Tesco

Custard

Barcode 5050179317305

Scanned 27 times by Nomi users

Yes — Custard is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives/flavourings, specifically "flavouring", which is an extracted and formulated additive used to modify taste and is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods under NOVA.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

whole milk (53%)
OK

whipping cream (milk) (27%)
OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
OK

sugar

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

cornflour

Ground corn starch used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.
OK

tapioca starch

Starch extracted from cassava (tapioca root), used as a thickener and binder.
OK

pasteurised egg yolk (1.5%)
UPF

flavouring

A generic additive used to impart or enhance flavor; can be synthetic or derived from natural sources.
OK

vanilla seeds

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 Sauces, Condiments & Spreads →

Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Custard

Is Custard ultra-processed?

Yes — Custard by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives/flavourings, specifically "flavouring", which is an extracted and formulated additive used to modify taste and is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods under NOVA.

Which ingredients in Custard are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Custard as an ultra-processed marker: 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.