Nuts, Seeds & Pastes
Gianduia Paste in gelato
Gianduia paste is a concentrated Piedmontese preparation of toasted hazelnuts, cocoa and sugar. In gelato it delivers the signature chocolate-hazelnut (gianduja) flavor while contributing significant fat and sugar to the mix, enriching body and softening texture.
Balancing parameters
Per 100 g of product, verified against independent food-science sources (listed below).
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Solids | 98% |
| Water | 2% |
| Sugars | 40% |
| Fat | 38% |
| MSNF | 0% |
| Protein | 7% |
| POD (sweetening power) | 39 |
| PAC (anti-freezing power) | 43 |
Typical use: 8-12% (80-120 g/kg of mix) for standard pastes; some concentrated pastes are dosed lower at 40-50 g/kg.
Balance gianduia paste in a real recipe
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Open the balancerHow to use it in gelato
Add gianduia paste to a milk or cream base to make gianduja gelato, typically alongside cocoa or chocolate for depth. Its ~40% sugars raise both POD and PAC modestly: at a 10% dosage it contributes roughly 4 POD points and about 4.3 PAC points, so cut added sucrose and re-solve the balance. Its ~38% fat is the bigger lever, it enriches and smooths the scoop but you must trim cream/other fats to avoid a greasy, buttery, over-soft result. Most gelato pastes are milk-free, so they add no MSNF. Watch total solids and total fat stay in range.
Origin & background
Gianduja was born in Turin, Italy, in the early 19th century: during the Napoleonic continental blockade cocoa was scarce and costly, so Turinese chocolatiers extended it with abundant local Piedmont hazelnuts. The confection was named after Gianduja, a traditional Piedmontese Carnival mask. EU practice today defines gianduja as chocolate with roughly 20-40% hazelnut.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- https://topcreamery.com/product/fabbri-1905-delipaste-gianduia-chocolate-with-hazelnut-paste-gluten-free-paste-1-2kg/
- https://www.webstaurantstore.com/fabbri-delipaste-4-3-kg-gianduia-torino-flavoring-paste/3639225503.html
- https://www.parisgourmet.com/products/gelatech/gianduja-paste
- https://en.emiliafood.love/products/gianduia-cream
- https://www.giuso.it/en/products/gelato/flavour-enhancer/traditional-pastes/gianduja-paste
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianduja_(chocolate)