What Is Black Pudding Made Of? Ingredients, Taste & How to Serve It
, by Scottish Store & Deli, 3 min reading time
A straightforward guide to black pudding ingredients, flavour, texture and traditional ways to serve it as part of a Scottish breakfast or meal.
Black pudding is a traditional savoury pudding made from blood, fat, cereal and seasoning. Recipes vary across Britain and Ireland, and individual producers guard their own blend of grains, spices and proportions, but the finished result is usually sliced and cooked until the outside is browned.
Scottish Store & Deli stocks a range of black pudding, including traditional Scottish options for breakfast, cooking and entertaining.
What is black pudding made of?
The basic components are typically blood, fat or suet, a cereal such as oatmeal or another grain, onion in some recipes, salt and spices. The exact ingredients differ by producer, so always check the individual product page if you need allergen, gluten or dietary information.
Why is it called black pudding?
The name describes the dark colour of the cooked product. “Pudding” in this context does not mean a sweet dessert; it is an older use of the word for a seasoned mixture prepared in a casing or mould.
What does black pudding taste like?
Good black pudding is savoury, earthy and well seasoned. Oatmeal or other cereal gives it body, while the browned edges add texture when it is fried or grilled. Spice levels vary from mild to peppery depending on the recipe.
How is black pudding eaten in Scotland?
It is best known as part of the full Scottish breakfast, served with sausage, bacon, eggs and tattie scones. But it is far more versatile than a breakfast-only ingredient. It can be paired with scallops, crumbled into stuffing, added to potato dishes or used to bring depth to savoury recipes.
For a complete breakfast order, see our Breakfast Essentials.
Black pudding vs white pudding
The key difference is that black pudding contains blood, while white pudding does not. White pudding is generally made with fat, cereal and seasoning, sometimes with meat depending on the producer. We cover the comparison in more detail in a separate guide.
Is all black pudding the same?
No. Texture, grain, seasoning and fat content vary considerably. Stornoway Black Pudding is a distinctive protected regional style associated with the Isle of Lewis, while other Scottish and UK black puddings have their own recipes and traditions.
How do you cook black pudding?
Many black puddings are supplied already cooked and only need reheating and browning, but this varies. Follow the product instructions. Pan-frying, grilling and air frying are all popular because they create a crisp outside while keeping the centre tender.
Where can I buy black pudding online?
Browse the Scottish Store black pudding collection for current options. We also have a wider Traditional Scottish Puddings collection covering black, white and fruit pudding.
Frequently asked questions
Does black pudding always contain blood?
Traditional black pudding does. If a product does not contain blood, it would normally be described as a different style of pudding.
Is black pudding gluten free?
Not automatically. Many recipes use oats or other cereals, and cross-contamination can matter. Check the specific product label.
Can you freeze black pudding?
Many products can be frozen, but check the pack first and do not refreeze a product that was previously frozen unless the manufacturer says it is safe to do so.