Is custard good for an upset stomach?

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Medical professionals often include custard in bland diets recommended for nausea and other stomach issues due to its soft texture. But is custard good for an upset stomach for everyone, or do the typical dairy and sugar content present risks for sensitive digestive systems?

Quick Summary

Custard can be a gentle, soothing food for an upset stomach due to its smooth texture and low fiber content, but moderating sugar and fat is key. Dairy-free options are best for those with lactose intolerance.

Key Points

Gentle Texture: The smooth, soft consistency of custard is easy to swallow and digest, reducing the strain on an upset stomach.
Check for Lactose: Custard made with milk can cause issues for those with lactose intolerance; consider lactose-free or plant-based alternatives.
Control Sugar and Fat: Excess sugar and high fat from heavy cream can worsen stomach upset. Opt for low-sugar, low-fat varieties.
Part of a Bland Diet: Medical experts often recommend plain custards as part of a bland, temporary diet for nausea and digestive distress.
Listen to Your Body: Individual sensitivities vary. If symptoms worsen, stop eating it. For persistent issues, consult a doctor.
Choose Homemade: Making custard at home gives you full control over ingredients like sugar, fat, and dairy, making it easier to customize for a sensitive stomach.

An upset stomach, characterized by nausea, bloating, cramping, or diarrhea, calls for a careful approach to diet. The primary goal is to consume foods that are easy to digest, low in fiber, and not irritating to the sensitive digestive tract. This is where custard, a classic comfort food, often comes into the conversation. Its reputation as a gentle food is well-founded, but whether it is a suitable choice for a specific person depends on the ingredients and any underlying sensitivities.

Why Custard Can Be a Soothing Choice

Custard's gentle nature is largely attributed to its composition and texture. The core ingredients—milk, eggs, and a thickener like cornstarch—create a smooth, low-fiber consistency that is easy on the digestive system.

Soft and creamy texture: The lack of chewing required and the smooth consistency means the stomach does not have to work hard to break down the food. This is particularly helpful when recovering from illness, as a heavy meal can feel overwhelming.
Low fiber content: Many high-fiber foods, while healthy, can aggravate an upset stomach by causing gas and bloating. Custard's low fiber content makes it a safe option during periods of digestive distress.
Easily digestible proteins: Eggs provide high-quality protein that is gentle on the stomach and easy for the body to process. These proteins aid in the repair of muscle tissue and support digestive function.
High water content: Traditional custard, made with milk, contains a high percentage of water, which helps with hydration and aids in smooth digestion. Hydration is crucial, especially if vomiting or diarrhea has occurred.

Potential Concerns for a Sensitive Stomach

While the basic components of custard are beneficial, not all custards are created equal. Certain ingredients can undermine the soothing effects, turning a gentle snack into a trigger for discomfort.

Dairy (Lactose): For individuals with lactose intolerance, the milk in traditional custard can cause bloating, cramps, and diarrhea, worsening stomach upset. Even a temporary lactase deficiency can occur after a stomach bug, making dairy an irritant.
High sugar content: Excessive sugar can cause bloating and gas and disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. This is a concern with many store-bought custards or heavily sweetened homemade versions.
High fat content: Custards made with heavy cream are high in fat, which can slow down digestion and potentially cause discomfort, especially for those with gallbladder issues.
Artificial ingredients: Many pre-packaged or processed custards contain artificial flavorings and preservatives that can irritate a sensitive digestive system.

How to Prepare Custard for Optimal Digestibility

If you want to enjoy custard while dealing with an upset stomach, preparation is key. Here’s how to make it as gentle as possible:

Choose dairy-free milk: Opt for lactose-free, almond, or oat milk to eliminate the risk of lactose-related issues.
Control the sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in homemade custard, or choose unsweetened varieties. Opt for natural sweeteners in moderation if necessary.
Go low-fat: Skip the heavy cream and use low-fat milk for a lighter, more easily digestible option.
Incorporate bland flavors: Stick to simple flavors like vanilla. Avoid spicy or highly acidic additions.

Comparison Table: Custard vs. Other Bland Foods

Here is how a properly prepared, stomach-friendly custard compares to other popular bland diet foods:


Feature	Soothing Custard	Applesauce	White Rice	Toast (White Bread)
Texture	Smooth and creamy, requires little chewing.	Soft and pulpy, easy to swallow.	Soft and neutral once cooked.	Dry and starchy, can absorb stomach acid.
Ease of Digestion	High water content and low fiber makes it gentle.	Contains pectin which can help bulk up stool.	Bland and low in fiber, helps firm up stools.	Simple carbs are easy to process.
Best For	Nausea, sore throat, needing nutrients easily.	Diarrhea, providing quick energy.	Diarrhea, absorbing excess stomach acid.	Nausea, especially on an empty stomach.
Worst For	High sugar or fat can irritate stomach.	High sugar applesauce can worsen diarrhea.	Can be constipating in excess.	Lacks nutrients if used for too long.
Caveat	Only if low-sugar, low-fat, and dairy-free if sensitive.	Opt for unsweetened applesauce.	Avoid butter or oils.	Stick to plain white toast.

Important Considerations and When to Avoid Custard

For most people with a mild upset stomach, a simple, low-sugar custard can be a safe and comforting food choice. However, it's not a universal solution. Listen to your body and if you have an egg or dairy allergy or sensitivity, avoid it altogether. Persistent or severe symptoms such as prolonged diarrhea, fever, or bloody stool should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. A bland diet is a temporary measure, and a doctor can help rule out more serious underlying conditions. For trusted medical information, you can consult sources like MedlinePlus about bland diet recommendations.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether custard is a good choice for an upset stomach depends on your individual tolerance and how it is prepared. Its soft, low-fiber nature can be very soothing, providing comfort and easily digestible nutrients. However, the high fat and sugar content of certain custards and the dairy for those with lactose intolerance can trigger problems. Choosing a simple, homemade, low-sugar, and possibly dairy-free version is the best approach to safely incorporate this comforting food when you're feeling under the weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are lactose intolerant, you should avoid traditional custard made with milk, as it can cause bloating, cramps, and diarrhea. Instead, use lactose-free milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk.

The best type is a plain, low-sugar, and low-fat custard. This reduces the risk of aggravating your stomach with excess sugar or heavy fats. Simple vanilla flavor is preferable to richer, more complex ones.

Yes, custard can be part of a diet to manage diarrhea. Its low fiber and gentle ingredients, when made without excess sugar or fat, can be soothing. It is also hydrating due to its water content.

Homemade custard is often better because it gives you control over the ingredients, allowing you to reduce sugar and fat and choose lactose-free milk if needed. Store-bought versions can be high in sugar and additives.

Yes, custard can help with nausea. Its bland, soft, and gentle nature is often well-tolerated when stronger flavors or solid foods are off-putting, a common occurrence with nausea.

Both hot and cold custard can be gentle. Some people find cold foods more tolerable when nauseous due to their lack of strong odors. A warm, not hot, custard can also be soothing for a sore throat.

Avoid adding excessive sugar, fatty toppings, or ingredients that are spicy, acidic (like citrus fruit), or high in fiber, as these can irritate your stomach further.