Here in the UK, we've been lovers of custard for a long time, enjoying it with dessert after Sunday dinner, in a sherry trifle at Christmas or made into indulgent treats like custard tarts and slices. The perfect comfort food, it can be eaten hot or cold and there are even a fair few vegan and gluten-free options available in supermarkets nowadays too.
We've put together this guide complete with our top ten including both instant powders and products that are ready to eat, available to buy from Tesco, ASDA, Waitrose and Amazon. Whether you're craving a spoonful of classic English egg custard or you'd like to sample other flavours such as vanilla or Belgian chocolate – our picks are the cream of the crop!
Quick List - Top Custards
Waitrose
Luxuriously Creamy With West Country Cream and Madagascan Vanilla
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Table of Contents
There are lots of custard products available to online shoppers these days, which can make it hard to decide which one to choose. In this guide, we'll help you to identify what makes the tastiest treat, considering flavour options, dietary needs and more.
When you think of custard, the classic sunny colour and creamy taste created from sugar and eggs is probably what comes to mind. But there are actually a few different flavours available these days and some which veer away slightly from the traditional family favourite.
The most popular flavour besides the "original" is vanilla, which can feature either a subtle hint of the flavouring or a custard speckled with vanilla seeds. Perfect if you love custard but fancy adding an extra element of interest to your dessert or baking recipe.
Chocolate, banana and strawberry are all fun options that might just remind you of your school days (for better or worse), and kids are sure to adore them. For something more decadent, consider opting for custard made with Belgian chocolate, which is utterly delicious by itself but may not pair as well with classic puds.
There are a few different types of custard products, which can be prepared in various ways. In this section, we will go through the pros and cons of each.
Is custard a regular go-to for dessert in your house? Opt for a powder, which can be stored in the cupboard for a long time. Tins of custard have similar storability, but they're best used in one go as they can't be resealed once opened. Both powders and tins are cheap, good value options ideal for feeding plenty or making puddings like trifles.
If nothing but the poshest stuff will do for your dinner party, consider a large pot of fresh custard. Resealable cartons of ready-made custard are also great for dessert-for-one or small groups as they can be stored in the fridge for next time.
Looking for tasty treats or easy desserts that are a bit more exciting than a yoghurt? Small, individual pots of custard make great snacks, and buying them in multipacks can be great value for the whole family.
As well as the product type, you should also consider how much preparation you're willing to do. Powder is cheap and storable, yes, but it does require some prep. "Instant" powder can be made just by adding hot water and whisking, but many should be heated on the hob with milk and sugar for a creamy taste.
Aside from powders, most other custard products are ready to eat or can simply be heated up in a couple of minutes on the hob or in the microwave. This makes for a super convenient way to enjoy your favourite creamy dessert whenever you fancy, as well as when you're making a recipe that has lots of other components to it.
Custard sure is tasty, but it isn't always the healthiest choice ever. Often made from whole milk, cream, sugar and egg yolk, it can be high in saturated fat, sugar and calories – so, like most sweets and desserts, it's best eaten in moderation.
If you're trying to be especially mindful, you may want to check the nutritional information of your chosen product, as custard can vary in how much of the above it contains. Too much saturated fat and sugar can be detrimental to our health; to help you stay on track, follow the guidelines set out by the NHS.
Containing both egg yolk and dairy products, custard is not traditionally suitable for vegans or those on a lactose-free diet. Custard mixtures, particularly instant powders, can also sometimes contain traces of grains, making them unsuitable for coeliacs or those following a gluten-free lifestyle.
But luckily, times are changing and there are now plenty of delicious alternatives available for vegans and those on a lactose-free or gluten-free diet. Choose from oat, coconut and soy-based custards for the perfect plant-based dessert. Many of these alternatives will also be gluten-free, but always check the packaging to make sure.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Waitrose No.1 Madagascan Vanilla Custard | ![]() | Luxuriously Creamy With West Country Cream and Madagascan Vanilla | |
2 | Ambrosia Devon Custard | ![]() | Little Pots of Custard Joy | |
3 | Bird's Custard Powder | ![]() | Easy to Prepare for That Classic, Homemade Taste | |
4 | Ambrosia Strawberry Flavour Devon Custard | ![]() | A Family Favourite Made in a Devon Creamery | |
5 | Essential Waitrose Custard | ![]() | Perfect for Puds and Made With British Milk and Cream | |
6 | Oatly Whippable Vanilla Custard | ![]() | Oat-Based Treat for Lovers of Cold Custard | |
7 | Ambrosia Chocolate Flavour Devon Custard | ![]() | Creamy, Chocolatey and Surprisingly Low in Calories | |
8 | Alpro Dairy Free Vanilla Custard | ![]() | A Plant-Based Staple With Added Calcium and Vitamins | |
9 | Judes Belgian Chocolate Custard | ![]() | Real Belgian Chocolate Adds an Exciting New Flavour | |
10 | Aunt Bessie's Instant Custard | ![]() | Just Add Hot Water for a Smooth and Tasty Custard |
For our number one spot, boy do we have a sweet treat for you! Made with West Country milk and cream, free-range egg yolk and Madagascan vanilla extract, it doesn't get any better than this sumptuous offering from Waitrose's No.1 range.
