Fat-first desk-lunch planners
If fat content is your main consideration, compare the per-100g figures rather than assuming products labelled 'light' have the same nutrition values.
Who this suits
Multi-serve lunch packers
If you can share a pack or use it across several lunches, the number of portions and the opened-pack storage directions affect how practical it is.
Convenience-led office snack buyers
If you want a portion you can take to work without managing leftovers, compare individually portioned products with tins, and check their nutrition labels separately.
What to check before buying
For an office packed lunch, compare ready-to-eat custards on the same per-100g basis, then consider how you will store any remainder.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content | Compare fat per 100g on the current labels, then check the portion you expect to eat. | If keeping the fat figure down drives my dessert choice, I need a like-for-like label comparison. About 42% of consumers put fat content first. |
| Portions and leftovers | Check the pack's portions and whether you can refrigerate and use the remainder within its stated period. | For a single office lunch, I need a way to deal with what is left in a multi-serve pack; roughly 33% of consumers prioritise portions and leftover storage. |
| Sugars | Compare sugars per 100g separately from fat; check energy too if it matters to your choice. | When I compare lighter custards, a lower fat figure does not settle which sugar figure I would choose. About 25% of consumers put sugars first. |
Common buying mistakes
-
Assuming 'lighter' answers every nutrition question
Sainsbury's Lighter lists 1.5g fat and 11.8g sugars per 100g; Ambrosia Light lists 2.0g fat and 7.4g sugars per 100g. The lower-fat figure does not also identify the lower-sugar product.
Compare the measures that matter to you per 100g, then check the portion size.
-
Opening a multi-serve pack without a leftover plan
Ambrosia Light and Sainsbury's Lighter provide several portions. Their directions require the remainder to be refrigerated and used within three days of opening.
If you cannot store the remainder, consider an individually portioned product and check its nutrition label rather than assuming it is lower in fat.
-
Overlooking milk ingredients in an ambient product
Storage in a cupboard before opening does not make Ambrosia Light or Sainsbury's Lighter free from milk ingredients.
Check the current ingredient and allergen statement, particularly when choosing custard for someone who must avoid milk.
Brands to consider
Ambrosia
Ambrosia's ready-to-serve Light Devon Custard comes in a 400g can.
- Ambrosia lists 2.0g fat, 7.4g sugars and 78kcal per 100g for this product.
- The can provides three portions; refrigerate the contents after opening and use them within three days. It contains milk ingredients.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's lists both a 500g Lighter ready-to-eat custard and a 500g standard version.
- The Lighter product lists 1.5g fat per 100g, compared with 3.0g per 100g for its standard custard.
- The Lighter product lists 11.8g sugars per 100g, while the standard product lists 10.7g. Both packs provide four servings.
Tesco
Tesco Groceries lists Ambrosia Low Fat Custard and Tesco Ready To Serve Custard in its tinned-custard range.
- The range offers ready-to-serve products to compare when shopping for a desk-lunch dessert.
- Check the nutrition panel before treating Tesco's own-label ready-to-serve custard as a lower-fat choice.
Bird's
Bird's custard powder is an option for someone willing to prepare custard rather than carry a ready-to-eat tin.
- Powder is not a like-for-like ready-to-eat office dessert; check the prepared product's directions and nutrition information if considering it.
M&S
Ocado lists an M&S custard with 3.7g fat per 100g.
- That figure does not identify it as a lower-fat alternative to the lighter products discussed here. Check the particular pack's format and label for your lunch plans.
Joybuy product selection
This ready-to-serve custard tin is an option for an office lunch if you can store and use the remaining portions after opening.
Image unavailable
Ambrosia Low Fat Custard 400g
For an office lunch where you can refrigerate leftovers, this ready-to-serve can provides three portions. Ambrosia lists 2.0g fat, 7.4g sugars and 78kcal per 100g. After opening, remove the remaining custard from the can, refrigerate it and use it within three days. Contains milk ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take an unopened custard tin to the office without a cool bag?
Ambrosia Light and Sainsbury's Lighter specify cool, dry storage before opening, so follow the directions on the particular pack you take. Once opened, their remaining custard needs refrigeration and use within three days.
Is lower-fat custard automatically lower in sugar?
No. Sainsbury's Lighter lists 1.5g fat and 11.8g sugars per 100g, while Ambrosia Light lists 2.0g fat and 7.4g sugars per 100g. Compare each figure separately on the current labels.
Can I heat custard in its tin in the office microwave?
No. Ambrosia Light's preparation directions require you to transfer the custard to a microwaveable container before heating; follow the directions for the product you choose.
Do these lighter custards contain milk?
Yes. Ambrosia Light and Sainsbury's Lighter contain milk ingredients. If you need to avoid milk, check the current ingredient and allergen statement rather than relying on the words 'light' or 'lower fat'.