Summer vibe still lingers as temperatures push into the mid-twenties in many regions, yet the mental switch to holiday flavors is already underway. People find themselves humming to festive tunes while browsing aisles—and yes, nougat makes a surprising early entrance into the season.
It’s normal to notice year-end treats appearing in supermarkets nearly two months before Christmas. Walk through a city street, and the first twinkles of holiday lights are up, hinting that the season is approaching. Scent of cinnamon and chocolate floats in the air, signaling that Christmas is near—whether we are ready or not.
Mercadona did not wait to begin the celebration. The retailer has already launched nougat and chocolate Christmas desserts to mark the coming festivities, inviting shoppers to begin their seasonal indulgence ahead of schedule.
Last year, the crowd favorite among the nougats was the hazelnut variety. Customers reported it as a homemade, comforting bite that felt like a small, edible memory. The product sold out in several stores within hours of restocking, as eager shoppers grabbed it before stock ran dry. The excitement around that flavor set a high bar for the holiday lineup.
As for this year, there is speculation about whether the Juan Roig chain will repeat the hazelnut triumph. One thing is certain: the retailer plans to roll out a new flavor that promises to surprise taste buds. And surprise is exactly what many shoppers anticipate. Will it resonate with the audience in Canada and the United States as much as it does in home markets? Only the palate can tell. The new Mercadona nougat features a chocolate coating paired with kikos, a crisp roasted corn snack, adding an unexpected crunch to the creamy center.
The new flavor of Mercadona nougat: chocolate with kikos
The product combines dried fruit with a milk chocolate exterior, a cream-filled interior, cocoa, and crunchy corn pieces. The nougat is crafted by Antiu Xixona, a manufacturer known for its traditional approach and modern twists, produced in its own factory. Ingredients include sugar, milk chocolate, vanilla, vegetable oils, skimmed milk powder, crispy corn, coloring, chopped hazelnuts, cocoa powder, sunflower oil, and hazelnut paste, delivering a familiar sweetness with a surprising textural contrast.
Opinions on TikTok are divided
People quickly shared reactions to this new flavor on TikTok, and the responses varied widely. As expected, many clips urge viewers to try the product once it hits shelves, while ratings from early tasters often sit around seven out of ten. The chatter highlights a fascination with how a classic treat can take a bold turn with a single ingredient swap.
While opinions diverge, there is broad agreement that the combination of chocolate and kikos is unconventional and offers substantial chunks of dried fruit. Some tasters describe a dominant chocolate profile, while others feel the kikos and fruit provide a stronger, more distinctive bite. The real question remains: will this flavor resonate with a broad audience, including shoppers in Canada and the United States who might approach nougat with different nostalgic associations? The true verdict will come with wider availability and long-term exposure. Will you give it a try? The choice rests with the consumer, who brings personal memories and preferences to every bite.