Does Custard Contain a Lot of Sugar? An In-depth Look

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a typical 100g serving of vanilla custard can contain around 16 grams of sugar, but the exact amount varies significantly based on preparation. So, does custard contain a lot of sugar? The simple answer is that it highly depends on the type of custard and how it is made.

Quick Summary

The sugar content in custard is not fixed and varies widely between traditional recipes, instant mixes, and pre-made versions. Factors like added sweeteners, milk type, and portion size all influence the final sugar level, offering ways to control sweetness.

Key Points

Custard Sugar Depends on Preparation: The amount of sugar in custard varies significantly based on whether it is homemade, an instant mix, or a ready-to-eat product.
Homemade Offers Control: Making custard from scratch gives you complete control over the amount of sugar added, allowing for significant reduction or the use of substitutes.
Instant Mixes Have Fixed Sugar: Instant and pre-made custards typically contain a pre-determined amount of sugar, offering less flexibility for dietary modifications.
Alternatives for Lower Sugar: Healthier custard versions can be made using sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol and low-carb milk alternatives.
Portion Size is Key: Regardless of the sugar level, managing portion sizes is an important strategy for controlling overall sugar intake when enjoying custard.

Understanding the Sugar Content in Custard

When asking "Does custard contain a lot of sugar?" it's crucial to distinguish between the different types. Traditional homemade custard, instant mixes, and ready-to-eat versions each have their own nutritional profile. The core ingredients typically include milk, eggs, and a sweetener, but the amount of sugar can be adjusted, unlike in many pre-packaged options.

Instant custard mixes, for example, often come pre-sweetened to ensure consistent flavor with minimal effort. While convenient, this removes the control a home cook has over the sugar level. On the other hand, homemade custard recipes offer complete customization, allowing for sugar reduction or the use of alternative sweeteners. The type of milk or cream used also affects the final sugar count, as dairy contains natural sugars (lactose).

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Custard

One of the most significant differences lies in the ingredient control. With homemade custard, you decide exactly how much sugar goes into the mix. Traditional recipes might call for substantial amounts of sugar, but these can be modified. For instance, recipes designed for diabetics often use sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol to dramatically cut down on carbohydrate content.

Store-bought instant and ready-made custards are different. They contain a fixed amount of sugar and other ingredients, making them less flexible for dietary needs. This fixed formulation often includes higher levels of sugar and additives to ensure shelf-stability and a standard taste. For health-conscious individuals, checking the nutritional label is the best way to determine the sugar load in these products.

Factors Influencing Sugar Levels

Beyond the recipe, several factors influence the final sugar content of your custard:

Added Ingredients: When custard is served as fruit custard, the natural sugars from the fruit can increase the overall sugar level. Similarly, serving it with other desserts, such as crumbles or pies, can add to the total carbohydrate count.
Portion Size: Even a low-sugar custard can become a high-sugar dessert if consumed in large quantities. Practicing portion control is key to managing sugar intake effectively.
Dairy Choices: The type of milk or cream plays a role. Using full-fat cream and milk will naturally contain more fat and calories, while using lactose-free or plant-based milks may alter both the sugar and overall nutritional profile.
Toppings and Garnishes: Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or caramel sauces are common toppings that will significantly increase the total sugar content of the dessert.

Comparison: Homemade vs. Instant Custard Mix


Feature	Homemade Custard	Instant Custard Mix
Sugar Control	Complete control; can be reduced or swapped.	Fixed amount; little to no control over sweetness.
Flavor Profile	Richer, more authentic flavor from eggs and fresh ingredients.	Less nuanced; flavor depends on artificial additives and sweeteners.
Preparation Time	Requires more time and attention on the stove.	Quick and easy; often just requires hot or cold milk.
Ingredients	Whole ingredients like milk, eggs, and sugar.	Processed starches, stabilizers, flavorings, and sweeteners.
Nutritional Flexibility	High degree of customization for low-carb or sugar-free diets.	Limited flexibility; healthier versions exist but options are fewer.

Healthier Alternatives and Modifications

For those concerned about sugar intake, whether for weight management or managing conditions like diabetes, there are several modifications that can be made to enjoy custard guilt-free. Making your custard from scratch gives you the power to implement these changes easily.

Here are some strategies for reducing sugar in your custard:

Use Natural Sweeteners: Swap regular sugar for natural, non-caloric sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit. These provide sweetness without affecting blood sugar levels.
Opt for Low-Carb Milk Alternatives: Use unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or skimmed milk instead of full-fat versions to reduce both fat and natural sugar content.
Incorporate Healthy Toppings: Instead of high-sugar toppings, use fresh berries, nuts, or seeds to add texture and nutrients without excessive sugar.
Mindful Portion Control: Enjoying a smaller portion of regular custard can be a better option than consuming a large amount of a low-sugar version.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether or not custard contains a lot of sugar is a matter of preparation and choice. While many commercial and traditional recipes are indeed high in sugar, modern alternatives and thoughtful modifications make it possible to enjoy a creamy, satisfying custard with a significantly lower sugar content. By understanding the ingredients and making intentional choices—especially by opting for homemade versions with sugar substitutes—you can control the sugar levels and make custard a healthier dessert option.

For anyone with specific health concerns, such as diabetes, consulting with a dietitian or healthcare provider is always recommended to ensure custard fits within your overall dietary plan. With a little creativity and knowledge, custard can be a delicious and balanced treat for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Instant custard mixes often contain a fixed, and sometimes high, amount of added sugar to achieve the desired flavor and consistency. The sugar content can only be determined by checking the product's nutritional label, as the home cook cannot adjust it.

You can reduce the sugar in homemade custard by using less sugar than the recipe calls for or by replacing it with sugar substitutes like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit. You can also use unsweetened milk alternatives.

Traditional custard recipes often include a significant amount of sugar, but this can be adjusted during preparation. The eggs and milk contribute some natural sugars, but the bulk comes from added sweeteners.

The main difference in sugar comes from what is added, not the base itself. Both traditional egg-based and cornstarch-based custards (like those made from Bird's powder) have their sugar content determined by the cook, though some instant cornstarch mixes come pre-sweetened.

Yes, people with diabetes can eat custard, but they should opt for low-sugar or sugar-free versions, practice strict portion control, and monitor their blood sugar levels. Consulting a doctor or dietitian is advisable.

Yes, alternatives include chia seed pudding, yogurt with no added sugars, or homemade panna cotta made with natural sweeteners. These can provide a creamy dessert experience with less impact on blood sugar.

Yes, serving custard with fruit adds the natural sugar (fructose) from the fruit to the total sugar content of the dessert. This should be considered, especially when managing blood sugar.