Creative ways to serve frozen custard tarts in summer menus

Pretty girl eating a pastel de nata Nata Pura

Make the most of summer menus with a versatile, premium dessert

Summer brings lighter meals, seasonal menus, and a constant demand for creative, feel-good food. But that doesn’t mean you need to reinvent your dessert offer from scratch. Sometimes, all it takes is a twist on a classic.

Frozen custard tarts – like the iconic Portuguese custard tart – offer the perfect balance of tradition, convenience, and versatility. Whether you’re a hotel, coffee shop, or catering business, here are fresh ideas to make this product shine all summer long.

1. Brunch boards & boutique breakfasts

Brunch is one of the most photographed and shared meals of the day, and adding a pastel de nata to the table makes the moment even more memorable.

  • Serve mini frozen custard tarts with seasonal fruit and Greek yogurt as part of a breakfast platter.
  • Add them to a Portuguese-inspired brunch board, alongside cheeses, jams, crusty bread, and coffee.
  • Pair with iced coffee, kombucha, or sparkling water for a light, modern twist.

Tip: Opt for bite-size tarts for easy plating and better cost control.

2. Reinvented summer desserts

Tarts are a natural canvas for creativity. Elevate your frozen custard tart with seasonal toppings or unexpected combinations.

  • Top with fresh berries or a spoonful of passion fruit pulp for a vibrant look.
  • Serve à la mode: warm custard tart + vanilla gelato = instant summer hit.
  • Get gourmet: deconstruct the tart with pastry shards, custard quenelle, and crumble for a plated dessert.

Tip: Pair with sparkling rosé or cold-brew coffee to balance sweetness.

3. For events, catering and outdoor service

If you’re managing events, pop-ups, food trucks, or even rooftop bars, the frozen custard tart offers flexibility and wow-factor without requiring a full kitchen.

  • Tart skewers with strawberries, mint, and a drizzle of chocolate.
  • Tarts in a cup: crumble base + baked custard tart + whipped cream – perfect for standing events.
  • Customise with local flavours: matcha, yuzu, cardamom, salted caramel.

Tip: Frozen pastries mean zero prep stress – bake, top, and serve.

Why frozen works for business

Nata Pura’s frozen Portuguese tarts are crafted with quality ingredients and deep respect for tradition, but designed for modern kitchens.

You get:

  • Consistent results every time;
  • Less waste, better stock control;
  • Short bake times and no prep needed;
  • A product that adapts to your creativity and seasonality.

Whether you run a boutique hotel or a busy coffee shop chain, like Starbucks, frozen custard tarts offer a simple way to elevate your dessert experience.

Summer is the perfect time to explore new ways of serving old favourites. With a high-quality frozen custard tart, you’re not just offering dessert – you’re offering a moment your customers will remember (and maybe even post about).

Want to bring these ideas to life?

We work with professionals in 35+ countries, providing frozen tarts that are ready to bake, serve, and impress.

Let’s build your summer menu together.
Contact us today

Pastel de nata: a must-try travel experience from Portuguese bakery tradition

A pastel de nata and a sangria

Why food tourism is embracing the Portuguese custard tart

Summer is the season of travel, discovery, and unforgettable tastes. And when it comes to authentic culinary experiences, the pastel de nata – also known as the Portuguese custard tart or eggtart – is rising as one of the most iconic travel bites in the world. Originating from the heart of Portuguese bakery tradition, this small tart is now found far beyond Portugal’s borders, turning heads and winning hearts.

The pastel de nata: more than just a pastry

Originally created by monks over 300 years ago, the pastel de nata has become a symbol of Portuguese culture. With its flaky crust and creamy egg custard filling, it’s not just a dessert – it’s a taste of history.

Whether served warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon or enjoyed as a quick bite on the go, the Portuguese custard tart is a memorable part of the travel experience for tourists visiting Portugal or Portuguese-style bakeries around the world.

A global journey: where tourists are tasting Nata Pura

In Portugal: Sintra’s Nata Pura kiosk

Located in one of the country’s most visited towns, our branded Nata Pura kiosk in Sintra welcomes thousands of tourists every month – offering them the chance to try a freshly baked pastel de nata while soaking in the heritage of Portuguese baking.

In Japan: Expo 2025 Osaka

At the Portugal Pavilion in Expo 2025 Osaka, the Nata Pura Portuguese eggtart is served daily to visitors from all over the globe. The long lines speak for themselves: people are eager to discover this little piece of Portugal.

