Puddingthick

Puddingthick is a culinary descriptor used to characterize a texture that is notably thick, smooth, and cohesive, similar to pudding but with greater body. The term often implies a product or preparation that can hold its shape when spooned or plated, while still offering a silky mouthfeel.

Etymology: The term combines "pudding," a broad class of soft desserts, with "thick." It appears chiefly in English-language contexts and has gained informal usage in online food communities, blogs, and recipe discussions in the 21st century.

Characteristics: A puddingthick item typically exhibits a viscosity that is comfortable to scoop and stable when cooled, yet remains spoonable. The texture may be achieved through stabilizers, fats, or cooking methods that produce a dense, unified mass rather than a loose or runny consistency.

Applications: Puddingthick is used in recipe descriptions, product labels, and menu notes to convey texture expectations. It can describe desserts such as custards, puddings, mousse-like fillings, or thick sauces, as well as dairy products like yogurt or yogurt-based desserts where a firm body is desired.

Criticism and usage: As a nonstandard term, puddingthick is subjective and without precise measurement. Different cultures and brands may interpret it differently, and cooks may prefer more objective terms such as "set," "firm," or "creamy."