Hosts serving a group
Compare the number of guests with the amount you plan to serve. The classic single-variety packets listed by Tesco, Asda and Morrisons range from 200g to 400g.
Who is choosing the biscuits?
Hosts offering a biscuit selection
A mixed pack puts custard creams alongside other varieties. Check the varieties before using its total weight to plan how many custard creams to serve.
Hosts accommodating dietary needs
Standard packets and separately labelled free-from biscuits are distinct products. Keep each pack available so guests can check its ingredients and precautionary allergen information.
What should you check before buying?
Decide whether guests want mainly custard creams or a selection, then compare the relevant pack details and check any dietary requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Compare weights for single-variety packs. For portion planning, use the chosen pack’s own measure: Tesco lists a typical 26 biscuits for Crawford’s 300g pack, while Sainsbury’s lists approximately 16 servings for its 200g pack. A biscuit count and a serving count are not interchangeable. | I’m serving several guests and want to work out how many packets to open, rather than assuming a pack weight tells me the biscuit count. |
| Biscuit selection | Check the named varieties in an assortment. Asda’s 550g Bunch of Biccies contains custard creams, malted milk and shortcake; 550g is the weight of all three varieties together. | If guests expect custard creams specifically, I’d choose a single-variety pack. If they want a choice, a mixed pack may suit the table. |
| Ingredients | Read the supplied pack’s ingredients and precautionary allergen information. Tesco and Asda list wheat and milk in their standard custard creams; separately labelled free-from packs have different recipes and must be checked individually. | Someone may need to avoid particular ingredients, so I want them to be able to identify their biscuit and inspect its packaging. |
| Storage | Follow the chosen packet’s instructions. Tesco, Asda and Crawford’s listings specify cool, dry storage and an airtight container after opening. | I may open biscuits before guests arrive or have some left afterwards, so I need a way to store the opened pack as directed. |
What can catch you out?
-
Counting a mixed pack as custard creams only
Asda’s 550g Bunch of Biccies contains three varieties, so its total weight does not tell you how many custard creams are inside.
If custard creams are the main reason for buying, choose a single-variety packet or check the assortment’s breakdown before planning portions.
-
Assuming every packet has the same allergen information
The standard Tesco and Asda custard creams list wheat and milk, while their precautionary statements differ. Asda’s mixed assortment also lists barley and soya among its allergens.
Keep the supplied packaging and check each product’s ingredients and precautionary information before serving it to a guest with a dietary requirement.
-
Opening the sharing packet too early
Tesco, Asda and Crawford’s give storage instructions for biscuits after opening.
Put out what you need and store the rest according to the packet; their listings call for an airtight container after opening.
Brand and pack references
These examples describe particular listed packets, not every biscuit sold under each brand.
Tesco
Tesco Groceries lists a 400g single-variety custard cream packet.
- The listing provides per-biscuit nutrition and storage instructions.
- Its ingredients include wheat and milk, and it carries a may-contain-sesame warning.
Asda
ASDA Groceries lists a 400g classic packet, a 550g three-variety assortment and a separate 125g free-from packet.
- Asda suggests 34 servings for the 400g classic pack; this is its serving measure, not a biscuit count.
- The assortment is not wholly custard creams. Check each distinct pack’s ingredients rather than applying one pack’s labelling to another.
Crawford’s
Tesco Groceries lists a Crawford’s 300g custard cream packet with a typical count of 26 biscuits.
- The stated biscuit count can help with portion planning.
- The listed ingredients include wheat and milk. Check the current listing if you plan to order this particular pack.
McVitie’s
Morrisons lists McVitie’s Tasties custard creams in a 300g packet.
- The product description identifies a custard-flavoured filling between biscuits.
- Morrisons lists wheat and milk and a possible sesame presence for this product.
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s lists a 200g classic packet and a separately labelled 125g free-from packet.
- The classic listing states approximately 16 servings.
- The classic product lists wheat and milk and carries a barley-allergy warning relating to manufacturing methods. Its free-from packet is a different recipe and size.
M&S
Ocado lists M&S Extra Cream custard creams in a 165g packet.
- The listing states 12 biscuits, which gives a count for planning a smaller quantity.
- Its ingredients include wheat, milk and soya; check this pack’s label against guests’ requirements.
Joybuy product options
This smaller gluten-free custard cream packet is an option to consider separately from a classic sharing pack. Check its supplied label against the needs of the guest it is intended for.
No image available
Schar Gluten Free Custard Creams 125g
A 125g gluten-free custard cream packet for a separate biscuit option, rather than the main supply for a larger group. Check the supplied pack’s full ingredients and allergen information for any requirements beyond gluten.
Questions about serving custard creams
How many packets should I set out?
Decide how many biscuits you plan to offer per guest, then use the chosen packet’s stated biscuit count or serving information. Tesco lists a typical 26 biscuits for Crawford’s 300g pack, whereas Sainsbury’s lists approximately 16 servings for its 200g pack; those measures are not interchangeable.
How should I store custard creams at an outdoor gathering?
Keep them dry and follow the supplied packet’s storage instructions. Tesco, Asda and Crawford’s listings specify cool, dry storage and an airtight container after opening.
Does a mixed sharing pack contain only custard creams?
No: Asda’s 550g Bunch of Biccies also contains malted milk and shortcake. Check the varieties rather than counting all 550g as custard creams.
What if a guest needs to avoid milk or gluten?
Check a separately labelled product against that guest’s requirements rather than assuming a standard custard cream is suitable. The listed standard Tesco and Asda recipes contain wheat and milk; Asda and Sainsbury’s also list distinct 125g products labelled free from gluten and milk. Check the actual packet’s ingredients and precautionary information before serving.