In the United States and some parts of Canada,
pudding
characteristically denotes a sweet milk-based dessert similar in
consistency to egg-based custards, instant custards or a mousse, often
commercially set using cornstarch, gelatin or similar coagulating agent
such as the Jell-O brand line of products. In Commonwealth countries
these foods are known as custards (or curds) if they are egg-thickened,
blancmange if starch-thickened, and jelly if gelatin-based. Pudding may
also refer to other dishes such as bread pudding and rice pudding in
North America, although typically these names derive from their origin
as British dishes.