Shoppers comparing fat in 400g cans
If a tin is essential, compare the declared fat per 100g on the exact pack. Tesco Groceries lists 1.7g for its reduced-fat can, while Ambrosia lists 2.0g for its light can.
Who these choices suit
Desk-lunch eaters without a microwave
Ambrosia says its light can can be served hot or cold; Tesco Groceries gives the same choice for its reduced-fat 500g carton. You can choose between them without making heating part of your lunch routine.
People planning one portion at a time
Ambrosia lists three portions in its 400g light can. If you will not finish a can or larger carton at lunch, make sure you can follow its instructions for storing the remainder.
What to check before buying
For a quick desk lunch, start with the pack format and its per-100g nutrition panel, then consider preparation and leftovers.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fat in a tin | Compare fat per 100g on the exact can, rather than relying on the light or reduced-fat wording. | If I specifically want a tin, its declared fat figure matters more to me than the front-of-pack description. About 42% of consumers would put fat in a tinned format first. |
| Eating it at a desk | Check whether the pack says it can be served cold; if heating it, check the container instructions. | With no microwave or bowl at lunch, I want custard I can serve cold. Being able to eat it without heating would be the primary concern for about 33% of consumers. |
| Portions and leftovers | Compare sugars per 100g and the stated serving size, then check the instructions for storing an opened pack. | If lunch is just for me, I need a portion size that fits and a way to keep the rest. About 25% of consumers would put portions and leftover handling first. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming reduced fat also means less sugar
Tesco Groceries lists 1.5g fat and 11.3g sugars per 100g for its 500g reduced-fat carton. Its fat figure alone does not tell you its sugar figure.
Read fat and sugars separately on the same nutrition panel, and compare serving sizes if you expect to eat different amounts.
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Opening a large pack for one lunch without a storage plan
Ambrosia and Tesco Groceries instruct shoppers to refrigerate their relevant opened custard packs and use them within three days. Ambrosia also says to remove the remainder from its can.
Choose a pack you can portion and store according to its instructions.
Custard left over from a desk lunch may go to waste if you cannot store or use it as directed.
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Putting a custard can in the microwave
Ambrosia’s can instructions require the custard to be transferred to a microwaveable container before heating.
If you want it warm, use a suitable container and follow the heating directions on your pack.
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Relying on an older product listing
Stock, recipes and label information can change; the Tesco Groceries listing for its 400g reduced-fat can showed it as out of stock when checked.
Confirm availability and read the current pack for nutrition, ingredients and allergens before buying or eating.
Brands to consider
Ambrosia
Ambrosia’s 400g ready-to-serve light custard can is a tinned option that the brand says can be served hot or cold.
- Ambrosia lists three portions per can, with 2.0g fat and 7.4g sugars per 100g.
- It contains milk ingredients. Once opened, Ambrosia instructs you to remove the remainder from the can, refrigerate it and use it within three days.
Tesco
Tesco Groceries lists reduced-fat ready-to-serve custard in both a 400g can and a 500g carton, which serve different pack-size needs.
- The 400g can lists 1.7g fat and 7.4g sugars per 100g; the 500g carton lists 1.5g fat and 11.3g sugars per 100g.
- Both contain milk and require refrigeration and use within three days after opening. Confirm current stock for the can, which was marked out of stock when checked.
Joybuy product selections
These Ambrosia selections include a 400g can for a tinned desk dessert and a larger 1kg pack for use across several portions.
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Ambrosia Low Fat Custard 400g can
For a tinned desk dessert, Ambrosia says this custard can be served cold or hot. Ambrosia lists 2.0g fat and 7.4g sugars per 100g for its 400g light can. It contains milk; after opening, remove any remainder from the can, refrigerate it and use it within three days. Check the current pack and availability before buying.
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Ambrosia Light Devon Custard 1kg
This 1kg pack suits a plan to use custard across several portions rather than a single tinned desk lunch. Plan how you will refrigerate and use any remainder after opening. Check the current pack for ingredients, storage instructions and availability.
Questions about desk-lunch custard
Does light or reduced-fat custard necessarily contain less sugar?
No. Check sugars separately from fat on the exact pack. Tesco Groceries lists 7.4g sugars per 100g for its 400g reduced-fat can but 11.3g per 100g for its 500g reduced-fat carton; Ambrosia lists 7.4g per 100g for its 400g light can.
Can I eat ready-to-serve custard cold at my desk?
Yes, for Ambrosia’s light 400g can and Tesco’s reduced-fat 500g carton: their product information says they can be served hot or cold. If you prefer them warm, follow the heating instructions on the exact pack and transfer the custard to a suitable container.
What should I do with custard left in an opened can?
For Ambrosia’s light 400g can, remove the remainder from the can, refrigerate it and use it within three days, as Ambrosia instructs. Tesco Groceries also instructs refrigeration and use within three days for its opened reduced-fat custard packs; follow the directions on your exact pack.
Do these reduced-fat custards contain milk?
Yes. Ambrosia lists milk-derived ingredients in its light can, and Tesco Groceries lists milk or milk-derived ingredients in its reduced-fat packs. Read the current pack’s ingredient and allergen information before eating, particularly if you need to avoid milk.