Ambrosia

custard

Barcode 5000354918926

Scanned 33 times by Nomi users

Yes — custard is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients/additives: modified starch (an industrially processed thickener), palm oil (a highly refined oil), and natural flavouring (an industrial flavouring). These go beyond basic culinary ingredients according to NOVA and make the custard an ultra-processed food, even though it is largely based on milk and sugar.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

skim milk

Low-fat milk from which the fat portion has been removed; a basic dairy ingredient used as a beverage or in cooking.
OK

buttermilk

A dairy product produced by culture or fermentation of milk; a liquid with mild tang and fat, used as a baking liquid or beverage.
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
UPF

modified starch

Starch that has been chemically or physically modified to alter its thickening, texture, or stability properties; commonly used as a thickener or stabilizer in processed foods.
UPF

palm oil

A widely used edible oil pressed from the fruit of oil palms; a basic culinary oil but highly processed in many commercial products.
OK

whey (milk)

Liquid byproduct of cheese production containing soluble proteins and lactose; used as a dairy ingredient or in protein formulations.
UPF

natural flavouring

A generic flavoring ingredient derived from natural sources used to impart aroma or taste; may include essential oils or extracts.
OK

colours (curcumin, annatto norbixin). total milk content 75%

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

Not Ultra-Processed

Madagascan vanilla custard

Waitrose

View product →

Swap it for something less processed

See all Puddings & Desserts →

Other puddings & desserts Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about custard

Is custard ultra-processed?

Yes — custard by Ambrosia is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients/additives: modified starch (an industrially processed thickener), palm oil (a highly refined oil), and natural flavouring (an industrial flavouring). These go beyond basic culinary ingredients according to NOVA and make the custard an ultra-processed food, even though it is largely based on milk and sugar.

Which ingredients in custard are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in custard as ultra-processed markers: modified starch, palm oil, natural flavouring. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to custard?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Madagascan vanilla custard by Waitrose. See the healthier alternatives above for details.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.