We love a dairy-free alternative – truly – but sometimes you just can’t beat the original. While this does taste like custard, you can tell it’s not quite the real deal. Coconut fans may disagree, but purists might want to keep scrolling.

Did this land at number six because it doesn’t tug at the same nostalgic heartstrings as Pauls, Foster Clark’s or Dairy Farmers? Possibly. Tell us if we’re being unfair. The upside? It’s only $2.95 for 1L, which means you won’t feel even slightly guilty about flooding your pudding with half the carton.

People with sensitive tummies deserve good custard too. This lactose-reduced option delivers on flavour, and comes in especially handy after you’ve already demolished three generous servings of pavlova with cream.

Cream, yoghurt, milk – Dairy Farmers has form when it comes to dependable dairy. The custard is no exception: smooth, creamy and reliable. A classic choice for classic people.

Is this number three ranking powered partly by nostalgia? Absolutely. That packaging has barely changed since the ’90s, and if Christmas isn’t the time to lean into retro comfort, when is? Bonus points for being a completely dependable pouring custard.

The custard of our childhoods. Pauls Creamy Custard is practically a family heirloom in Aussie households – sweet, comforting and endlessly spoonable. The fact it also comes in a 2kg tub tells you exactly how much Australia loves it.

If you think the best custard is pourable rather than spoonable… we respectfully disagree. Thick, smooth, perfectly vanilla-flecked and just as good eaten straight from the tub as it is dolloped onto dessert, this Pauls classic takes out our top spot with ease.