This Custard Cream Spread has been creating a buzz even before most of us could find it instore. I don't think I've ever had a photo on instagram or Facebook attract as much attention as the photo I posted of this spread when I spotted a jar in Tesco. I completely understand the appeal, I had a similar OMG!! moment when I saw it - it's a custard cream SPREAD for goodness sake! Complete genius on the part of Tesco to take such a classic Biscuit biscuit and turn it into a spreadable delight. I bought a jar of the Custard Cream Spread as soon as I saw it (last week in one of those massive out of town Tesco Extras) but it's taken me longer than usual to review it. I guess I needed to give it a rigorous testing!
For any overseas readers not familiar with custard cream biscuits, they are golden biscuits filled with a creamy vanilla flavoured layer. In 2007 they were named Britain's favorite biscuit by 9 out of 10 people asked! One thing I've realised about custard cream biscuits is it really doesn't matter which brand I buy, from cheap supermarket value ones to more expensive branded versions, they all pretty much taste identical. It's like there's only one factory that churns these things out. Is anyone out there loyal to a one particular brand of custard creams?
The Tesco Custard Cream spread is described on the back as "vanilla flavor spread with biscuits". The main ingredients are; custard cream biscuits (37%), rapeseed oil, sugar, palm oil, natural vanilla flavouring, and hazelnuts (and of course the separate ingredients for the biscuits themselves). The good news about this spread is that it really does have that familiar custard cream flavour, along with an extra creamy edge to go with the biscuity taste. Unfortunately the bad news about this spread is that it has a difficult texture - it's just TOO soft. It looks okay in the jar but as soon as it meets even the slightest warm surface it turns into a runny mess. Even the bagel in the photo had to be practically cold before I could take the photo - and it still went all gloopy. I've tried keeping the jar in the fridge but it didn't really help for serving the spread on something warm, like a waffle or toast.
Has anyone else had this same experience? I don't think I've ever come across a spread with such a soft texture, it definitely needs to be more robust when warm. It's a shame because the spread does taste very good and I really want to try it on a hot waffle - but based on the texture I won't be buying it again.
There are several other biscuit spreads available in this new range from Tesco - check out my photos at the end of this post HERE.
Grocery Gems Verdict: Maltesers Teasers Spread
RATING: 6 out of 10 - more if I can find a colder use for it!
Buy them again?: I might try the other spreads in the range.
Nutrition (per 15g): 89 calories.
Purchased: Tesco
Price: £1.99 (400g jar).
