Butterscotch

Butterscotch is a confection made from brown sugar and butter, often with golden syrup or corn syrup. The mixture is heated until it reaches the hard-crack stage, then cooled and typically broken into pieces. Its distinctive caramel-like flavour and aroma come from the caramelisation of the sugars and the richness of the butter.

Butterscotch is primarily used as a flavouring agent and a sweetening component in a wide variety of confectionery and baked goods. It provides a rich, buttery, and caramel-like taste and aroma, enhancing the overall sensory experience of products like biscuits, chocolates, ice creams, and desserts. It can also be used as a topping or sauce.

Butterscotch itself is not a regulated food additive and does not have an E-number. Its primary health implications relate to its high sugar and fat content, typical of confectionery. The UK's Eatwell Guide advises limiting foods high in sugar and fat. High consumption of sugar is linked by health bodies like the WHO to increased risk of weight gain and dental caries.