Salt-label comparers
If salt is your main consideration, compare the per-100g figures on current packs. “Light” can describe a change to other nutrients instead.
Who this helps
Time-pressed roast dinner hosts
Ready-to-serve custard avoids a mixing step when dessert follows the roast. Check how to heat it and make room for a suitable saucepan or microwaveable container.
Portion planners
Use the pack weight and your planned serving sizes to decide how much custard to open, especially if leftovers may not be used within the pack’s stated storage period.
What to check when buying
Start with salt per 100g if that is your priority, then decide whether a ready-to-serve tin fits your dessert timing and how much you will serve.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Salt | Compare salt per 100g on the current pack, then account for the amount you will serve. Do not use “Light” as a substitute for the salt figure. | If salt is my priority, I want to compare tins on the same basis even when their stated portions differ. About 50% of consumers put this need first. |
| Dessert timing | Check whether the custard is ready to serve and follow its hob or microwave instructions, including the required container. | When the roast occupies the kitchen, I want dessert to need little preparation at serving time. This is the primary need for about 30% of consumers. |
| Portions and leftovers | Compare pack weight with the portions you plan to serve, and check the opened-pack storage instructions. | For a smaller table, I want enough custard without opening more than we can use promptly. Around 20% of consumers place that need first. |
Buying pitfalls
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Assuming “Light” means less salt
Ambrosia says its Light Devon Custard has less sugar and fat than its standard version, but its published salt figure is 0.12g per 100g, compared with 0.11g for standard Devon Custard.
If salt matters most, read that line on each current pack rather than relying on the front-of-pack name.
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Comparing unlike serving sizes
Ambrosia uses a 130g portion for its standard 400g can, while Tesco gives a 200g half-can serving for its 400g custard. Their per-serving salt figures therefore describe different amounts of food.
Compare per 100g first, then work out the figure for the amount you intend to serve.
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Leaving heating until the last minute
The checked Ambrosia and Tesco tins instruct you to transfer custard to a suitable container before microwave heating. You may also need hob or microwave space while finishing the roast.
Plan when to warm the custard, and follow the chosen pack’s container, timing and stirring directions. Do not put the metal tin in the microwave.
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Opening more custard than you can use
The checked 400g Ambrosia and Tesco tins instruct you to refrigerate custard after opening and use it within three days.
Match the pack to your diners and follow its instructions for storing any remainder.
A larger opened pack may leave custard unused if it cannot be eaten within the stated period.
Brands for reference
Ambrosia
Its 400g ready-to-serve range includes standard Devon Custard, Light Devon Custard and Deluxe Custard.
- Ambrosia lists 0.11g salt per 100g for standard Devon Custard and says the 400g can contains three portions; it can be served hot or cold.
- Ambrosia’s stated sugar and fat reduction for Light does not make it the lower-salt option of those two tins: Light lists 0.12g salt per 100g.
Tesco
Tesco Ready To Serve Custard 400G is a dairy custard that can be served hot or cold.
- Tesco’s published label lists 0.10g salt per 100g, compared with Ambrosia’s 0.11g for standard Devon Custard and 0.12g for Light Devon Custard.
- Its declared serving is 200g, so use the per-100g figure when comparing it with tins that specify another portion size. It contains milk ingredients.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's lists own-brand ready-to-eat custard in 500g and 1kg formats.
- The larger formats may be worth considering when planning custard for several diners.
- Check the current salt panel before comparing one of these packs with a 400g tin.
Bird's
Bird's Original Custard Powder is a ready-to-make mix, not a tinned, ready-to-serve custard.
- It offers a make-at-home option if preparing custard during dessert service suits your plans.
- Check the preparation instructions and nutrition for the finished custard before comparing it with a ready-to-serve tin.
Ready-to-serve tins on Joybuy
These Ambrosia 400g ready-to-serve tins offer different variants for a roast-dinner pudding. Compare each variant’s current salt label rather than assuming a flavour or “Low Fat” name indicates reduced salt.
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Ambrosia Strawberry Flavour Devon Custard 400g
A strawberry-flavour, ready-to-serve tin for pudding after the roast. It can be served hot or cold; check this variant’s current salt panel and heating directions before making a comparison or warming it.
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Ambrosia Devon Custard 400g
A standard ready-to-serve tin for dessert when you do not want to make custard from a mix. Ambrosia lists 0.11g salt per 100g and three portions per 400g can; it can be served hot or cold. It contains milk, and the opened product should be refrigerated and used within three days.
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Ambrosia Low Fat Custard 400g
A ready-to-serve low-fat variant that can be served hot or cold. Its name does not establish a salt reduction: confirm the exact variant and current salt-per-100g figure on the pack before comparing it with other tins. Follow its directions for transferring the custard before heating; it contains milk.
Common questions
Does Ambrosia Light mean reduced salt?
No: Ambrosia’s stated reduction for Light Devon Custard concerns sugar and fat relative to standard Devon Custard. Ambrosia lists 0.12g salt per 100g for Light and 0.11g for standard Devon Custard, so check the salt line on the current pack if that is your priority.
Should I compare salt per serving or per 100g?
Use salt per 100g to compare tins with different declared serving sizes. Ambrosia states a 130g portion for its standard 400g can, while Tesco uses a 200g half-can serving for its 400g custard; afterwards, consider how much you will actually serve.
Can I heat ready-to-serve custard in the tin?
Do not put the metal tin in the microwave. The checked Ambrosia and Tesco instructions direct you to empty the custard into a suitable saucepan or microwaveable container before heating; follow the chosen pack’s directions for heating and stirring.
How long can I keep an opened tin?
The checked 400g Ambrosia and Tesco tins instruct you to refrigerate custard after opening and consume it within three days. Follow the particular pack’s directions, including any instruction to transfer leftovers out of the can.