Bird's Custard facts for kids
A tin of Bird's Custard powder and prepared custard in a measuring jug
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| Type | Custard |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Region or state | Birmingham |
| Created by | Alfred Bird |
| Main ingredients | Cornflour, salt, colouring, flavouring |
Bird's Custard is a famous brand of custard powder. It was the first powdered custard that didn't use eggs. Today, it's owned by Premier Foods.
You might also hear "custard powder" or "instant custard powder." These are general names for similar products. Bird's Custard is a powder made mostly from cornflour. When you mix it with milk and heat it, it becomes a thick, creamy sauce, just like traditional custard.
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The Story of Bird's Custard
Bird's Custard was first made by a chemist named Alfred Bird in 1837. He had a shop in Birmingham, England. Alfred created this special recipe because his wife was allergic to eggs. Eggs are usually a main ingredient that makes traditional custard thick.
One evening, by accident or on purpose, the egg-free custard was served to their dinner guests. Everyone loved it! Because it was so popular, Alfred Bird decided to make it for everyone to buy.
How People Use Bird's Custard
In places like Australia and the United Kingdom, Bird's Custard is so well-known that people often just call it "custard." Sometimes, when someone says "custard," they might be thinking of Bird's rather than the older, egg-based kind.
Today, you can find "instant" versions of Bird's Custard. These have powdered milk and sugar already mixed in, so you just add hot water. You can also buy ready-made custard in tins or cartons.
The Company: Alfred Bird and Sons Ltd.
After his custard became a hit, Alfred Bird started a company called Alfred Bird and Sons Ltd. in Birmingham. By 1843, the company also began making baking powder. A year later, in 1844, they were selling custard powder all over the country.
By 1895, the company made other products too. These included blancmange powder, jelly powder, and egg substitutes. During World War I, Bird's Custard was even given to the British armed forces.
Bird's was one of the first companies to use fun advertisements. They also gave away promotional items. Their famous 'three bird' logo first appeared in 1929.
After World War II, the company was bought by a larger food company. Over the years, Bird's Custard changed owners a few times. Since late 2004, Premier Foods has owned the brand.
The original factory where Bird's Custard was made is no longer there. However, a larger factory that Bird's opened in Gibb Street still stands. It has been turned into an arts center called the Custard Factory.
What's in Bird's Custard?
Until 2009, some Bird's products, like the instant custard powder, contained partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. This type of oil is now banned in some countries because of health concerns. Since 2009, all Bird's custards use unhydrogenated vegetable oil, which is a healthier choice.
See also