Worldwide: hotels, airports & coffee shops

From luxury hotels to international airports, the pastel de nata is becoming a go-to offering in foodservice. Tourists and locals alike are discovering the taste of Portuguese bakery excellence in every bite – wherever they are.

Food tourism meets frozen innovation

With the growing demand for authentic, high-quality local foods, frozen pastries like Nata Pura allow businesses to serve the real taste of Portuguese custard tarts – anytime, anywhere. Our products maintain texture, flavour and authenticity while being convenient for chefs, coffee shops and foodservice operators.

This innovation makes the eggtart accessible on a global scale, helping travellers experience the tradition without compromise.

Why it matters for hotels, coffee shops and retailers

Adding the pastel de nata to your menu or display isn’t just adding another product – it’s adding a story. It becomes a conversation starter, a cultural touchpoint, and an unforgettable bite that creates emotional connection with your guests.

For businesses targeting tourists, a high-quality Portuguese custard tart offers a way to: enhance local authenticity; offer an Instagram-worthy moment; drive repeat purchases through emotional experience.

In a world where travellers crave real stories and authentic tastes, the pastel de nata delivers both. It’s a passport to Portuguese culture in a single bite – whether discovered in Lisbon, Porto, Tokyo, London or Dubai.

Ready to turn a Portuguese classic into your next best-seller?

Whether you’re running a hotel, a coffee shop, or a retail space, Nata Pura gives you everything you need to offer an unforgettable experience – from iconic taste to reliable service.

Let’s talk and explore how we can bring the pastel de nata to your customers, wherever they are.

Get in touch now!

From Monastery to market: how sustainable frozen pastry is shaping the future of food

Pastéis de nata Nata Pura at the best supermarket in the world, sustainable frozen pastry producted BY Foods

In a world where sustainability is no longer optional, even traditional desserts must adapt. The pastel de nata, a Portuguese pastry born in monasteries centuries ago, is now travelling the world – frozen, safe, and sustainable.

At BY Foods, we believe that frozen pastry can be both delicious and responsible. Here’s how we’re helping shape the future of food with every box of nata we deliver.

Tradition meets innovation in frozen pastry

Our story begins with a classic: the pastel de nata, made according to the original monastic recipe. But behind each custard tart we export is a modern production model designed for efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

From carefully sourced ingredients to waste reduction and clean energy initiatives, we ensure every step adds value – not burden – to the planet.

Ultra-freezing for a 18-month shelf life

The secret behind our global reach is our freezing technology. Using blast freezing, we lock in freshness, flavour, and texture – without preservatives.

With an 18-month shelf life, our frozen pastéis de nata are ideal for international distribution. They allow better inventory control, reduce food waste, and enable businesses to serve premium pastry on demand.

FSC certified packaging for frozen foods

Packaging is critical in frozen food logistics, but it doesn’t have to come at the environment’s expense. We use FSC-certified cardboard and continue to develop alternative materials to reduce our packaging footprint further.

Our goal: protect the product throughout the cold chain while supporting a more sustainable food packaging system.

Cold chain logistics for global distribution

BY Foods currently exports to over 37 countries, from Europe to Asia and the Middle East. Ensuring quality across that distance requires a tightly managed cold chain.

By optimising shipping routes, consolidating deliveries, and maintaining a frozen supply chain from origin to shelf, we minimise waste and carbon impact while guaranteeing food safety and consistency.

Why sustainable frozen pastry is the future

Frozen pastry isn’t just about convenience – it’s about ensuring quality and reducing waste on a global scale. At BY Foods, we’re leading the way by combining traditional recipes with sustainable practices, long shelf life, and responsible logistics.

By combining a 18-month shelf life, certified packaging, and cold chain logistics, we’re setting new standards for sustainable frozen pastry production and distribution.

Whether you’re a distributor, retailer or foodservice professional, we offer more than a product – we offer a solution ready for global scale.

From Portugal to the world, one sustainable pastel de nata at a time.

Want to bring sustainable pastry to your market?

Let’s talk! Contact our team or explore our range to discover how we can grow together.

Pastel de nata around the world: global flavours, local twists

eating a pastel de nata, maked wirh global flavours and drinking a japan tea

How does a small custard tart, born in Portuguese monasteries over three centuries ago, become a global success story? The answer lies in a perfect mix of consistency and adaptability, combined with a bold vision, and a world of pastel de nata global flavours.

At BY Foods, we’re not just exporting pastry – we’re exporting culture. And at the heart of this journey is someone who saw the potential long before the world was ready.

