Shoppers comparing lower-fat desserts
If fat or saturates are your main concern, compare custards per 100g and check sugars separately. The words “low fat” do not answer every nutrition question.
Who this is for
People shopping for a small household
A ready-to-serve pack can be served hot or cold, but size matters if only a little custard will be eaten at a time. Check whether you can use an opened pack within its stated refrigerated storage period.
Carers checking individual requirements
When shopping for an older person with a poor appetite, a milk allergy or an existing dietary plan, check the exact ingredients and whether the choice fits that person’s requirements rather than relying on the low-fat label.
What to check before buying
Decide whether a tin is essential, then compare the nutrition label and pack size against the needs of the person who will eat the custard.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrition label | Compare fat, saturates and sugars on the same per-100g basis; check the stated serving size as well. | If I am choosing a lower-fat dessert, I want to compare fat and saturates without overlooking sugars. About 36% of consumers put this label comparison first. |
| Opened-pack planning | Check the quantity, stated portions and storage instructions. Sainsbury’s says to remove leftovers from the Ambrosia 400g can, refrigerate them and eat them within three days. | For a small household, I need a pack we can finish within the time allowed after opening. Using the portions without waste is the main concern for about 29% of consumers. |
| Individual suitability | Check ingredients for milk and consider any existing dietary plan rather than choosing on fat content alone. | When I shop for someone with a poor appetite or specific dietary requirements, the right choice depends on that person’s needs. About 21% of consumers put individual suitability first. |
| Pack format | Confirm whether the product is a ready-to-serve tin, a carton or a mix requiring preparation. | If I specifically need a tin, a reduced-fat carton will not meet that preference. Pack format is the primary concern for about 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Reading “low fat” as “low sugar”
Ambrosia’s 400g low-fat can lists 7.4g sugars per 100g. Fat and sugars are separate entries on its nutrition panel.
Compare fat, saturates and sugars per 100g, then look at the stated serving size for the amount you expect to serve.
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Choosing low fat without considering the person eating it
A lower-fat label does not establish whether a dessert suits an older person with a poor appetite or an individual dietary plan.
Where someone already has dietary advice or a care plan, use that guidance when deciding what to buy.
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Buying more than will be used after opening
The Ambrosia 400g can is labelled as three portions. Sainsbury’s instructs shoppers to remove leftovers from the can, refrigerate them and eat them within three days.
Match the pack size to the servings you expect to use, and follow the storage instructions on the exact pack.
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Assuming a carton meets a tinned-custard requirement
Ready-to-serve custard also comes in cartons; Bird’s Original Custard Powder is a mix requiring preparation. Neither format is a tin.
Check the packaging and preparation instructions before comparing products that appear together in custard listings.
Brands and formats to consider
Ambrosia
Ambrosia offers a ready-to-serve low-fat custard in a 400g can, as well as light custard in other pack formats.
- Ambrosia lists 2.0g fat, 1.0g saturates and 7.4g sugars per 100g for the 400g can.
- The canned custard contains milk; its low-fat description does not mean it is sugar-free.
Tesco
Tesco’s reduced-fat ready-to-serve custard is a carton option for shoppers who do not require a tin.
- Tesco lists 1.5g fat and 0.8g saturates per 100g for its 500g reduced-fat carton.
- That carton is not tinned and contains milk; Tesco also lists 11.3g sugars per 100g.
Bird’s
Bird’s Original Custard Powder appears in custard listings as a ready-to-make mix, rather than a ready-to-serve tin.
- A powder is a distinct option for shoppers willing to prepare custard.
- Check the exact pack’s nutrition and preparation instructions before treating it as an alternative to low-fat tinned custard.
Joybuy custard selections
These selections cover an Ambrosia low-fat can for shoppers who need tinned custard and a larger Ambrosia Light carton for those who can use a different format. Check the exact pack when deciding how much you can use after opening.
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Ambrosia Low Fat Custard 400g can
Consider this ready-to-serve can if tinned packaging and a smaller pack are priorities. Ambrosia lists three portions per can, with 2.0g fat, 1.0g saturates and 7.4g sugars per 100g.
It contains milk. After opening, remove leftovers from the can, refrigerate them and eat them within three days, following the pack instructions.
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Ambrosia Light Devon Custard 1kg carton
Consider this 1kg carton if you expect to use a larger amount of ready-to-serve custard and do not need a tin. Plan how you will use the opened pack and follow its storage instructions.
This product contains milk. Check the exact pack’s nutrition panel if fat, saturates or sugars are deciding factors.
Frequently asked questions
Does low-fat tinned custard have less sugar?
The low-fat description does not tell you its sugar content. Ambrosia lists 7.4g sugars per 100g for its 400g low-fat can, so check sugars separately on the nutrition panel.
Is low-fat custard automatically suitable for an older person?
No. A low-fat label cannot establish what suits someone with a poor appetite or an individual dietary plan. Use any dietary advice or care plan already in place when choosing for that person.
Can Ambrosia’s low-fat canned custard be served hot or cold?
Yes. Ambrosia describes the ready-to-serve custard as suitable hot or cold. If heating it, transfer it out of the can and follow the instructions on the pack.
How should I store custard left in an opened can?
For Ambrosia’s 400g low-fat can, Sainsbury’s instructs shoppers to remove the remaining custard from the can, refrigerate it and eat it within three days. Check the instructions on the pack you buy.
Does Ambrosia’s low-fat custard can contain milk?
Yes. The ingredients for Ambrosia’s 400g low-fat can identify milk ingredients. Check the exact pack’s allergen information before buying for someone with a milk allergy.