauce, and honey mustard.
Is nougat gluten-free?
Nougat itself is gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur if not labeled as such.
What is nougat made of?
Nougat is made from sugar or honey, nuts, and whipped egg whites.
Can nougat be vegan?
Traditional nougat is not vegan due to egg whites, but there are vegan versions available.
What is a nugget?
A nugget is typically a small piece of breaded and fried chicken.
Is a nugget considered healthy?
While convenient, nuggets are often high in calories and fat, especially when fried.
Where did nuggets originate?
Chicken nuggets were invented in the United States in the 1950s.
What are the different types of nougat?
The main types include white nougat (soft) and brown nougat (hard).
What is the main nutritional concern with nuggets?
Nuggets are often criticized for their high processed content and frying method.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
