Hosts handing out separate portions
Three-biscuit packets let guests take an unopened portion. Check how many packets contain custard creams, particularly in an assortment, and do not assume that “mini pack” means a smaller biscuit.
Who is each format for?
Hosts setting out a shared plate
An ordinary pack suits serving biscuits together when separate sealed portions are unnecessary. Choose a pack size for the gathering and follow its instructions after opening.
Organisers serving guests with food allergies
Keep the particular pack available so guests can check its current ingredients and allergen statements, even if the biscuits have been transferred to a plate.
What should you check before buying?
Decide first whether “mini” needs to describe the biscuit itself or simply a portion packet. Then count the custard-cream portions and consider how you will serve and store them.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Biscuit size | Check the size of an individual biscuit, not just the packet description. A count of three biscuits per packet does not establish bite-size biscuits. | If I mean smaller biscuits by “mini”, I need the individual size confirmed before I choose a pack. |
| Separate portions | Hill Biscuits specifies 48 custard-cream packets with three biscuits each in its single-flavour case. Check whether unopened portions suit the way guests will serve themselves. | I would like guests to take a separate custard-cream packet rather than biscuits from a shared plate. |
| Flavour count | Count custard-cream packets within an assortment. Hill Biscuits specifies 20 custard-cream three-packs in its 100-packet selection; Vending Superstore describes Crawford’s 100-pack case as containing six varieties. | When planning for guests who want custard creams, I need the count for that flavour, not just the case total. |
| Shared-pack size | Tesco and ASDA list 400 g ordinary packs; Sainsbury’s lists a 200 g pack. Check the selected pack’s storage instructions after opening. | I plan to put biscuits on a plate and want a pack size that fits the gathering. |
| Ingredients | Keep the current packaging available when serving. Check its ingredients and allergen statements rather than relying on an older online description. | Guests may need to check what is in the particular biscuits I am serving. |
Common ordering mistakes
-
Assuming “mini pack” means a mini biscuit
The Hill Biscuits and Crawford’s portion descriptions specify biscuits per packet, not smaller individual biscuit dimensions.
If bite-size biscuits are essential, check the individual biscuit size before ordering.
-
Counting every mixed-case packet as custard creams
Hill Biscuits specifies 20 custard-cream three-packs in its 100-packet selection case; the remaining packets are other varieties.
Plan from the flavour-specific packet count when deciding how many custard-cream portions you need.
If that count falls short, you may need another pack or case to provide the intended number of custard-cream portions.
-
Discarding the pack after filling a shared plate
Guests may need to read the ingredients and allergen statements for the biscuits actually served.
Keep the current packaging available alongside the biscuits.
Brand and pack references
These examples show how packet counts and ordinary pack weights differ; a smaller pack or portion does not, by itself, establish a smaller biscuit.
Hill Biscuits
Hill Biscuits describes both a custard-cream-only case and a mixed selection of three-biscuit packets.
- Its single-flavour case contains 48 packets of three custard creams.
- Its 100-packet mixed selection contains 20 custard-cream packets; neither description establishes smaller individual biscuits.
Crawford’s
Vending Superstore lists an assorted case of 100 Crawford’s three-biscuit packets across six varieties.
- Separate packets provide an individually portioned serving format.
- The case total is not a custard-cream-only count, and the description does not establish bite-size biscuits.
Tesco
Tesco lists its own-label custard creams in a 400 g ordinary pack.
- The pack gives a stated weight and storage instructions for shared serving.
- It is not described as individually portioned or as containing mini biscuits.
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s lists its own-label custard creams in a 200 g ordinary pack.
- The stated pack weight offers another quantity to consider for a shared plate.
- The pack weight does not establish smaller biscuits; check the current packaging for ingredients.
ASDA
ASDA lists its own-label custard creams in a 400 g ordinary pack.
- The listing identifies pack weight and allergen information.
- It does not establish a mini format; ASDA advises checking the current label because product details can change.
M&S
M&S describes its Extra Cream Custard Creams as a 165 g ordinary pack.
- M&S describes the product as containing vanilla cream and custard powder.
- The listing does not establish bite-size biscuits or separate portions.
McVitie’s
A Joybuy listing identifies McVitie’s Tasties Custard Creams as a 300 g pack.
- The listing gives a stated weight for this conventional pack.
- It does not establish mini biscuits or individual portions.
Joybuy sharing-pack option
This custard-cream pack is an option for serving from a shared plate, rather than handing out separate mini packets.
No image available
Schar Gluten Free Custard Creams 125g
This 125 g pack suits serving custard creams from a shared plate when separate packets are unnecessary. Its name identifies it as gluten-free; check the current packaging for ingredients and allergen information. It does not establish an individually wrapped or bite-size format.
Coffee-morning questions
Does “mini pack” mean each custard cream is bite-size?
No. The Hill Biscuits and Crawford’s descriptions give a count of three biscuits per packet, but do not establish that each biscuit is smaller than an ordinary custard cream. Check individual biscuit dimensions if size is the reason for buying.
How many custard-cream portions are in Hill’s mixed case?
Hill Biscuits specifies 20 custard-cream three-packs in its 100-packet selection case. Count those 20 packets when planning custard-cream portions; the other packets contain different varieties.
How should I keep an opened sharing pack?
Follow the instructions on the pack you choose. Tesco and Sainsbury’s direct customers to store their custard creams in a cool, dry place and use an airtight container after opening.
What should I keep when biscuits are served on a plate?
Keep the original packaging available so guests can check the ingredients and allergen statements for the biscuits served. The Food Standards Agency recommends retaining prepacked-food packaging at community and charity events for this purpose.
What should I check before ordering an assorted case?
Check the flavour-specific packet count as well as the case total. Vending Superstore describes the Crawford’s 100-pack case as an assortment of six varieties, so its total does not tell you how many packets contain custard creams.