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

The biscuit uses refined wheat flour, added sugars, palm oil and several palm‑derived fats, which are typical of ultra‑processed foods, and it also contains additives such as ammonium carbonates, sodium carbonates, flavouring and a beta‑carotene colour that further qualify it as NOVA 4.

How does the sugar and saturated‑fat content in Custard Creams affect a diabetic or heart‑healthy diet?

With 26.5 g of sugar per 100 g, the product can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control, while the 10 g of saturated fat may raise LDL cholesterol and is generally discouraged in heart‑healthy eating plans.

Based on the ingredients, is Custard Creams suitable for vegan or gluten‑free diets?

No, the biscuit is not vegan because it contains whey powder, a dairy ingredient, and it is not gluten‑free because the fortified wheat flour provides gluten, so it does not meet the requirements of either diet.

Sainsbury's

Custard Creams

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Custard Creams are a Sainsbury’s biscuit that features a sweet vanilla‑flavoured custard filling between two wheat‑based cookies. They belong to the Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes groups, carry a Nutri‑Score of E and are classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), with 19 g fat, 10 g saturated fat, 26.5 g sugars and 0.43 g salt per 100 g, providing 474 kcal, 5.5 g protein and 3 g fibre. The recipe includes palm oil, several palm‑derived fats, whey powder (milk allergen), added sugars, raising agents and a beta‑carotene colour, which together raise concerns about high saturated fat, sugar load and non‑vegan status.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal474 kcal

Fat19 g

Saturated Fat10 g

Monounsaturated Fat7 g

Polyunsaturated Fat2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average biscuit (28.98 g sugar, 17.65 g fat, 7.8 g saturated fat, 1.98 g salt per 100 g), Custard Creams contain slightly less sugar, more total fat and saturated fat, while their salt level is markedly lower.

Ingredients

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

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