Is there a lactose-free custard? Yes, and here's how to make and find it.

November 10, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), an estimated 68% of the world's population has lactose malabsorption. This makes the question 'Is there a lactose-free custard?' a very common and important one for many dessert lovers. The good news is that there are many delicious and creamy options available today, both ready-made and for home cooks.

Quick Summary

Yes, lactose-free custards exist, both as ready-made products and via simple homemade recipes using lactose-free dairy or plant-based milks. This guide outlines popular options, key ingredients, and methods for enjoying creamy custard without the lactose.

Key Points

Lactose-Free Options Exist: You can easily find pre-made lactose-free and dairy-free custards in most supermarkets, with popular brands including Alpro and Pauls Zymil.
Homemade Custard is Simple: It is easy to make custard at home by substituting traditional milk with lactose-free dairy milk or plant-based options like soy, oat, or coconut milk.
Choose Your Base Wisely: The flavor and creaminess of your homemade custard depend on the milk alternative used; soy and oat milk are creamy and neutral, while coconut milk adds richness and a distinct flavor.
Thickening Agents Vary: Custard can be thickened with cornstarch for a vegan option or with eggs when using lactose-free dairy milk.
Lactose-Free vs. Dairy-Free: It's important to distinguish between lactose-free (dairy with lactase) and dairy-free (no dairy at all) if you have a milk protein allergy.
Watch for Nutrients: When cutting out dairy, ensure you get enough calcium and vitamin D from other sources, such as fortified milks and leafy greens.
Customize Your Recipe: Making custard from scratch gives you full control over the sweetness, flavor, and richness, allowing for perfect customization.

The Simple Answer: Yes, and It's Easy to Find

For those who prefer the convenience of store-bought products, the answer to 'Is there a lactose-free custard?' is a definitive yes. Many food manufacturers now offer pre-made custard products that are either certified lactose-free or entirely dairy-free (and therefore lactose-free). Brands like Alpro, Pauls Zymil, and Danone Ultra Mel are examples that produce deliciously creamy, ready-to-pour custards using alternatives like soya or lactose-free dairy milk. These are often found in the refrigerated dessert aisle or alongside other long-life milk products in grocery stores.

How to Make Your Own Lactose-Free Custard

For those who enjoy baking or prefer to control their ingredients, making homemade lactose-free custard is a straightforward process. The key is to replace the traditional milk with a lactose-free alternative and select an appropriate thickening agent. This method ensures you can enjoy a fresh, warm custard anytime, perfectly customized to your taste and consistency preferences.

Choosing Your Dairy-Free Base

Your choice of milk alternative will influence the final taste and texture of your custard. Here are some popular options:

Oat Milk: Provides a naturally creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that blends well with vanilla. It's often thicker than other nut milks, making it an excellent base.
Soy Milk: A classic choice for dairy-free cooking, soy milk is rich in protein, which helps provide structure and a creamy mouthfeel similar to dairy custard. For the best result, choose an unsweetened variety with minimal additives.
Coconut Milk (canned): Full-fat canned coconut milk creates an exceptionally rich and decadent custard. However, be prepared for a noticeable coconut flavor, which pairs beautifully with certain desserts but may not be suitable for all.
Lactose-Free Dairy Milk: For those who can tolerate dairy but not lactose, using a special enzyme-treated lactose-free milk (like Arla LactoFREE) offers a taste and texture identical to traditional custard.
Almond Milk: While a viable option, almond milk is generally thinner than other alternatives and may require more cornstarch to achieve the desired thickness.

Thickening Your Homemade Custard

Lactose-free custard is typically thickened using one of two methods:

Cornstarch (Cornflour): This is the most common and reliable method for achieving a thick, smooth custard. You simply create a slurry with a small amount of cold milk and cornstarch before whisking it into the heated milk mixture.
Eggs: For a richer, more traditional crème anglaise style custard, eggs (or just egg yolks) are used to thicken the mixture. Tempering the eggs by whisking in some of the warm milk first prevents them from scrambling.

Recipe: Easy Homemade Oat Milk Custard

This simple recipe uses a plant-based milk and cornstarch to create a creamy, delicious dessert.

Ingredients:

450 ml unsweetened oat milk
2.5 tbsp cornstarch
50 g caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
2 tbsp vegan butter (optional, for richness)

Instructions:

In a saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and about 50 ml of the cold oat milk until a smooth paste forms. This prevents lumps.
Add the remaining oat milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to the pan. Whisk to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Place the saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble gently. This can take about 5-10 minutes. Continue to cook for another minute while stirring to ensure the cornstarch is fully cooked.
Remove from the heat. If using, whisk in the vegan butter until it melts and incorporates smoothly.
Serve warm, or for a thicker, set custard, pour into a bowl and place plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming as it cools. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Lactose-Free vs. Dairy-Free Custard: What's the Difference?

