10 Best Custards UK | Ambrosia Oatly and More

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.