A vision for expansion, rooted in tradition

When Mabílio de Albuquerque founded BY Foods, he followed a simple but powerful belief: that one of Portugal’s most iconic pastries could find a home in markets far beyond its borders. At a time when many still saw frozen pastry as a compromise, he saw it as an opportunity. A way to preserve quality, guarantee consistency, and scale a product that deserved global attention.

With a clear vision and a strong connection to Portuguese culinary heritage, Mabílio set out to combine tradition with innovation. Not by changing the recipe, but by rethinking how it could be produced, transported and enjoyed around the world. Under his leadership, BY Foods grew from a local project into an international operation, with the brand Nata Pura distributed in over 37 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

His approach remains a guiding force today: respect the roots, trust the product, and adapt when needed to meet new tastes, cultures, and contexts.

Reinventing a classic: the global journey of a Portuguese icon

The traditional pastel de nata is universally loved. But behind the scenes, adapting it to local markets is an art – and a science.

We’ve seen our custard tarts enjoyed in countless ways around the world – served with green tea in Japan, paired with coffee or champagne in Europe, topped with ice cream or fresh fruit, featured as dessert, brunch, or even part of a premium breakfast.

Each variation reflects how local culture meets Portuguese tradition – and makes it their own.

The Middle East: sweet meets subtle

In the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where dessert traditions often favour balance and subtle sweetness, the pastel de nata has found a unique niche. Its rich creaminess and delicate caramelised top make it a favourite in both premium retail and high-end hospitality, especially when paired with Arabic coffee or cardamom tea.

This region has proven that a product doesn’t need to change radically to resonate – it simply needs the right context and a quality guarantee.

Japan: matcha as a bridge between worlds

In Japan, respect for tradition goes hand in hand with a love for experimentation. The pastel de nata with matcha is a perfect example: the custard’s sweetness is beautifully balanced by the earthy bitterness of green tea powder, creating a new version that feels both local and premium.

This adaptation wasn’t born in a lab – it came from listening to local partners, chefs, and consumers. 

France: when custard meets cheese

France, the land of pastry, is also a place where the unexpected can thrive – if done well. Our savoury pastéis de nata, featuring ingredients like brie or blue cheese, have unlocked new opportunities in the HoReCa channel.

Used as starters, brunch options, or canapés, these salty adaptations prove the versatility of the format. Once again, it’s not about replacing tradition; it’s about expanding its reach.

Consistency where it matters. Flexibility where it counts.

We never change the base of our recipe lightly. But we do pay attention to regional trends, flavour preferences, and the creative input of our partners.

Every new adaptation – whether flavour, format, or packaging – goes through a process of testing, feedback, and alignment. The goal is always the same: respect the soul of the product while making it feel at home, anywhere in the world.

This balance is what drives the sustainable global growth of BY Foods.

The world’s most adaptable pastry?

From Dubai to Tokyo, Paris to Seoul, our pastéis de nata are speaking different flavour languages – and being welcomed with open arms.

The Portuguese tradition remains the heart of our product.

But it’s our openness to the world that allows us to travel and thrive.

Nata Pura reaches the world’s best supermarket: Portuguese pastéis de nata take the spotlight in Australia

Nata Pura pastéis de nata at the word's best supermarket 2024: Foodland Australia

Now available at Saints Road Foodland – officially named the world’s best supermarket 

The Australian store Saints Road Foodland, part of the Foodland Supermarkets network and operated by the Chapley Group, was recently awarded World’s Best Supermarket at the IGA International Retailer Awards 2024. 
This global recognition celebrates excellence in store design, innovation, and customer experience – and we’re proud that our Nata Pura pastéis de nata are now part of this standout retailer’s frozen selection. 

Portuguese products with world-class standards 

Having our products featured in one of the most respected and competitive supermarkets worldwide reinforces our commitment to delivering quality, tradition, and consistency.  

Our Portuguese custard tarts are more than just a pastry, it’s a cultural icon. And seeing them on the shelves of an internationally awarded supermarket reinforces our belief that a little taste of Portugal belongs on the global stage. 

Frozen pastéis de nata: tradition meets innovation 

Our oven and air fryer-ready frozen pastéis de nata bring together two worlds – the tradition of artisanal Portuguese baking and the practicality today’s consumers expect. 
In just a few minutes at home, anyone can enjoy a freshly baked, golden, flaky pastry with a creamy, indulgent filling. That balance between convenience and authenticity is exactly what sets us apart – and why retailers like Foodland choose us.  

Being in the right place, with the right partners  

Partnering with the world’s best retailers is both a responsibility and an opportunity. Every shelf we reach is the result of dedication, consistency, and our mission to bring the best of Portugal to the world. 

