As a person with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, determining if custard contains gluten can be an important factor in deciding whether or not it is safe to eat. Custard is a creamy dessert made with egg yolks, milk or cream, and sugar. But does custard contain gluten? Here is a quick answer to the question:
Quick Answer
Custard made from standard ingredients like milk, cream, eggs, and sugar does not contain gluten. However, some pre-made or pre-packaged custard mixes may contain wheat-based thickeners or other ingredients that contain gluten. So always check the ingredients list on any pre-made custard mixes before consuming.
What is Custard?
Custard is a creamy dessert that can be served on its own or used as a filling for pastries like custard tarts or éclairs. The basic ingredients in custard are:
- Milk or cream – Provides the base and creamy texture.
- Egg yolks – Adds richness and thickens the custard when heated.
- Sugar – Sweetens the custard.
- Flavorings – Such as vanilla, cinnamon, lemon, etc.
Some recipes may also call for a small amount of corn starch or flour to help thicken the custard. The eggs and starch gelatinize when gently heated, resulting in the thick rich texture associated with custard.
Does Custard Contain Gluten?
Custard made from just milk, cream, eggs, and sugar contains no gluten. None of these basic ingredients inherently contain the protein gluten. So if you make homemade custard from scratch using milk, cream, eggs, and sugar it will be gluten-free.
However, many pre-made or pre-packaged custard mixes contain additional ingredients beyond the basics. Some of these ingredients may contain gluten or be derived from wheat-based sources.
Common gluten-containing ingredients added to pre-made custard mixes include:
- Wheat flour
- Maltodextrin
- Modified food starch
- Artificial colors or flavorings
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein
These ingredients are often used as thickeners to give the custard a richer, creamier texture. Wheat flour or starch may also be added to pre-made mixes as a cost saving measure over using more expensive egg yolks for thickness.
Are There Gluten-Free Custard Options?
While traditional homemade custard made with just milk, cream, eggs, and sugar is gluten-free, many pre-packaged custards or custard powder mixes do contain gluten. However, there are some gluten-free pre-made or powdered custard options available, including:
- Dr. Oetker Organics Gluten Free Vanilla Custard Mix
- Farmer’s Choice Gluten-Free Crème Anglaise
- Orchard View Gluten Free Vanilla Custard Mix
- Mariposa Baking Mixes Gluten-Free Custard Powder
When purchasing pre-made custard mixes, the key is to always read the ingredients list carefully to ensure it does not contain wheat, wheat starch, or ambiguous ingredients like “natural flavors” that could potentially contain gluten. Look for custards made with corn starch, potato starch, or other gluten-free starches if a thickener is used.
Many grocery stores now carry gluten-free sections with pre-packaged custards or baking mixes labeled “gluten-free”. You can also find gluten-free options from online specialty retailers. Making custard from scratch at home using certified gluten-free ingredients is another way to ensure you can enjoy gluten-free custard.
Risks of Gluten in Custard for Gluten-Sensitive Individuals
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming custard that contains gluten poses a health risk. When a person with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity consumes gluten, it triggers an immune response that causes inflammation and damage to the small intestine.
This can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, and more. Over time, the chronic inflammation caused by consuming gluten can result in damage to the intestinal villi, which are small finger-like projections that absorb nutrients from food.
This villi damage leads to malabsorption of nutrients like iron, folate, and calcium. It also increases the risk of anemia, osteoporosis, infertility, neurological conditions, and certain cancers. So for those with gluten sensitivity, sticking to custards confirmed as gluten-free is important.
Tips for Enjoying Gluten-Free Custard
Here are some tips for enjoying delicious gluten-free custard safely:
- If making homemade custard, choose gluten-free ingredients like milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla.
- Check labels carefully and avoid pre-made custard mixes listing wheat, barley, rye or ambiguous ingredients like “natural flavors.”
- Look for custard mixes made with corn starch, potato starch, tapioca starch or other gluten-free starches.
- Purchase pre-packaged custards labeled “gluten-free” from brands you trust.
- Inquire at restaurants before ordering custard desserts like crème brûlée to ensure they are gluten-free.
- If dining out, only eat custard dishes that the restaurant can confirm are gluten-free.
With some care taken to read ingredients and ask questions, you can safely enjoy delicious gluten-free custard. Homemade custard from scratch is always a gluten-free option. Just steer clear of pre-made mixes with questionable ingredients.
Common Questions
Is ready-made custard gluten free?
Ready-made or pre-packaged custard may contain gluten, especially if made from a custard powder mix. Always thoroughly check the ingredients list and only buy ready-made custards clearly labeled as gluten-free.
Can you make gluten free custard with cornflour?
Yes, cornflour (also called cornstarch) is a naturally gluten-free thickening agent that can be used to make gluten-free custard. Substitute cornflour for regular wheat flour in custard recipes.
Is Birds custard gluten free?
Original Birds custard powder does contain gluten, as it is made with wheat flour. However, Birds does offer some gluten-free custard mix options made with cornflour, including gluten-free vanilla and chocolate flavors.
Do you have to cook out the flour in custard?
Most custard recipes do require cooking the custard gently on the stovetop or in the oven after mixing in the flour. This cooking process fully gelatinizes the custard and thickens it. If the flour or starch is not properly cooked, the custard may have an unpleasant raw taste.
The Bottom Line
When prepared from gluten-free ingredients like milk, cream, eggs, and sugar, custard itself does not contain gluten. But many pre-made custard mixes do contain wheat-based thickeners and other gluten ingredients. So always check labels and ingredient lists closely to ensure your custard is gluten-free. With some care taken around ingredients, gluten-free custard can be enjoyed safely by those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