Ridiculously rich, thick and creamy, it is speckled with vanilla seeds for a truly luxurious dessert option. In fact, it's so delicious you don't even need to pair it with dessert at all. But don't just take our word for it, just check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews on Waitrose if you need convincing any further!
Custard doesn't always have to be heated up and poured onto something else, and if you love the idea of having it as a dessert pot, then Ambrosia's classic 4-pack might be right up your street. Simply peel back the lid and eat cold whenever you fancy or pop in the microwave for the authentic experience!
These pots are ideal if you have kids or simply don't have the time to make custard from scratch and make a lovely after-school or after-dinner sweet. As always with Ambrosia products, this custard is made from West Country milk, for creaminess you won't be able to get enough of.
Fresh custard is great but if you want to take it back to basics for something classic, convenient and cupboard-worthy, Bird's is still the best choice. Simply heat the mixture on the hob or in the microwave with your choice of milk and sugar – it's actually vegan if plant-based milk is used.
Buying a custard powder in a resealable container works out to be great value for money, and Bird's have the secret formula to fabulous homemade-tasting custard. A great benefit of this product is the ability to alter the recipe to suit your preferences.
Ambrosia are at it again with their famous Devon custards, and we love their strawberry flavour option. Kids and nostalgic adults alike will love this creamy, delicious strawberry custard which goes well with classic cakes like Victoria sponges.
Packaged in a tin, it can be kept in your kitchen cupboard for when that custard craving hits and, while available in snack pots too, this version is a lot cheaper. Tasty and bargainous, you can't go far wrong with this one!
Waitrose are the masters of indulgent dessert and they've come through again with their Essential range custard. Coming in a large plastic tub, it's an excellent option for serving dessert to the whole family or just for those who really love fresh custard!
Made from British milk and cream, it's luxuriously rich without breaking the bank. And while it has a dreamy texture and taste, it doesn't go too overboard on the sweetness, making it the perfect partner for a syrupy pudding, chocolate cake or crumble.
Oatly seem to be taking over the world when it comes to alternatives to milk and dessert products and with this whippable vanilla custard, it's not hard to see why! Aside from the appealing packaging, what's inside is extremely delicious too, whether you serve it with pudding or just by itself.
Made from a base of oats, this custard is not gluten-free but packed with vitamins and minerals for a nutritious custard option that tastes just like the original. The instructions advise serving cold rather than heating up though, which may be a slight disappointment to some.
Our list wouldn't be complete without offerings from Ambrosia, and their chocolate flavoured Devon custard is delish. Made with 100% natural flavours and without colours or preservatives, you can rely on it being a classic, hearty custard for the whole family.
This particular product comes in a small, single-serve pot that can be eaten cold or microwaved for an easy, 150-cal snack or dessert. It's totally tasty and convenient, but it doesn't offer the best value for money if buying for bigger households.
Alpro has been creating dairy and lactose-free alternatives for years and their vanilla custard is a great supermarket bargain for vegans and those avoiding lactose. Coming in a convenient carton with a screw lid, you can keep it in the fridge for next time if it doesn't get eaten.
It's also lower in calories than many dairy custards, a source of protein and contains calcium and vitamins B2, B12 and D. Though this reliable alternative has been a dairy-free dessert saviour for years, it's not the most exciting option on offer nowadays.
Founded in 2002, Jude's have been creating ice creams and puddings with a focus on great British ingredients and sustainability. One of their new and exciting flavours is this Belgian chocolate custard, which is rich, creamy and perfect for chocoholics!
This UK-based company aims to be a "force for good" and has registered B Corp status as well as being carbon negative. When it comes to the custard, this chocolate option is divine but it may be a little too rich if paired with a dessert too.
Sometimes all you need is a quick and simple custard powder, and Aunt Bessie's instant variety is just the ticket. Great for when you're serving up dessert to the whole family, just add boiling water for a smooth and traditional custard that doesn't even require you to have any milk in.
This custard powder is easy to store away in the cupboard and the fact that it doesn't need to be cooked on the hob is a real bonus. However, while a bargain, this custard isn't quite as creamy and does taste a little basic compared to other options.
If you've got a sweet tooth and you're looking for more mouth-watering ideas for after dinner, take a look at our related articles. Including tasty trifles, delicious dessert pots and decadent ice creams, you'll want to sample them all.
So there you have it – our recommendations for the best custards out there for all tastes and dietary needs. Pair with cake, sticky toffee pudding or baked rhubarb for a quintessentially English sweet (and tart), treat. Yum!
Author: Melanie McPhail
No. 1: Waitrose|No.1 Madagascan Vanilla Custard
No. 2: Ambrosia|Devon Custard
No. 3: Bird's|Custard Powder
No. 4: Ambrosia|Strawberry Flavour Devon Custard
No. 5: Essential Waitrose|Custard
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