Can You Buy Gluten Free Custard? Your Complete Guide

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

While many traditional custard recipes are naturally gluten-free, commercially prepared versions often contain wheat-based thickeners. The good news is that yes, you can buy gluten free custard, with numerous brands offering safe options for coeliac and gluten-sensitive individuals.

Quick Summary

Many grocery stores and specialty brands sell both ready-made and powdered gluten-free custards, typically using cornflour or other starches instead of wheat flour.

Key Points

Check Labels: Always look for an explicit 'gluten-free' certification on packaging for commercial products to ensure safety.
Know Your Thickeners: Gluten-free custard powders typically use cornflour (cornstarch), potato starch, or rice flour instead of wheat flour.
Homemade is Easiest: Making custard from scratch with naturally gluten-free ingredients like eggs and milk is a simple and reliable option.
Birder's Beware: While Bird's Custard Powder is cornstarch-based, cross-contamination is a risk, making certified gluten-free options a safer choice for sensitive individuals.
Variety of Options: Look for ready-made pots in the refrigerated section (e.g., Alpro), powder mixes in the baking aisle, and specialty custard-filled biscuits (e.g., Schar).
Proper Storage is Key: Store custard in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month, pressing plastic wrap to the surface to prevent skin formation.

How to Find and Buy Gluten Free Custard

For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, enjoying a classic dessert like custard is possible, but it requires careful sourcing. The market offers several convenient options, from ready-to-eat pots to versatile powder mixes, all formulated without gluten. The key is knowing what to look for and where to find it.

Ready-Made Gluten Free Custard

For ultimate convenience, many stores stock ready-made, gluten-free custard. These are typically found in the refrigerated dessert section. Brands like Alpro offer plant-based vanilla custard that is free from gluten and dairy, making it suitable for a wider range of dietary needs. When choosing a pre-made product, always check the packaging for a clear 'gluten-free' certification or symbol to ensure it meets safety standards.

Gluten Free Custard Powder

Custard powder is a pantry staple for many bakers. While traditional versions may not always be safe, numerous brands offer explicitly gluten-free alternatives. These powders use cornflour (cornstarch) or other gluten-free starches as the thickening agent instead of wheat flour. Brands such as Edmonds, Basic Ingredients, and Pure Gluten Free produce reliable, gluten-free mixes. This option is highly versatile as you can use your preferred milk (dairy or plant-based) to prepare it.

Specialty Gluten Free Custard Products

Beyond standard custards, you can also find specialized gluten-free products that incorporate custard. For instance, Schar offers gluten-free custard cream biscuits, perfect for those who miss the classic tea-time treat. These products can often be found in the dedicated 'free-from' aisle of supermarkets or in health food stores.

Ingredients to Watch Out For

When purchasing custard or custard powder, it's vital to read the ingredient list carefully. Traditional custards or cheaper commercial powders might include wheat flour or wheat-derived maltodextrin. Furthermore, cross-contamination is a significant concern for those with celiac disease. Always look for a 'gluten-free' claim or certification on the packaging. Safe, gluten-free thickeners often used include cornflour, potato starch, and rice flour.

Is Bird's Custard Powder Gluten Free?

This is a frequently asked question, especially in the UK. Bird's Custard Powder ingredients are primarily cornstarch-based and do not contain gluten-containing cereals. However, for individuals with high sensitivity, there is a risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing, as it is not typically certified gluten-free. It's best to opt for a product explicitly labeled and certified as gluten-free to be completely certain of its safety.

Making Your Own Gluten Free Custard

For absolute peace of mind and total control over ingredients, making homemade custard from scratch is a simple and rewarding process. A traditional recipe uses eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. To thicken it, simply replace any potential wheat flour with a gluten-free starch. Cornflour (cornstarch) is the most common and effective substitute.

A Simple DIY Recipe

Ingredients: Milk, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, and cornflour.
Method: Heat the milk while whisking the egg yolks, sugar, and cornflour into a paste. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture to temper it, then return the mixture to the saucepan. Stir continuously over low heat until it thickens. This method ensures a rich, smooth, and naturally gluten-free result.

Comparison Table: Gluten Free Custard Options


Feature	Homemade Custard	Gluten Free Powder Mix	Ready-Made Custard
Ingredients	Whole foods: eggs, milk, sugar.	Cornflour, flavourings, colours.	Milk, starches, thickeners, sweeteners.
Convenience	Most time-consuming.	Quick and easy to prepare.	Instant, no preparation needed.
Control	Full control over ingredients and sweetness.	Good control over milk choice and sweetness.	No control over ingredients or texture.
Cost	Generally more cost-effective.	Inexpensive, especially in bulk.	Most expensive per serving.
Texture	Rich, creamy, and smooth.	Can range from smooth to slightly grainy depending on brand and prep.	Consistently smooth and thick.
Safety	Guaranteed safe if using safe ingredients.	Safest if explicitly certified gluten-free.	Safest if certified, but must check labels.

Storing Gluten Free Custard

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of your custard.

Refrigeration: Homemade or opened ready-made custard can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent a skin from forming, press a sheet of cling film directly onto the surface of the custard.
Freezing: Many custards can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and whisk thoroughly while reheating to restore a smooth consistency.

Conclusion

In summary, finding and buying gluten free custard is very achievable, whether you prefer the convenience of a ready-made pot, the versatility of a powder mix, or the satisfaction of making it from scratch. The key to a safe and delicious experience is always reading labels for certified gluten-free products and understanding that naturally gluten-free recipes are simple to prepare at home. With the variety of options available today, gluten-free individuals no longer have to miss out on this timeless treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all custard is safe. While homemade custard is often gluten-free by nature, many commercial products, including some custard powders, may contain wheat flour thickeners or be subject to cross-contamination. Always check the label for a certified 'gluten-free' symbol.

Gluten-free custard powder is typically made with a starch like cornflour (cornstarch), potato starch, or rice flour, along with vanilla flavoring, salt, and colorings.

The ingredients in Bird's Custard Powder are generally considered gluten-free, based on its cornstarch content. However, it is not always certified gluten-free, so a risk of cross-contamination exists for highly sensitive individuals. For guaranteed safety, it's best to choose a product explicitly labeled and certified gluten-free.

Yes, most gluten-free custard powders and homemade recipes can be successfully prepared with dairy-free milk alternatives such as soy, almond, or coconut milk.

You can find ready-made gluten-free custard in the refrigerated dessert section of many supermarkets. Brands like Alpro offer dairy-free, gluten-free options. Health food stores and larger grocery chains with dedicated 'free-from' aisles are also good places to check.

To prevent a skin from forming on your custard as it cools, cover the surface directly with a piece of plastic wrap or baking parchment. This creates a barrier that keeps the surface moist.

Yes, many homemade and some commercial custards can be frozen for up to a month. Store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and whisk well when reheating to restore a smooth texture.