Why is Custard Creams classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

Custard Creams are placed in NOVA group 4 because they are made from refined wheat flour, contain added palm oil, multiple refined sugars and several food additives. The label lists additives E160a (beta‑carotene colour), E160ai (beta‑carotene), E500/E500ii (sodium bicarbonate), E503/E503ii (ammonium bicarbonate), plus flavourings, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the sugar and saturated fat content of Custard Creams affect people with diabetes or cardiovascular concerns?

With 26.5 g of sugars and 10 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the biscuits can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes and increase LDL‑cholesterol, which may be problematic for people managing diabetes or hypertension; the low salt (0.44 g) does mitigate sodium‑related pressure concerns, but the overall high energy (474 kcal) supports weight‑gain if consumed in excess.

Is Custard Creams suitable for a gluten‑free or dairy‑free diet?

The product contains fortified wheat flour (gluten) and whey powder derived from cow’s milk, so it is neither gluten‑free nor dairy‑free and should be avoided by those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or milk allergy.

Sainsbury's • 200 g

Custard Creams

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Custard Creams are sweet sandwich biscuits marketed by Sainsbury’s, falling under the Sugary snacks group. They carry a Nutri‑Score of E and are classified in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product containing added sugars, palm oil, several food additives (E160a, E500, E503) and raising agents. Nutritionally they provide 474 kcal per 100 g, with 19 g fat (10 g saturated), 26.5 g sugars, 0.44 g salt and 5.5 g protein, and they contain gluten and milk, which may be concerns for people with related allergies or dietary restrictions.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal474 kcal

Fat19 g

Saturated Fat10 g

Monounsaturated Fat7 g

Polyunsaturated Fat2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet‑snack biscuit, Custard Creams have slightly less sugar (26.5 g vs 28.98 g) but more total fat (19 g vs 17.65 g), considerably higher saturated fat (10 g vs 7.8 g) and calories (474 kcal vs 418 kcal), while their salt content is far lower (0.44 g vs 1.98 g).

Ingredients

Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Palm Oil, Sugar, Icing Sugar, Palm Fat, Palm Kernel Fat, Whey Powder (Cows' Milk), Wheat Starch, Glucose Syrup, Sea Salt, Raising Agents: Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, Ammonium Hydrogen Carbonate; Flavouring, Colour: Beta-Carotene.

84%

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