Hazelnut is one of the defining flavors of Piedmontese pastry, particularly across the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato. In budino, roasted hazelnut paste brings aroma, natural fat, and structure to a cooked dairy custard.

Few panna cotta variations belong more naturally to Piedmont than hazelnut. The region is famous both for panna cotta and for its extraordinary hazelnut tradition, especially across the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato.