National Vanilla Pudding Day is a celebration of on of America's favourite dessert. Pudding is a sweetened milk mixture thickened with cornstarch, then cooked. It's very similar to custard but with one key difference. Pudding has no eggs in it.

National Vanilla Pudding Day is celebrated every year on May 22nd.

In 1837 Alfred Bird invented custard powder while trying to create an egg-free dessert for his wife, who was allergic to eggs. According to John Carey’s book “Eyewitness to Science,” the dessert was originally intended only for his wife and the Birds used genuine custard when entertaining guests. However, on one occasion the egg-free custard was fed to dinner guests. It was well received, and Alfred Bird realized that his invention had a wider use. Thus, pudding became a widespread delicacy. The origins of the holiday are still unknown but can most likely be attributed to the popularity of the dessert.