Who this choice matters to

Fat-first dessert planners

If declared fat is your main criterion, compare the per-100g figures on ready-to-serve tins before deciding which one fits the menu.

Hosts serving several desserts

For a shared table, check the portions stated on each pack rather than assuming every 400g can will serve the same number of guests.

Shoppers comparing fat and sugars

If both figures matter to your choice, read them side by side: the tin with the lowest declared fat in this comparison does not have the lowest declared sugars.

What to check when buying

For ready-to-serve custard at a world food night, start with the per-100g label, then plan portions and check whether the pack suits your guests.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Declared fat Compare fat per 100g across the cans, not just wording such as Light. If I am choosing primarily to minimise fat, I need the cans compared on the same per-100g basis; about 36% of consumers put the lowest declared fat first.
Portions and format Check the stated servings and whether the pack is a ready-to-serve tin or a carton. When several desserts are on the table, I want enough custard for the portions I plan to offer; serving convenience comes first for about 29% of consumers.
Sugars alongside fat Read sugars per 100g beside fat per 100g; the figures do not move together across these tins. I may accept a little more fat if the declared sugars figure better suits my menu; about 21% of consumers make that comparison their primary concern.
Milk and handling Check the current allergen label and the pack directions for heating and refrigerating leftovers. If a guest must avoid milk, or I expect custard to be left over, suitability and handling need checking before I serve it; these are the first concern for about 14% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming less fat means less sugar

    Ambrosia declares 2.0g fat and 7.4g sugars per 100g, while ASDA Just Essentials declares 0.6g fat and 8.1g sugars per 100g. Choosing by fat alone misses that trade-off.

    Compare both values per 100g, then consider the amount you intend to serve.

  • Choosing a carton or powder when you need a tin

    Tesco Reduced Fat Custard is a ready-to-serve carton. Bird's Original Custard Powder requires preparation, so neither provides the same open-and-serve tin format.

    Decide whether the tin matters before comparing alternative pack sizes or preparation methods.

  • Counting cans instead of portions

    Ambrosia describes its 400g can as three portions; the two ASDA 400g cans suggest two servings each. The same pack weight does not mean the same suggested portion size.

    Plan from the portion size you intend to offer and check the guidance on the pack you buy.

  • Leaving custard in an opened can

    Opened-pack storage instructions matter when dessert is prepared ahead or some custard remains after the event.

    Transfer leftovers to a suitable non-metallic container, refrigerate them and follow the period stated on the current pack. The Ambrosia and ASDA cans compared here state three days.

Brands and formats to consider

Ambrosia

Ambrosia's 400g Light Devon Custard can is a ready-to-serve branded option labelled as three portions.

  • Ambrosia declares 2.0g fat and 7.4g sugars per 100g for this can.
  • It contains milk. Ambrosia says to remove leftovers from the can, refrigerate them and consume them within three days.

ASDA

ASDA lists two relevant 400g ready-to-serve cans: Light Custard and Just Essentials by Custard.

  • ASDA declares 1.6g fat per 100g for Light Custard and 0.6g per 100g for Just Essentials by Custard.
  • Both contain milk and suggest two servings per can. Compare sugars separately: the declared figures are 8.3g and 8.1g per 100g respectively.

Tesco

Tesco Reduced Fat Custard is a 500g ready-to-serve carton rather than a tin, with four stated 125g servings.

  • The carton offers a larger stated serving format than the 400g tins compared here.
  • Tesco declares 1.5g fat and 11.3g sugars per 100g for this carton; it does not meet a requirement for tinned custard.

Bird's

Bird's Original Custard Powder is a make-from-powder alternative when preparation flexibility matters more than a ready-to-serve tin.

  • Bird's gives preparation options using different milks and an adjustable amount of sugar.
  • It requires preparation, and nutrition for a prepared recipe should not be treated as the nutrition of an unopened ready-to-serve tin. Check the powder label for allergens.

Joybuy custard selections

These Ambrosia options cover a 400g tinned custard for the stated choice and a larger 1kg custard carton when a tin is not essential.

Ambrosia Low Fat Custard 400g can

Ambrosia Low Fat Custard 400g

Consider this ready-to-serve can if you want custard for a shared dessert table and plan to compare sugars as well as fat. Ambrosia declares 2.0g fat and 7.4g sugars per 100g, and labels the can as three portions. It contains milk; transfer leftovers out of the can, refrigerate them and follow the pack's three-day instruction.

View on Joybuy
Ambrosia Light Devon Custard 1kg carton

Ambrosia Light Devon Custard 1kg

Consider this larger pack if the serving plan allows a carton instead of a tin. The 1kg format does not meet a specific need for canned custard; check its own label for portions, milk ingredients and opened-pack instructions.

View on Joybuy

Questions about serving custard

How should I compare low-fat tinned custards?

Compare fat per 100g on the current labels, then check sugars separately. ASDA lists 0.6g fat per 100g for Just Essentials by Custard and 1.6g for Light Custard; Ambrosia lists 2.0g for its Light Devon Custard can. Those fat figures alone do not establish which tin has the lowest sugars.

Are these tinned custards dairy-free?

No. The Ambrosia, ASDA Light and ASDA Just Essentials cans compared here contain milk. Check the current pack's ingredient and allergen information before serving anyone who must avoid it.

Can I heat custard in its tin?

Empty the custard into a saucepan or suitable microwave-safe container before heating, rather than heating it in the can. Follow the method and stirring instructions on the pack you use.

How should I keep custard left after the event?

Transfer unused custard from an opened can to a suitable non-metallic container and refrigerate it. The Ambrosia and ASDA tins compared here state that opened contents should be consumed within three days; follow the instruction on your particular pack.