A Closer Look at Birds Ready-Made Custard
Birds has been a household name for custard since Alfred Bird first formulated an egg-free version in 1837 for his wife who was allergic to eggs. While the original product was a powder based on cornflour, the modern ready-made version offers convenience by providing a pre-cooked custard in a carton. This means the ingredients are combined and processed before they reach your kitchen, leading to a different composition than the traditional mix-and-heat approach.
The Ingredients of Ready-Made Custard
Based on product information from various retailers, here is a breakdown of the key ingredients found in Birds ready-made custard:
- Skimmed Milk & Buttermilk: These form the creamy liquid base of the custard. As with many processed dairy products, the use of skimmed and buttermilk reduces the fat content compared to full-fat dairy, though palm oil is added for texture.
- Sugar: A primary ingredient, contributing to the dessert's sweetness. Nutritional information confirms a high sugar content, which is a major factor in its overall dietary impact.
- Modified Starch: A thickening agent used to achieve the desired creamy consistency without the need for eggs. It provides the smooth texture that characterises the ready-made product.
- Palm Oil: This vegetable oil is included to provide a richer mouthfeel and to enhance the creamy texture. The use of palm oil contributes saturated fat to the product and has been a point of discussion in nutrition and sustainability.
- Whey (from Milk): A byproduct of cheesemaking, whey is used here for its protein and functional properties, contributing to the overall structure and flavour.
- Flavouring: Added to give the custard its characteristic vanilla flavour. Birds specifically mentions using 100% natural flavours in some of its ready-made products.
- Colour (Carotenes): These natural pigments, often derived from plants, are used to give the custard its familiar yellow hue.
Nutritional and Dietary Implications
When evaluating Birds ready-made custard from a nutritional perspective, several factors are important to consider:
- High Sugar Content: With over 11 grams of sugar per 100g in some versions, this custard should be treated as a high-sugar dessert and consumed in moderation. Excessive sugar intake can contribute to various health issues.
- Saturated Fats: The presence of palm oil means the product contains saturated fat. For example, some products list 1.6g of saturated fat per 100g, which contributes to the daily recommended intake.
- Processing: As an ultra-processed food, the ingredients are highly refined. This is in contrast to a homemade custard, which uses whole ingredients like milk and eggs.
- Dietary Suitability: Notably, the ready-made custard is gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians, making it accessible to those with certain dietary restrictions.
Comparison: Ready-Made vs. Homemade
The choice between ready-made and homemade custard often comes down to convenience versus nutritional control. Here’s a detailed comparison:
| Feature | Ready-Made Birds Custard | Homemade (from scratch or powder) |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Ready to serve hot or cold. Requires no preparation time. | Requires mixing and heating. Takes time and effort. |
| Ingredients | Processed ingredients like modified starch, palm oil, flavourings, and colouring. | Basic, whole ingredients like milk, cornflour, and sugar. Eggs in traditional recipes. |
| Control | No control over sweetness, thickness, or ingredients. | Full control over sweetness, thickness, and choice of milk or sugar type. |
| Nutritional Value | High in sugar and includes saturated fat from palm oil. Fixed nutritional profile. | Can be made healthier by using low-fat milk, less sugar, or alternative sweeteners. More control over the final nutritional content. |
| Shelf Life | Refrigerated and must be consumed within a few days of opening. | Custard powder has a long shelf life, while fresh custard should be consumed immediately or stored for a short period. |
Healthier Alternatives
For those who want to reduce their intake of processed ingredients and sugar, several healthier custard alternatives are available.
- Use custard powder: Prepare Birds custard powder with a plant-based milk (such as oat or almond) and a lower amount of sugar or a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
- Make custard from scratch: A basic recipe involves cornstarch, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. This offers full control over ingredients and amounts.
- Try vegan custard: Recipes using coconut milk, cornstarch, and turmeric for colour can create a rich and creamy egg-free and dairy-free custard.
- Create healthy versions with eggs: For those who can eat eggs, a classic French-style custard can be made with milk, egg yolks, and a minimal amount of sugar.
For a detailed healthy custard recipe, consider checking resources like The Healthy Chef for ideas.
Conclusion
Birds ready-made custard, while a convenient and popular dessert, is made with processed ingredients such as modified starch, palm oil, and high amounts of sugar. This contrasts with traditional or homemade versions, which offer more control over nutritional content and ingredients. While it serves a role as a quick treat, a discerning nutrition diet approach suggests moderation is key. For those seeking a healthier dessert, exploring homemade or plant-based custard alternatives offers a way to enjoy the creamy comfort of custard with more natural ingredients and less processed sugars.
