What Are Nangs?

Ever looked at the small, pointed, silvery metal tube in a bakery and gone like, ‘Is this some medical instrument?’

They look like mini steel balloons, but in terms of benefits and usability, they’re not ‘mini’ in any aspect. Yes, we’re talking about whipped chargers, more commonly known as ‘nangs.’

Whether you are crafting delicate pastries during a busy morning or plating desserts in a fine-dining setting, nangs have now become an essential element for producing perfectly aerated cream within seconds. 

You might have heard of ‘laughing gas’ as well. Those are just bigger versions of nangs at work. 

Let's take a deep dive to get a complete understanding of what nangs are:

What are nangs? 

Nangs, a slang term popularised among youth in Australia, refers to these small cylinders containing nitrous oxide gas.

Containing about 8 grams of N20, nangs were initially designed for culinary purposes to whip cream with the help of a whipped cream dispenser. Hence, you may have heard of the tubes being called ‘whipping’ cream chargers for prevalent use in bakeries, restaurants and beverages.

But who thought these small tubes for whipping cream could be used for recreational purposes? Well, it was thought way back in the 1700s when the aristocrats held laughing gas parties, especially to enjoy themselves.  

Yes, these nangs do come with their fair share of history as well!

Types of Nangs

Nangs come in different types based on their shape, flavour, size and way of packaging. That 8gm nitrous oxide you see in your kitchen is not the only nang tube available in markets. 

Some of the types are listed below:

Standard 8g tubes

One of the most widely used types of nang, this small canister ensures the baking at your home, nearby cafes, and restaurants does not stop.

You can find them easily on our website here!

Large cylinders (70g to 1 litre)

Larger nang canisters have come into the limelight in recent years due to their increased capacity and high use, giving flexibility and convenience. 

Marketed for bulk purposes, it is used for heavy-duty commercial catering for large workflow operations.

One such system is the Skywhip Pro Max. If you want to know more about ‘What is SkyWhip Pro Max?’ then click here!

Flavoured Nangs

Subtle flavours for cooking, such as strawberry, mint, or vanilla, are added along with nitrous oxide to enhance culinary creations. 

Flavoured nangs have found a surge in demand recently due to reasons, such as offering variety for enhancing taste and flavour.

Medical-grade nitrous oxide cylinders

Although not referred to as nangs in a strict sense, medical-grade nitrous oxide cylinders are another form of the same gas. 

Used in medicinal purposes, they differ significantly in purity, regulation and method of use.

Industrial nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide is also available in larger tanks for industrial and automotive purposes. 

Though not used in the culinary arts, it contains the same gas and is used for enhancing engine performance.

Impacts of nangs

While potentially considered legal for use, nangs can have a wide variety of impacts on both the individual and society if mishandled. 

As with other things in life, taking its ill effects for granted can lead to severe consequences. 

Some of the impacts are as follows:

Health risks

It is potentially harmful to health. Immediate effects may include dizziness, a ‘high’ feeling, headache, and loss of balance. 

Frequent use can cause Vitamin B12 deficiency, numbness, muscle weakness and cognitive problems in the long run.

Social impact

It is widely used in youth party culture and can lead to negative perceptions in communities. 

The chances of a mishap are high due to reckless activities under the influence of a drug.

Legal impact

Australian laws allow nangs to be intended for legal use, such as cream chargers for culinary use, but prohibit the use of nangs for supplying and selling for recreational purposes to people under the age of 18.

The intent behind the sales determines the legality of nangs, as the laws suggest. Western Australia has introduced new laws to crack down misuse of nitrous oxide by young people by limiting the size of canisters and restricting sales within a stipulated time.

Uses of Nangs

Nangs, due to their versatility, have found several applications for culinary, medical, or industrial uses. Let’s see some of them below:

Culinary use

Nitrous oxide creates a light and fluffy texture for desserts, coffees, and pastries by whipping cream quickly. Bakeries make use of these small cartridges by inserting them into a cream dispenser, releasing gas into liquid cream to create whipped cream.

Medical use

Providing pain relief and sedation properties, it is used in minor dental surgery and childbirth procedures, giving sudden relief. However, medical-grade gas is supplied in controlled environments, not via nang canisters.

Industrial use

Used in certain industrial applications and in automotive performance systems to boost engine power. But instead of small kitchen canisters, large, high-capacity cylinders containing a large volume of N20 are used. 

Recreational use

Inhaled as a recreational drug, it provides a short-term high where the individual bursts into laughter, and starts feeling dizzy and shaky. It is not advisable to use due to adverse health effects and probably misuse in the long term, along with also being illegal.

Conclusion

Recently, Adelaide has seen a surge of sales in nangs. It's important to understand that, though harmless, improper use can lead to significant damage. As awareness increases, it becomes important to balance accessibility for genuine use with responsible regulation, ensuring safety while preventing misuse in society.

Wondering where to get nangs in Adelaide? You can now get it easily from our website, offering a broad inventory of nangs.

With easy and quick nangs delivery, you can get nangs right to your doorstep.We also have availability for extensive cake decorating and pastry supplies at the best price, and our brand Nangs Adelaide is a well-trusted name in the Australian market as well!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are nangs?

Nangs are small metal canisters filled with nitrous oxide (N₂O) for use in whipped cream dispensers, but are also known for their recreational misuse.

2. What are nangs used for?

Primarily, nangs are used in the food industry to whip cream quickly and efficiently using a cream charger and dispenser. 

3. Are nangs the same as cream charges?

Yes, nangs and cream chargers refer to the same product. ‘cream charger’ is the official term used commercially, while ‘nangs’ is a slang term.

4. Why are nangs popular in Australia?

Nangs are popular in Australia due to easy availability, low cost, quick and long-lasting effects in bakeries and restaurants.