Core ingredients in Dairy Farmers thick and pourable custards
Dairy Farmers produces several variations of its popular custard, primarily thick and pourable versions, and the ingredient lists vary slightly between them. The core components, however, remain largely consistent.
Dairy base
The foundation of Dairy Farmers custard is, naturally, dairy. This provides the classic creamy texture and flavour.
- Milk: A primary component in both the thick and pourable versions.
- Concentrated Skim Milk: This is added to enhance the milk flavour and contribute to the custard's thickness.
- Cream: Present in the thick version of the custard to provide a richer, smoother mouthfeel.
Sweeteners and flavour
- Sugar: A simple sweetener added for taste.
- Flavour: The vanilla flavour is typically listed simply as 'Flavour'. Dairy Farmers states they use no artificial flavours in their thick vanilla custard, so this is likely a natural vanilla flavouring.
Thickeners and stabilisers
Unlike traditional homemade custard, which relies on eggs or cornstarch, Dairy Farmers uses specific food additives to achieve its shelf-stable and consistent texture.
- Thickener (1442 from Maize): This modified maize starch is a key ingredient, giving the custard its desired viscosity without the need for eggs. It provides a smooth, stable consistency that doesn't split upon heating.
- Vegetable Gums (407, 412): These are carrageenan (407) and guar gum (412). These gums work together to further stabilise the custard, preventing separation and contributing to its smooth, lump-free texture.
Natural colours
To give the custard its signature yellow hue, natural colours are added.
- Natural Colours (160a, 160b): These are carotenes (160a) and annatto extracts (160b). They are derived from plant sources and provide a consistent colour to the product.
A comparison of Dairy Farmers custard ingredients
While the main ingredients are similar, there are some minor differences between the thick and pourable versions, often relating to the fat and additive content to achieve the desired consistency.
| Feature | Dairy Farmers Thick Custard | Dairy Farmers Pourable Custard | Homemade Custard (Traditional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy Base | Milk, Concentrated Skim Milk, Cream | Milk, Skim Milk, Concentrated Skim Milk | Milk, Cream |
| Thickener | Thickener (1442 from Maize), Vegetable Gums (407, 412) | Thickener (1442 from Maize), Vegetable Gums (407, 412) | Cornstarch, Egg yolks |
| Flavouring | Flavour (natural) | Flavour, Salt | Vanilla extract |
| Egg Content | None | None | Present |
| Saturated Fat | ~2.1g per 100g | ~2.4g per 110g | Varies widely based on recipe |
| Primary Function | Dessert topping, can be eaten alone | Easier for pouring over desserts | Often used in baking and pastries |
The role of food additives in commercial custard
Food additives like thickeners and gums are essential for large-scale, commercial food production. They ensure a consistent, safe, and palatable product over an extended shelf life. The use of maize-based thickener (1442) and vegetable gums (407, 412) in Dairy Farmers custard offers several advantages.
- Consistency: They prevent the custard from becoming lumpy or separating, a common issue with homemade versions. This guarantees the same smooth texture in every tub.
- Shelf Stability: These additives allow the custard to remain fresh and safe for consumption for a longer period, making it suitable for retail distribution.
- Dietary Properties: As the thickener is derived from maize, Dairy Farmers custard is confirmed to be gluten-free, according to supermarket allergen information.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Using modified starches and gums is more cost-effective for large manufacturers than using high volumes of eggs, which can be inconsistent and expensive.
Conclusion
Understanding what are the ingredients in Dairy Farmers custard reveals a product made from a blend of dairy components, sweeteners, and carefully selected food additives. The core ingredients include milk, sugar, thickener (1442 from maize), vegetable gums, and natural colours. Unlike traditional recipes, it is egg-free, making the reliance on modified starch and vegetable gums crucial for its smooth, commercial-grade consistency. The presence of milk means it is not dairy-free, but its maize-based thickener makes it a suitable gluten-free option for those with coeliac disease. For more details, always check the product packaging and reliable supermarket information.