While often used interchangeably, there is a technical distinction between lactose-free and dairy-free products. Understanding this difference is crucial for people with milk allergies, not just lactose intolerance.

Lactose-Free: This refers to a product made from real dairy milk where the lactose has been broken down by adding the enzyme lactase. It still contains milk proteins and is not suitable for those with a dairy allergy.
Dairy-Free: This signifies a product that contains no milk or milk derivatives whatsoever. These custards are made using plant-based milk alternatives and are suitable for both those with lactose intolerance and those with dairy allergies or who follow a vegan diet.

Comparison of Lactose-Free Custard Options


Feature	Homemade with Plant-Based Milk	Store-bought Dairy-Free Custard	Store-bought Lactose-Free Dairy Custard
Best For	Customizing flavor, freshness, and texture.	Convenience and speed.	Replicating the exact taste of dairy custard.
Main Ingredients	Plant-based milk (soy, oat, coconut), cornstarch, sugar, vanilla.	Plant-based milk (e.g., soya), sugar, thickeners, vitamins.	Dairy milk, lactase enzyme, sugar, flavorings.
Best Milk Option	Soy or oat milk for a classic custard taste and texture.	Alpro, Danone Ultra Mel, etc..	Pauls Zymil, Arla Lactofree.
Pros	Fresh, adaptable recipe, no additives, no packaging waste.	Extremely convenient, long shelf life, consistent taste.	Tastes identical to regular custard, still offers dairy nutrients.
Cons	Requires time and effort, can be tricky to get right first few times.	Less control over ingredients, may contain stabilizers and sugars.	Contains dairy proteins, unsuitable for those with milk allergies.

Key Ingredients for Your Lactose-Free Custard

For both homemade and many store-bought options, understanding the components can help you choose the best product for your needs.

Milk Alternatives: As discussed, soy and oat milks offer a neutral, creamy base, while coconut milk provides a richer, distinctive flavor.
Thickeners: Cornstarch (cornflour) is the go-to thickening agent for vegan custards. Traditional recipes may still use eggs with lactose-free dairy milk for extra richness.
Flavorings: Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste is essential for classic vanilla custard. The quality of the vanilla can significantly impact the final flavor.
Sweeteners: Caster sugar is a common choice, but alternatives like maple syrup can also be used, though they may alter the final taste.
Fats: Some recipes add a small amount of vegan butter or coconut oil for a richer mouthfeel, similar to traditional dairy fat.

Conclusion: Embracing Creamy, Lactose-Free Delights

The fear of missing out on creamy desserts like custard due to lactose intolerance is a thing of the past. With the wide array of ready-made products and simple, delicious homemade recipes available, enjoying a warm or chilled bowl of custard is accessible to everyone. By understanding the ingredients and options—from plant-based alternatives to enzyme-treated dairy—you can easily navigate the world of lactose-free treats. This ensures that a dietary restriction doesn't mean compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you're topping a crumble or simply enjoying it on its own, a velvety, smooth, and delicious lactose-free custard is well within your reach.

To learn more about lactose intolerance and dietary management, the NIDDK offers comprehensive resources on their website at https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance/definition-facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find lactose-free and dairy-free custards at most major grocery stores. Look in the refrigerated dairy alternative section or near the long-life milk products. Brands like Alpro, Pauls Zymil, and Danone Ultra Mel are common options.

For a neutral and creamy custard, soy milk or oat milk are excellent choices. If you prefer a richer flavor, canned coconut milk works well but will add a distinct coconut taste.

Lactose-free custard is made from dairy milk that has been treated with the lactase enzyme, meaning it still contains milk proteins. Dairy-free custard is made entirely from plant-based ingredients and contains no dairy, making it suitable for those with milk allergies.

Yes, most custard powders are naturally dairy-free and vegan, consisting mainly of cornstarch, flavorings, and colorings. You can prepare them with your choice of plant-based milk to make a quick and easy custard.

To thicken homemade custard, you can increase the amount of cornstarch or cook the mixture for a few more minutes over low heat while stirring continuously. If the custard has already cooled and is too thick, simply whisk in a little cold plant-based milk to loosen it.

Vegan custard can be made without eggs by using a plant-based milk, cornstarch, and sugar. The cornstarch acts as the primary thickening agent, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

No, lactose-free custard is not safe for someone with a milk allergy. It still contains milk proteins that trigger an allergic reaction. A dairy-free or vegan custard made from plant-based milk should be used instead.