Who is choosing?

Low-fat and lower-sugar label comparers

If both figures matter to you, compare the nutrition information per 100g. A reduced-fat description does not tell you the sugars figure.

Infrequent second-home visitors

Look for a pack you can finish during a short visit, and read its storage instructions for both before and after opening.

Value-focused multi-serving stockers

If several people will have custard during one stay, a larger pack may be useful—but only if you can use it within its stated post-opening period.

What matters when buying?

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Fat and sugars together Compare fat, saturates and sugars per 100g; check what a reduction claim is compared with. I want to choose by both fat and sugars, not assume that a low-fat claim covers both. About 33% of consumers put this combined label check first.
A ready-to-serve tin Confirm that the pack is a can, then check its net weight; cartons, pots and powders are different formats. If cupboard organisation calls for a tin, a carton would not meet that need even if its contents are ready to serve. A can is the primary requirement for about 25% of consumers.
Enough for several servings Check pack size and portions against what you expect to use during one visit. When family or guests will have custard together, I need enough without opening several packs. Group-sized portions come first for about 25% of consumers.
Avoiding leftovers Read the exact pack's after-opening storage instructions and consider a smaller portion. On a short visit, I would rather open only what I can finish than leave custard needing refrigeration. About 17% of consumers prioritise avoiding those leftovers.

What is easy to overlook?

  • Assuming low fat also means low sugar

    Lower-fat custards can have different sugars figures. ASDA Groceries lists 7.4g sugars per 100g for its Ambrosia Light can; the fat claim alone cannot tell you that figure.

    Read the fat, saturates and sugars lines per 100g on each product you are considering.

  • Ordering a carton when you need a tin

    Ready-to-serve reduced-fat custard is also sold in cartons. That does not satisfy a requirement for a metal can.

    Check the format and net weight in the listing before ordering, especially when similar names appear across pack types.

  • Planning cupboard storage after opening

    An unopened pack's storage instructions do not necessarily apply once it has been opened. Sainsbury's says its 500g Ready To Eat Lighter Custard must be refrigerated after opening and consumed within three days and by the date shown.

    Choose a size you expect to use during the visit and follow the instructions on the individual pack.

    An unfinished pack may need to be discarded if you leave before its stated post-opening period ends.

Brands and formats to consider

Ambrosia

Its Light range includes a ready-to-serve 400g can, as well as carton and portion-pot formats.

  • ASDA Groceries lists 2.0g fat and 7.4g sugars per 100g for the Ambrosia Light 400g can.
  • A 400g can still contains multiple portions, so check the pack's instructions for any custard left after opening.

Tesco

Tesco lists ready-to-serve Reduced Fat Custard in 500g and 1kg packs.

  • The two pack sizes give you a choice for different numbers of servings.
  • Check the format if you specifically need a tin rather than a ready-to-serve carton.

Sainsbury's

Its 500g Ready To Eat Lighter Custard is a ready-to-serve carton.

  • Sainsbury's describes this product as containing 50% less fat than its standard custard.
  • Sainsbury's instructs customers to refrigerate it after opening and consume it within three days and by the date shown.

Asda

ASDA lists a 500g 30% Less Fat Custard in a ready-to-serve carton format.

  • ASDA Groceries lists 1.4g fat per 100g for this product.
  • The same listing gives 12g sugars per 100g, so compare the nutrition lines that matter to you rather than relying on the fat description.

Bird's

Bird's offers a preparation-based alternative: Tesco lists its Original Custard Powder and an Instant Custard Low Fat triple pack.

  • A dry mix may appeal if you prefer to make custard when it is needed.
  • It requires preparation and is not a ready-to-serve tin; check the preparation directions when comparing the finished custard.

M&S

M&S lists Silky Smooth Custard made with whole milk.

  • This product should not be treated as a reduced-fat choice without a relevant claim and nutrition comparison on its own label.

Joybuy product selections

For second-home stocking, these selections offer a 400g Ambrosia Low Fat product and a larger 1kg Ambrosia Light product. If a tin is essential, confirm the pack format in the individual listing before ordering.

Ambrosia Low Fat Custard 400g

Ambrosia Low Fat Custard 400g

The 400g size may suit a shorter stay. If you specifically need a tin, confirm the pack format, nutrition per 100g and after-opening storage instructions in the listing.

View on Joybuy
Ambrosia Light Devon Custard 1kg

Ambrosia Light Devon Custard 1kg

The 1kg size is worth considering when several servings are needed during one visit. Check its pack format and whether you can finish it within the stated period after opening.

View on Joybuy

Common questions

Is low-fat custard always lower in sugar?

No. Compare both figures per 100g on the products you are choosing between. ASDA Groceries lists 2.0g fat and 7.4g sugars per 100g for its Ambrosia Light can; a different reduced-fat product needs its own label check.

Can I leave unopened custard at a second home?

Follow the storage conditions and date on the exact unopened pack. For an unheated property, check that the storage space meets those conditions rather than assuming that every ready-to-serve pack can be kept there.

How long can I keep custard after opening it?

Use the instructions on the individual pack. Sainsbury's says its 500g Ready To Eat Lighter Custard must be refrigerated after opening and consumed within three days and by the date shown; do not apply that period to every carton or tin.

Can I heat lighter ready-to-serve custard?

Check the heating directions on the exact pack before warming it. Being ready to serve does not, by itself, establish whether its container or contents are suitable for a particular heating method.

Does low-fat custard necessarily exclude milk?

No. Low-fat describes fat content, not whether milk is an ingredient. If milk is an allergen concern, read the current ingredient and allergen information for the exact product before choosing it.