Birds custard powder

[Whoknowswhatanymore]

Am I being unreasonable to think Birds Custard Powder has changed over the years and will no longer make up the way it used to or am I just doing it wrong even though I’m doing it as I did before? Has something changed??

It’s always been a lumpy mess in my house.

IMHO it’s always been terrible. I can’t understand how people eat that stuff 😬🫣

It used to be good though, I don’t know why it’s so rubbish now! Even my mum (who was an expert custard maker) cannot make it from the powder any more!

It's not sugary enough, not sure if that's changed over the years though. My husband makes it by adding a bit of sugar. We prefer a tin of Ambrosia custard though.

The sachets and tubs are different.

You've always needed to add sugar to the tub.

I have some in the cupboard, probably last used around Christmas, and it was ok and still worked. I usually mix it first then microwave it and that seems to work fine (but don't overheat it as it goes up like a volcano and makes a right mess of the microwave!).
You do have to add sugar, which is partly why I like using it as you can add as much sugar as you need, whereas some of the ready made custards can be a bit too sweet.
It is extra nice if you add a drop or 2 of vanilla extract and a bit of double cream.

I use it at it’s an easy way of making vegan custard and have never had any issues. Always just follow the instructions on the tub.

I think it tastes different. I make my own custard. It’s very easy and delicious.

I made it last week and had no problems.

I think it's different. It seems gloopier and more tasteless than it used to be 20 years ago.

They did change the method on the tub a few years ago. You used to have to mix the powder and sugar with a little milk in a bowl, then add that to the warm milk. You don’t anymore.

Oh and the thickness has changed. I don’t remember which way, think it’s too thin now, so I add extra then get it wrong.

Yes. The tub is just cornflour effectively. I've found I cannot make custard from powder on my induction hob - I just don't make it often enough to master it. It's fine made in the microwave.

You can make it in several ways. 30 odd years ago as a student one of my housemates had a different method that worked fine.

It can work but not if you follow the instructions in my experience. I’ve had many sticky lumpy messes. I can’t quite remember but you either have to do half the milk they recommend or double!

Mix the powder and sugar with a bit of milk, then pour all the milk into a big jug and whisk. Microwave for 1 min at a time and whisk after each minute, takes about 4 goes and it always spot on for me.

I make it from tub instructions by microwave method and always works fine.

I agree, it isn’t as nice nowadays. Tastes chemically.

Sure, I’m saying the directions on the tub changed to a simpler method a few years ago.

Did you know that Mr Bird was a chemist in the 19th century and invented Bird's Custard Powder as his wife had an egg allergy? I always found that so romantic 😂

are you using semi skimmed milk to make it? I find it’s much nicer with whole milk and I’m sure that changes the way it cooks, something about the extra fat stops it going lumpy.

I love the sachet version. I make it in a jug with boiling water. Trick is to add a small amount of water at a time and whisk like mad.

I was raised on the stuff but have now got ideas above the social class into which I was born and as a result can only eat M&S fresh custard these days. 🤣

ETA - actually Birds products are shockingly expensive these days, what the hell happened?!

My mum used to make it as thick as wall paper paste 😔

I use it a lot and it works well. I do add more powder than it says otherwise it’s too thin for me, but otherwise follow the instructions to make it in a saucepan.

It’s not as nice as real custard you can buy / make but it’s cheap and easy and I still really like it!