If you’ve grown up in Scotland then the chances are that you see Scottish tablet as the sweet treat comfort food that has the power to fix all frowns. In fact, even if you haven’t grown up in Scotland but you’re lucky enough to have a Scottish granny, the chances are you feel the same way.
We realised that we don’t actually know that much about the origins of tablet though, so we decided to do some digging on your behalf. And some sampling too, obviously.
What is Scottish tablet?
Some people will try to tell you that tablet is a form of fudge. However, proper tablet aficionados (and we have been doing a lot of sampling) will tell you that there is a clear difference in texture between tablet and fudge. Fudge tends to be softer, while tablet has a grainier and more brittle texture. We realised that ‘grainier’ and ‘more brittle’ don’t usually sound like positives but in this case they most definitely are!
Tablet is usually made with condensed milk, butter and sugar. James Morton has a delicious recipe for tablet on our website.
What are the origins of tablet?
While we can’t be sure exactly when tablet was first produced in Scotland and who came up with the recipe, evidence does suggest that it goes back to at least the early 1700s. A book from this time, The Household Book of Lady Grisell Baillie mentions it, though at this time the recipe used sugar and cream.
Of course, since then, tablet has gone on to be immortalised by another Scottish culinary ‘influencer’, Maw Broon!
Is tablet made anywhere else outside of Scotland?
You may occasionally hear of tablet being called ‘Swiss Milk tablet’ but don’t worry – this doesn’t mean that tablet’s origins lie closer to The Alps. The ‘Swiss Milk’ part refers to a name that condensed milk is sometimes known by.
However, there are some recipes close to tablet that are traditional to other countries. Sucre à la crème is a popular sweet creation in Quebec, Canada. However, it does tend to be produced using cream and brown sugar rather than condensed milk and white sugar.
Latin America also has a version of tablet, Dulce de Leche en Tabla, while in the Netherlands there’s something close to it called Borstplaat. The latter can also be made using water rather than cream or condensed milk though – something that sounds like heresy to us at the dairy!
Making your own tablet
However you enjoy your tablet – and whether you keep it simple or add a nip of whisky or a sprinkling of nuts to it – we think you’ll find that our butter makes for a perfect batch.
We love tablet so much, we even decided to add it to our award-winning ice-cream range. Our Scottish Tablet and Vanilla ice-cream can be found in Tesco, Asda and Scotmid throughout Scotland and it’s delicious!
FAQs
Some people will try to tell you that tablet is a form of fudge. However, proper tablet aficionados (and we have been doing a lot of sampling) will tell you that there is a clear difference in texture between tablet and fudge. Fudge tends to be softer, while tablet has a grainier and more brittle texture.
Does Scottish tablet contain milk? ›
Ingredients: Scottish tablet is typically made with sugar, condensed milk, butter, and sometimes vanilla extract. Scottish fudge, on the other hand, often contains sugar, butter, cream, and milk, and may also include flavours such as chocolate or nuts.
What is the history of Scottish tablet? ›
Scottish tablet is a centuries old recipe, and has stood the test of time due to its simple and inexpensive ingredients. Historians believe that the first tablet recipe was published in the 1700, although at this time, tablet was made with sugar and cream!
What is the difference between fudge and Scottish tablet? ›
There are two main differences the first is the sugar:fat ratios. Scottish Tablet is higher in sugar and Fudge is higher in fat. The second difference is the temperature they are cooked to. Fudge doesn't need to be cooked to as high a temperature as Scottish Tablet.
What is the difference between Sucre a la creme and Scottish tablet? ›
Tablet is made of sweetened condensed milk, butter, and sugar, and is thinner, grainier, and more crumbly than fudge. Sucre à la crème leans on heavy cream for fat and is traditionally made with maple syrup or sugar.
What are the allergens in Scottish tablets? ›
Please Note : Allergens are present on premises (including DAIRY, PEANUTS, GLUTEN and SOYA), therefore we are unable to 100% guarantee "free from" items. Ingredients are correct at time of printing, based upon manufacturer's / supplier's guidelines.
Is tablet dairy free? ›
Medications. Some tablets contain very small amounts of lactose. Do not worry unless you take lots of tablets.
When should I eat Scottish tablet? ›
Also known as Scots tablet or Swiss Milk tablet, it is best enjoyed after dinner and is often seen at Scottish weddings or other celebratory dinners.
What does a Scottish tablet taste like? ›
A first glance you would be forgiven for assuming it is fudge but when you bite into a piece it instantly becomes clear that this is no fudge! With a gritty, melt-in-the-mouth texture and so sweet it makes your teeth ache; it really is quite unique.
Why is my Scottish tablet grainy? ›
The best Scottish Tablet should be smooth and melt in your mouth. A grainy texture normally means that your sugar has melted too quickly.
How long does Scottish Tablet Keep? Tablet is over 50% sugar and because sugar is a natural preservative, it means that if it is kept in an airtight tin and stored at room temperature, it can last for around 10 days. If you keep it in the fridge, however, it can keep for a few weeks!
What is the shelf life of Scottish tablet? ›
Product Shelf LifeThis Tablet product comes with a minimum of 5 weeks shelf life and a maximum of 8 weeks.
Why is my Scottish tablet not hardening? ›
Why Is My Scottish Tablet Not Setting? If your Scottish tablet isn't setting up, the reason likely has to do with temperature. The mixture must be brought up to a full boil for five minutes and reach 250 F before simmering.
Why is it called a Scottish tablet? ›
Tablet is occasionally referred to as Scottish or Scots tablet or as Swiss Milk tablet, since some people call condensed milk “Swiss Milk”. For most Scots, tablet is their favourite sweet, especially when home-made.
What are traditional Scottish sweets? ›
View Range DELICIOUS SCOTTISH SWEETS Include: Boiled Sweets, Caramels, Chocolate Creams, Liquorice, Retro Sweets, Rock, Soft Creams & Soft Rock and Toffee.
How do you eat Scottish fudge? ›
Since fudge is a sweet and indulgent treat, it can be a great way to end a meal on a high note. To serve Scottish fudge as a dessert, you can either serve it on its own or pair it with other dessert elements such as ice cream, whipped cream, or fruit.
Does tablet contain milk? ›
Lactose in medicines
Lactose is widely used in tablets and capsules where it acts as a diluent or filler. It may also be found in dry powder inhalers, lyophilized products, sugar coating solutions and some liquid preparations.
What ingredients used in a tablet? ›
A wide variety of binders may be used: some common ones are lactose, dibasic calcium phosphate, sucrose, corn (maize) starch, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone polyvinylpyrrolidone and modified cellulose (for example, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose).
What flavour is Scottish tablet? ›
Traditional Scottish tablet is a sweet confectionery made with butter, sugar, and condensed milk, cooked to a caramelised consistency. It has a crumbly and creamy texture with a sweet, buttery flavour – similar to fudge but with a more firm and grainy texture.
