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Pudding

Pudding is a broad food term that can refer to a dessert or, in some traditions, a savoury dish.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pudding is a broad food term that can refer to a dessert or, in some traditions, a savoury dish. In North American English, it usually means a sweet, milk-based dessert thickened with starch or similar ingredients, while in British English it can also mean any dessert course.

Meaning by region

In North American English, pudding usually means a sweet, creamy dessert. In British English, it is often a general word for dessert, though it can also refer to specific hot sweet dishes or savoury preparations.

Ingredients and texture

Puddings are commonly made with milk, sugar, eggs, flour, rice, tapioca, or other starches. Their defining feature is a soft, thick, or creamy texture.

Preparation styles

Depending on the type, pudding may be cooked on the stove, baked, steamed, or boiled. Traditional British-style puddings often differ from the chilled, spoonable desserts common in North America.

Savoury uses

Some dishes called puddings are savoury rather than sweet. Historical and regional examples include steamed or boiled dishes made with meat, suet, or other non-sweet ingredients.

Key facts

  • The word "pudding" has different meanings in different English-speaking regions.
  • In the United States and Canada, it usually refers to a sweet, custard-like dessert.
  • In Britain, "pudding" can mean dessert in general, not only a specific dish.
  • Some traditional puddings are cooked by boiling or steaming rather than baking.
  • Pudding can also refer to savoury dishes in some culinary traditions.
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Canadian context

In Canadian English, pudding commonly refers to the North American-style sweet, custard-like dessert, though British usage is also understood in some contexts.

Frequently asked questions

What is pudding?
Pudding is a food term that can mean a dessert or, in some cases, a savoury dish. In North America it usually means a sweet, creamy dessert.
What does pudding mean in Britain?
In Britain, pudding often means dessert in general. It can also refer to specific hot sweet dishes or some savoury dishes.
What is American-style pudding made of?
It is usually made from milk, sugar, flavouring, and a thickener such as cornstarch, eggs, flour, or gelatin.
Is pudding always sweet?
No. While it is often sweet, the term also applies to savoury dishes in some culinary traditions.
How is pudding different from custard?
Both can be soft and creamy, but pudding is typically thickened with starch as well as or instead of eggs, while custard is usually egg-thickened.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pudding
    Supports: General definition of pudding as a food term, regional meanings, and mention of savoury uses.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/pudding
    Supports: Definition of pudding, common textures, and North American vs British usage.
  3. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pudding
    Supports: Dictionary definitions covering dessert, soft food, and British dessert usage.
  4. Oxford Learner's Dictionaries — https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/pudding
    Supports: British and North American senses, including dessert and hot sweet or savoury dishes.