Tesco

Custard

Barcode 5059697257438

Scanned 15 times by Nomi users

Yes — Custard is ultra-processed.

The product contains several ultra-processed ingredients according to NOVA, including modified maize starch (an industrially modified starch used as a thickener/stabiliser), palm oil (a highly refined industrial oil), and added flavouring (an industrial flavour additive). These ingredients classify the custard as an ultra-processed food (UPF).

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

reconstituted dried skimmed milk
OK

reconstituted buttermilk powder
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.
UPF

modified maize starch

A processed starch, often used as a thickener or binding agent in foods; may be treated to modify properties.
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

milk proteins

Proteins derived from milk (e.g., casein, whey proteins) used as a food ingredient to add texture, nutrition, or functional properties.
UPF

flavouring

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

colours (beta-carotene, paprika extract). allergy advice for allergens
OK

see ingredients in bold. suitable for vegetarians

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). The product contains several ultra-processed ingredients according to NOVA, including modified maize starch (an industrially modified starch used as a thickener/stabiliser), palm oil (a highly refined industrial oil), and added flavouring (an industrial flavour additive). These ingredients classify the custard as an ultra-processed food (UPF).

Which ingredients in Custard are ultra-processed?

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

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.