There is often some confusion about what praline and gianduja actually are. It is something I have explained to my husband many times when he refers to my gianduja truffles and bonbons as “praline”, mainly because he cannot pronounce gianduja. To which I usually reply, quite loudly, “GIANDUJA!”
What Is the Difference Between Praline and Gianduja?
Praline and gianduja are both delicious nut-based chocolate fillings, but they are not the same.
In simple terms, gianduja is a smooth blend of chocolate and finely ground nuts, usually hazelnuts, with a rich, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Praline, on the other hand, is generally sweeter and is associated with nuts and sugar, often as part of a soft filling inside chocolate.
So while they may seem similar, gianduja is usually more chocolate-forward, smoother and more refined, whereas praline tends to be sweeter and more confectionery-like.
Praline vs Gianduja at a Glance
If you want the quick version, this is the easiest way to think of it:
- Praline is usually sweeter and more sugar-led
- Gianduja is smoother, richer and more nut-forward
- Belgian praline often refers to a filled chocolate
- Gianduja is usually an Italian-style blend of chocolate and finely ground hazelnuts
What Is Belgian Praline?
The praline most of us in Britain are familiar with is the Belgian praline, a chocolate shell filled with a soft or liquid centre. Depending on the chocolatier, that filling may include nuts, sugar, cream, ganache or other flavourings.
This is different from French praline, which traditionally refers to caramelised nuts, usually almonds or hazelnuts, coated in sugar.
So when people talk about praline, they may actually mean different things depending on the country and the context.
What Is Gianduja?
Gianduja is a classic Italian mixture of chocolate and finely ground nuts, most commonly hazelnuts. It has a very smooth texture and a richer, rounder taste than a typical praline filling.
Traditional gianduja is usually hazelnut-based, but there are now many variations, including almond gianduja and pistachio gianduja. We mainly use gianduja to pipe into moulded chocolate bonbon and truffle shells, but it is also excellent in desserts and even for flavouring ice cream.
For me, gianduja feels a little more luxurious because it is smoother, less sugary and allows the chocolate to come through more clearly.
Is Gianduja the Same as Nutella?
Similar, but not the same.
Both contain chocolate and nuts, but gianduja is usually thicker, richer and more refined. My gianduja is an artisan product made with quality Callebaut chocolate, which gives it a very different finish from a supermarket chocolate-hazelnut spread.
Nutella is a mass-produced hazelnut cocoa spread designed for spreading, filling and everyday use. Delicious, yes; my kids were brought up on it and still love it, but it is not quite the same thing as gianduja.
Which One Is Sweeter?
Praline is usually the sweeter of the two.
That is because praline fillings are generally more sugar-led, while gianduja tends to have a higher proportion of nuts and a smoother chocolate profile. If you like a sweeter, more traditional boxed-chocolate filling, praline may be your favourite. If you prefer something more balanced and nut-rich, you may prefer gianduja.
Which One Is Better?
That really comes down to personal taste.
If you prefer a sweeter filling, you may like praline more. If you prefer something smoother, richer and less sweet, gianduja may be your favourite.
Personally, I prefer gianduja because it is not too sweet and allows the chocolate flavour to come through more.
FAQ
Is praline the same as gianduja?
No, praline and gianduja are not the same. Gianduja is usually a smooth blend of chocolate and finely ground nuts, while praline is generally sweeter and can refer either to a sugar-and-nut mixture or a filled Belgian chocolate.
What is gianduja made of?
Gianduja is typically made from chocolate and finely ground hazelnuts, although other nut variations exist.
What is Belgian praline?
Belgian praline is usually a chocolate shell with a soft filling inside, such as ganache, nut filling, cream or caramel.
Is gianduja like Nutella?
They are similar in that both contain nuts and chocolate, but gianduja is usually richer, smoother and more confectionery-led, while Nutella is a sweet hazelnut cocoa spread.
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