Hazelnut Turkish Delight: Types and Features
The rich, oily aroma that rises when it is roasted, the light crunch it gives beneath the tooth, the faint sweetness that follows: that is the first impression hazelnut lokum leaves on the first bite. This familiar character comes from folding whole, broken or ground hazelnuts into classic lokum dough, and it is exactly what makes hazelnut pair so well with chocolate. As a lokum producer and exporter, Turkobaba offers more than 450 varieties, and hazelnut lokum is one of the well-loved nut branches of this wide family.
This guide covers hazelnut lokum types, how it differs from pistachio lokum, and storage and serving methods in turn. First, let's look at the different hazelnut lokum forms.
Hazelnut Lokum Types
Hazelnut lokum is not a single product; it splits into different kinds depending on how the hazelnut is used, the cut and the coating. The main types can be listed as follows:
- Plain hazelnut lokum: the classic, uncoated form, with hazelnut added to lokum dough. The natural aroma of the hazelnut comes through at its simplest; it is a practical choice for everyday eating alongside tea and for large servings.
- Chocolate-coated hazelnut lokum: a premium kind coated in milk or dark chocolate outside, with a hazelnut filling inside. Because it brings the hazelnut–chocolate pairing together with lokum, it stands out as a gift and a special-occasion treat. Anyone who wants to try the intense, satisfying profile of a chocolate coating can take a look at Turkobaba's coated kinds, such as chocolate-coated double lokum.
- Rolled / double hazelnut lokum: the rolled form, in which the filling is wrapped in lokum dough like a roll, and the double form, with two layers of filling and more to it. Double kinds are ideal for those after an intense flavor and for premium treats; honey-pistachio double lokum is an example of that satisfying double structure enriched with a honey aroma.
- Caramel hazelnut lokum: a rich kind that brings the sweet, lightly burnt aroma of caramel together with the roasted flavor of hazelnut. Offering caramel and a chocolate-hazelnut filling at once, caramel chocolate-hazelnut filled rolled lokum is one of the representatives of this intense, showy line.
If you would also like to see pistachio, flavored and chocolate options alongside the hazelnut kinds, our guide to types of lokum introduces the whole family together.
The Standout Features of Hazelnut Lokum
A few clear features set hazelnut lokum apart from other nut lokums:
- Roasted, oily aroma: hazelnut gives a full taste that comes out when roasted; this profile balances the sweet structure of the lokum.
- Pairs with chocolate: hazelnut and chocolate are a classic duo, which is why chocolate-coated hazelnut kinds are so loved.
- Texture richness: whole or broken hazelnut adds a lightly crisp contrast to the lokum.
- Versatile use: with a range running from plain to caramel, it suits both everyday eating and gifting.
The Difference Between Hazelnut Lokum and Pistachio Lokum
Both belong to the nut lokum family, but the nut used and the flavor it gives are different. The table below compares the two kinds:
| Criterion | Hazelnut lokum | Pistachio lokum |
|---|---|---|
| Nut | Hazelnut | Antep pistachio |
| Aroma | Roasted, oily, lightly sweet | Fresh, lightly savory |
| Color / look | Brown-beige tones | Vivid green |
| Pairing with chocolate | Very high | Good |
| Typical use | Chocolate-coated, caramel kinds | Rolled, cut, whole-pistachio |
So hazelnut lokum offers a more roasted character closer to chocolate, while pistachio lokum has a fresher, livelier profile. This difference shows itself not only in taste but in presentation: hazelnut kinds suit dark-toned selections enriched with chocolate and caramel, while pistachio kinds, with their green color, look better on classic serving plates. Using both together in a gift box leaves a balanced, rich impression in both color and aroma. For a detailed comparison of the two kinds, see our Antep pistachio vs hazelnut lokum comparison, and for all the sub-types of the pistachio kinds, see our piece on pistachio lokum varieties.
How Is Hazelnut Lokum Stored and Served?
Storage conditions matter for keeping the flavor and texture of hazelnut lokum. Following a few simple rules is enough:
- Store at room temperature: lokum should be kept in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Avoid the fridge: a cold spot hardens the lokum and dulls the hazelnut aroma; the texture can suffer in plain and caramel kinds.
- Keep chocolate-coated kinds cool: keeping chocolate-coated hazelnut lokum in a cool but non-refrigerated spot prevents the chocolate from blooming (whitening).
- Bring to room temperature before serving: if the lokum is opened shortly before serving, both its texture and aroma will be at their best.
When serving, offering it in small pieces alongside a plain Turkish coffee or tea brings out the roasted aroma of hazelnut lokum. For gift presentations, using chocolate-coated and caramel kinds together makes for a selection that is balanced in both look and taste. Stored correctly, hazelnut lokum keeps its freshness for a long time; for the exact shelf life, always go by the best-before date on the product packaging.
Who Is Hazelnut Lokum For?
With its roasted, lightly sweet profile, hazelnut lokum appeals to a wide audience; but choosing the right kind shapes the experience. For everyday eating and anyone after a light treat alongside tea or coffee, plain hazelnut lokum is an ample and economical choice. Those who want an intense, satisfying flavor can lean toward the chocolate-coated, double or caramel kinds. For business gifts, holiday treats and special-occasion presentations, the chocolate-coated and caramel hazelnut kinds stand out in both look and taste. For anyone who loves the chocolate–hazelnut duo, these kinds are almost always a safe choice.
The one point to watch is allergies: hazelnut lokum should not be offered to people with a hazelnut or nut allergy, and in that case nut-free alternatives such as plain classic lokum should be preferred. If the treat or gift is for a large group, keeping both hazelnut and nut-free kinds on hand is the most inclusive solution. For uses such as large-scale serving, hotels and cafés, supplying the hazelnut kinds in a 5 kg package format is practical for both cost and presentation.
What to Look for When Buying Hazelnut Lokum
A few practical tips are enough to tell good hazelnut lokum apart:
- Freshness of the hazelnut: fresh hazelnut gives a full, roasted aroma; stale hazelnut leaves a bitter taste and upsets the balance of the lokum.
- Texture balance: good hazelnut lokum should be neither too hard nor so soft it falls apart; a springy, full consistency is ideal.
- Coating quality: in chocolate-coated kinds, a smooth coating that has not bloomed (whitened) shows it has been stored correctly.
- Fit for purpose: chocolate-coated or caramel kinds make more sense for gifting, plain hazelnut kinds for everyday eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hazelnut lokum?
Hazelnut lokum is a type of Turkish delight made by adding whole, broken or ground hazelnuts to classic lokum dough. The oily, aromatic nature of the hazelnut combines with the soft texture of the lokum to give a full, roasted flavor. It is produced in different forms such as plain, chocolate-coated, rolled, double and caramel.
What is the difference between hazelnut lokum and pistachio lokum?
The main difference is the nut used. Hazelnut lokum uses hazelnut; it gives a more oily, roasted and slightly sweet aroma and pairs very well with chocolate. Pistachio lokum uses Antep pistachio; it offers a fresher, lightly savory aroma and a vivid green look. Both are enjoyed widely; the choice comes down to taste.
What is chocolate-coated hazelnut lokum like?
Chocolate-coated hazelnut lokum brings the classic pairing of hazelnut and chocolate together with lokum. With milk or dark chocolate outside and a hazelnut filling inside, this type has an intense, satisfying profile; it stands out as a gift and a special-occasion treat.
How is hazelnut lokum stored?
Hazelnut lokum is kept at room temperature in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight and moisture. The fridge hardens the texture and dulls the hazelnut aroma. For chocolate-coated kinds, a cool but non-refrigerated spot prevents the chocolate from blooming (whitening).
