Fruit custard is that feel-good dessert you can enjoy any day of the week. It’s creamy, chilled, and bursting with fruity flavours in every spoonful. But if you’re trying to eat lighter or skip refined sugar, you might be wondering, can this treat be made healthier? The answer is yes, and it’s easier than you think.
All you need is a few simple swaps using ingredients found at any grocery store near me. With just a little creativity and no complicated prep, you can enjoy a version of fruit custard that’s lighter, cleaner and still totally delicious.
Let’s explore some easy, healthy updates for your favourite dessert.
1. Swap Regular Milk with Plant-Based Options
A traditional fruit custard calls for full-fat milk, but you can still get a creamy texture using dairy-free alternatives:
- Almond milk is light and subtly nutty.
- Coconut milk brings richness and a gentle tropical vibe.
- Oat milk is neutral, smooth, and perfect for anyone with nut allergies.
These are available at most grocery stores near me. For the best results, opt for unsweetened versions to help keep your sugar levels in check.
2. Replace Sugar with Natural Sweeteners
No one wants a bland dessert, but skipping refined sugar doesn’t mean losing out on taste. Here’s what you can use instead:
- Date paste or honey gives a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- Maple syrup adds a mild, natural flavour.
- Jaggery powder is an age-old kitchen hero that works beautifully in custards.
You will find all these in the baking or organic section of your store.
3. Use Better Thickeners Than Custard Powder
Instead of using ready-made custard mixes that may contain food colouring or preservatives, go natural:
- Cornflour or arrowroot powder gives the same smooth texture.
- Chia seeds, once soaked, work as natural thickeners and add fibre.
- Rice flour can also be used as a gentle thickening agent for a light, silky custard.
All these pantry staples are readily available and can be prepared in just a few minutes.
4. Add Goodness with Hidden Nutrition
Want to make your fruit custard more wholesome? Stir in:
- A spoonful of nut butter, like almond or peanut butter.
- A sprinkle of ground flaxseeds or hemp hearts for fibre and omega-3s.
- Grated apple or mashed banana to naturally sweeten and add volume.
These little add-ons turn your dessert into something tasty and nourishing.
5. Choose Fresh, Seasonal Fruits
No custard is complete without the fruit, and freshness is key. Look for seasonal picks that balance texture and taste:
- Crunchy: apples, pomegranate
- Soft: bananas, chikoo
- Juicy: mangoes, kiwi, grapes
Avoid overly watery fruits like watermelon. Always refrigerate fruits before folding them into your custard to keep everything crisp and refreshing.
A Lighter Take on a Classic Dessert
Fruit custard is a timeless favourite, and with just a few simple swaps from your grocery store near me, it can become a healthier part of your regular meal plan. These substitutes are easy to find, affordable, and require no fancy techniques.
Whether you’re planning a dinner party or just treating yourself, your creamy bowl of custard can be as good for you as it tastes.
Now go ahead—grab your grocery list, pick up what you need, and make your next fruit custard recipe, that is both wholesome and comforting.
