Gianduiotti

Gianduiotti are a traditional chocolate confection from Turin in the Piedmont region of Italy. They are made from gianduja, a smooth paste of finely ground hazelnuts and chocolate, typically with hazelnuts sourced from the Langhe area. The paste is molded into small, boat- or wedge-shaped pieces and wrapped in thin metallic foil, commonly gold or copper, which gives the candies their characteristic presentation.

The gianduja mixture arose in the mid-19th century, when cocoa was scarce and expensive. Turin chocolatiers blended hazelnuts with chocolate to stretch supplies and create a distinctive, locally inspired product. The name Gianduja comes from a popular masked character representing Piedmontese identity, and the diminutive gianduiotto refers to the individual piece.

Gianduiotti became a symbol of Piedmontese confectionery and remain closely associated with Turin’s chocolate tradition. Early commercial producers in the city helped popularize gianduja, and the tradition continues today with numerous artisanal makers in the region. Modern gianduiotti are produced by several Italian chocolatiers, who emphasize high-quality hazelnuts and careful processing to achieve a creamy, aromatic paste that preserves the regional character of Langhe hazelnuts.

See also: gianduja, hazelnut chocolate, Piedmont chocolate traditions.