Breakfast guide · Yado Market
Custard powder is an egg-free mix of cornflour, color and vanilla flavor that turns into smooth custard in minutes.1 Here's what it is, how to make thick Nigerian breakfast custard (and British pouring custard), Bird's vs Lady B, what to eat it with, and where to buy it in Chicago.
Quick answer: how do you make Nigerian custard?
At a glance
- Bird's600 g · $8.99
- Lady B2 kg · $21.99
- Egg-freeYes, cornflour based
- Ready inAbout 5 minutes
- Get itPickup at 1651 E 87th St, Chicago, or U.S. shipping
The basics
What Is Custard Powder?
Custard powder is a quick, egg-free way to make custard. It's mostly cornflour (cornstarch) with salt, coloring and vanilla flavoring: when you mix it with hot water or milk, it thickens into a smooth, yellow custard.1
The best-known brand, Bird's, was created in 1837 by Alfred Bird, a chemist in Birmingham, England. His wife was allergic to eggs, so he made a custard without them.1,5
In Britain, custard is poured warm over puddings and pies. In Nigeria and across West Africa, it's a breakfast drink-porridge, made with boiling water and finished with evaporated milk and sugar, much like ogi (pap).2
Nutrition
What's in Custard Powder?
A typical custard powder label reads: maize starch (cornflour), salt, colour (annatto) and flavouring.3 So the powder itself is almost all starch. Here's what plain cornstarch, the main ingredient, contains:
One bowl uses 3 to 4 heaped tablespoons of powder. Most of the protein, fat and calories in Nigerian custard come from what you stir in: evaporated milk, milk powder and sugar. Check the label on your tin for exact numbers.
Recipe · Nigeria
How to Make Nigerian Custard (Breakfast Style)
You need
- 3 to 4 heaped tablespoons custard powder
- About 1/4 cup cold water
- About 2 cups water, freshly boiled (have extra ready)
- Evaporated milk (such as Peak) or milk powder, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
Steps
- Use a big bowl: the custard swells as it sets.2
- Mix the powder with a little cold water, adding it slowly while you stir, until smooth with no lumps.2
- Bring water to a rolling boil. Just before pouring, stir the paste again, since the powder settles.2
- Pour the boiling water in slowly while stirring all the time. When it starts to thicken and turn glossy, pour more slowly until it's fully set.2
- Only add more hot water if it's too thick: too much makes it runny.2
- Stir in evaporated milk and sugar to taste, and serve hot.2
Lumpy or runny?
Lumps mean the water wasn't hot enough or wasn't stirred in fast enough. If it stays runny, the water probably wasn't boiling: the starch needs real heat to thicken.
Shop the guide
Buy Custard Powder and Milk at Yado
Ready for pickup at 1651 E 87th St, Chicago, or shipped anywhere in the U.S.
Compare
Bird's vs Lady B Custard Powder
The classic red, yellow and blue tin, made since 1837.1 A good size for a family.
Best for: trying custard, small households
Shop Bird's · $8.99 →A big 2 kg tub, more than three times the Bird's tin. Popular for big families and parties.
Best for: daily breakfast, events
Shop Lady B · $21.99 →Per 100 g that's about $1.50 for Bird's and $1.10 for Lady B, based on today's online prices.
Recipe · Classic
How to Make Pouring Custard with Milk
For British-style custard to pour over cake, pie or fruit, you cook the powder in milk instead of water. Follow the method on your tin; it usually goes like this:
- Mix custard powder and sugar with a little cold milk to a smooth paste.
- Heat the rest of the milk until almost boiling.
- Pour the hot milk onto the paste, stirring all the time.
- Return it to the pan and bring back to the boil, stirring, until thick.
- Serve warm, or chill to set.
Serve
What to Eat with Nigerian Custard
New to pap? Read our ogi, koko and akamu guide.
Where to Buy Custard Powder Near Me in Chicago
Get Bird's and Lady B custard powder at Yado African & Caribbean Market, 1651 E 87th St, Chicago, IL, with Peak milk, ogi and everything for a Nigerian breakfast.
Order online for store pickup, or have it shipped anywhere in the U.S.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is custard powder made of?
Mostly cornflour (cornstarch), with salt, coloring and flavoring. It contains no egg.1
Is Bird's custard egg-free?
Yes. Alfred Bird created it in 1837 because his wife was allergic to eggs.1 Always check the label for allergens.
How do you make custard with custard powder?
Mix it to a smooth paste with cold water, pour in boiling water while stirring until it sets, then add milk and sugar.2
Why is my custard lumpy?
The water wasn't hot enough, or it wasn't stirred in fast enough. Make a smooth paste first and pour the boiling water slowly while stirring.
Why is my custard not thickening?
Usually the water wasn't fully boiling. Custard powder needs real heat to set.
What do Nigerians eat custard with?
Often akara, moi moi, bread or puff puff, as a breakfast.
What is the difference between custard and pap (ogi)?
Ogi is made from fermented corn and tastes slightly sour. Custard powder is unfermented cornflour with vanilla flavor and color, so it's sweeter and milder.
Where can I buy custard powder in Chicago?
At Yado African & Caribbean Market, 1651 E 87th St, Chicago, or online with U.S. shipping.
Sources
- The History Of Custard Powder, Tasting Table. www.tastingtable.com
- How to Prepare Custard, All Nigerian Recipes. www.allnigerianrecipes.com
- Bird's Original Custard Powder 350 g (ingredients), Sainsbury's. www.sainsburys.co.uk
- Cornstarch (FDC 169698), USDA FoodData Central. fdc.nal.usda.gov
- Blue Plaque: Alfred Bird, Birmingham Civic Society. birminghamcivicsociety.org.uk
