What Is Red Pudding? Scotland’s Chip-Shop Favourite Explained
, by Scottish Store & Deli, 2 min reading time
A guide to Scottish red pudding: what it is, what it is made from, how it is served and why it remains a regional chip-shop favourite.
Red pudding is a traditional savoury pudding associated particularly with Scottish chip shops and butcher counters. It is usually sold as a sausage-shaped product, sliced or served as a whole portion, and can be fried or battered depending on local style.
Scottish Store & Deli stocks Jumbo Red Pudding for customers who want to enjoy this regional favourite at home.
What is red pudding?
Red pudding belongs to the same broad family of savoury puddings as black and white pudding, but it has its own seasoning, colour and texture. Recipes vary by producer, and that variation is important: there is no single universal ingredient list for every red pudding.
What is red pudding made of?
Depending on the maker, red pudding can contain seasoned meat, fat, cereal or rusk, spices and other ingredients bound together in a casing. For exact ingredients, allergens and dietary information, always use the product label rather than assuming one recipe applies to all brands.
Why is it called red pudding?
The name refers to its characteristic reddish colour. The exact shade comes from the recipe and seasoning used by the producer.
How is red pudding served in Scotland?
It is strongly associated with the chip shop, where it can be served battered and fried with chips. It can also be cooked at home and served as part of a savoury meal.
Red pudding vs black pudding
Black pudding is defined by the use of blood and has a dark colour and distinctive rich flavour. Red pudding is a different seasoned savoury pudding and does not follow the same recipe. Texture and spice levels also differ.
Red pudding vs white pudding
White pudding is usually pale and based around cereal, fat and seasoning, while red pudding has a different meat-and-seasoning profile and its characteristic colour. Again, exact recipes vary by producer.
Where can I buy red pudding?
Order our Jumbo Red Pudding online, or explore our wider Traditional Scottish Puddings range.
Frequently asked questions
Is red pudding Scottish?
It is strongly associated with Scottish regional food culture, particularly chip shops in parts of the country.
Is red pudding sweet?
No. It is a savoury product despite the word “pudding”.
How should red pudding be cooked?
Follow the product instructions. Preparation can vary depending on whether it is being fried, battered or reheated in another way.