Dr. Becky Maes - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Becky Maes

Is Custard Bad For You?


Grade

C-


Short answer

Custard can be bad for you if you eat it frequently, due to the potentially high amount of fat and added sugars. However, if enjoyed infrequently, custard is fine for most. Be aware that store-bought varieties may include harmful additives.

Grade

C-

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

How healthy custard is depends entirely on how it is made. Custard can be made in a number of ways - powdered, UHT, baked, stirred, etc. The most common custards, however, are creme anglaise and creme patisserie. Homemade custard is made primarily with milk or cream and egg yolk, while store-bought custard may contain any of the following: milk solids, starch, sugar, thickener, flavorings, vegetable gum, and colors. 

As with many other types of food, the tastier the custard, chances are the worse it is for your health. The rich, creamy taste found in full fat custard also carries with it about 6% the daily recommended value for fat per serving, while regular custard will give 1-3% and low-fat custard carrying about 0-1% of the daily value of fat. 

As custard is made using milk or milk products, it does contain some lactose, which is of concern to people who are lactose intolerant. The amount of calories vary widely, with low-fat varieties holding around 85 per serving, while custards with the full amount of fat having over 120 calories per serving. 

Custard is not completely bereft of benefits, however. It does provide a good amount of calcium and offers a substantial dose of B-vitamins, especially vitamin B12. Naturally, homemade custard that does not have the extra additives is much better for you than the store-bought varieties. 

Overall, custard is not the best thing you can put in your body, but if enjoyed every now and then, it shouldn't cause any problems to your health. Regular consumption of custard could lead to weight gain and an increased risk of heart problems, though.


Possible short-term side effects

  • allergic reaction
  • blood sugar spike

Possible long-term side effects

  • weight gain
  • heart disease
  • diabetes
  • cancer

Ingredients to be aware of



Benefits

  • good source of calcium
  • good source of vitamin b12

Healthier alternatives

  • custard made from home with natural ingredients

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Biona White Rice Pudding

  • Organic certified
  • Preservative-free
  • Non-GMO
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Gluten-free option
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-04-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-04-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023




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