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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Black pudding

Black pudding is a type of blood sausage associated with the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Black pudding is a type of blood sausage popular in British and Irish cuisine. It is typically made from pig's blood, fat, and oatmeal or barley, and often served fried as part of a breakfast.

What it is

Black pudding is a blood sausage, primarily made from pig's blood, fat or suet, and a cereal grain such as oatmeal or barley. Onions and spices are often added for flavour. The mixture is stuffed into a casing and cooked, then sliced and typically fried or grilled before eating.

How it's eaten

Black pudding is strongly associated with cooked breakfasts in Britain and Ireland, including the full English and full Irish breakfast. It is also used in other dishes such as starters and salads, always cooked before serving.

What it's called in Canada

In Canada, the term 'blood sausage' is more commonly used than 'black pudding' in general dictionaries and reference sources. While black pudding is still understood, especially in the context of British-style cuisine, blood sausage is the preferred local term.

In short

  • Made with blood, fat, and grain such as oatmeal or barley
  • Associated with British and Irish breakfast dishes
  • Often fried or grilled before serving
  • In Canada, commonly called blood sausage
Canadian angle

In Canada, the term 'blood sausage' is more commonly used than 'black pudding' in general dictionaries and reference sources. [5][9][12]

Quick questions

What is black pudding?
Black pudding is a blood sausage made from animal blood, fat, and grain, especially associated with British and Irish cuisine.
How is black pudding usually eaten?
It is commonly sliced and fried or grilled, and is often served as part of a cooked breakfast.
Is black pudding the same as blood sausage?
Yes. In many sources, black pudding is used as another name for blood sausage, especially in British usage.

Sources

  1. Cambridge Dictionaryhttps://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/black-pudding
    Supports: Definition as a dark sausage made from pig's blood, fat, and grain.
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_pudding
    Supports: Origin in the United Kingdom and Ireland; ingredients and cereal binder.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/topic/black-pudding
    Supports: Description, typical ingredients, and use as a breakfast food.
  4. The Spruce Eatshttps://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-black-pudding-435409
    Supports: Common ingredients, regional names, and historical context.
  5. Dictionary.comhttps://www.dictionary.com/browse/black-pudding
    Supports: Usual U.S. and Canadian name as blood sausage.
  6. BBC Good Foodhttps://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/all-you-need-know-about-black-pudding
    Supports: Ingredients, preparation methods, and serving styles.
  7. Merriam-Websterhttps://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20pudding
    Supports: Chiefly British use meaning blood sausage.
  8. Oxford Learner's Dictionarieshttps://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/black-pudding
    Supports: British and North American naming and ingredient description.