And none of this would be possible without the continued trust and collaboration of our partner Dallas International. Their work on the ground has been key in making this placement a reality, proof of what strong, aligned partnerships can achieve across borders. 

3 powerful lessons from the most awarded pastel de nata export strategy

When we decided to take pastel de nata beyond borders, we knew we were bringing more than just a product; we were sharing heritage. But the world is diverse, which demands listening, adapting, and innovating from our side.

1. Local flavours also tell a story

Pastel de nata is unmistakably Portuguese. However, to win over new markets, we had to understand local preferences and introduce variations that stayed true to the product’s essence. In Japan, for example, matcha (green tea) is part of the cultural identity. By creating a matcha version, we connected two traditions authentically, while also responding to local trends. In Paris, flavours like brie and camembert offer a sophisticated and unexpected twist that reflects the local palate.

This balance between authenticity and local adaptation has become a cornerstone of our international strategy. It’s one of the reasons why Nata Pura has been so well received in culturally distinct regions.

2. Each market has its own pace and rules

Legal and operational requirements vary from country to country. From health certifications to logistics needs, we had to invest time and resources to ensure our products arrived safely and met the expected standards. In markets like the U.S., traceability and trust in the supply chain are critical, not only to comply with regulations but to build confidence with clients.

We ensure product quality through strict cold chain logistics and compliance with international export standards, maintaining the authenticity of our pastel de nata across all markets.

3. Storytelling adapts – the truth remains

Whether it’s on a store shelf in Tokyo, a coffee shop in London, or a trade show in Boston, the way we communicate pastel de nata may shift – but what it stands for does not: quality, tradition, and Portuguese passion. That authenticity is the guiding thread of our brand, no matter the language or culture.

The idea of exporting tradition goes far beyond simply selling a product: it’s about building genuine connections with the world, without ever losing sight of where we come from. This philosophy guides everything we do – from the partners we choose to the events we attend.

Ready to bring authentic pastel de nata to your market?

We’re always looking for new partners who believe in the value of quality, innovation, and cultural connection. If you’re looking to import (the most awarded) pastel de nata from Portugal, let’s talk – we export globally, with the know-how and flexibility to match your market’s needs.

👉 Contact us and discover how we can work together.

Making a global pastel de nata: what it takes to deliver quality everywhere

Nata Pura delivers quality everywhere with her pastéis de nata

At BY Foods, we believe that consistency is the most underrated form of innovation – and the key to deliver quality everywhere.

The pastel de nata is more than a dessert. It’s a cultural symbol, a moment of pause, a shared memory for many. But when we decided to take it beyond Portugal, we knew that delivering it with the same quality anywhere in the world would require more than tradition.
From production to preparation, every detail matters – especially when the goal is to preserve flavour and authenticity at scale. Here’s what it truly takes to make a pastel de nata global, without losing what makes it local.

1. Standardised production without compromise

Every Nata Pura tart begins in Portugal, made in a certified facility where the process is key.
We source quality ingredients, follow strict hygiene protocols, and test each batch for consistency in texture, flavour, and structure.

Scaling doesn’t mean simplifying. For us, it means making the artisanal reproducible, without losing its soul.

2. Ultra-freezing to lock in freshness

Right after baking, each tart undergoes ultra-freezing – a method that stops time, in a sense.
It preserves the delicate balance between crispy layers and creamy custard, while extending shelf life and ensuring food safety.

This step is what allows a pastel de nata made in Portugal to taste just as fresh in Japan, Australia, or Canada.

3. Cold chain logistics that leave no gaps

Maintaining product integrity in transit is non-negotiable.
Each shipment of Nata Pura travels at -18 °C, monitored with real-time data, from the loading dock to the final delivery point.

We work with trusted logistics partners who understand that food quality is fragile, and that every hour without control can make the difference between good and great.

4. Preparation at destination: training, tools, and trust

Exporting a pastry is one thing. Making sure it’s served properly is another.

That’s why we provide full support to our clients and partners:

  • Training for kitchen staff (on-site or remote)
  • Recommended baking equipment
  • Clear, visual preparation guides
  • Dedicated technical contacts for follow-up

Whether it’s for a retailer in the UK or the Portugal Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025, we ensure that the final product reflects everything we stand for – from flavour to presentation.

Case in point: Nata Pura at Expo Osaka 2025

Being the official custard tart of the Portugal Pavilion at Expo 2025 is an honour, but also a daily operational test.
Every tart is baked on-site, following precise instructions and using selected equipment. And every visitor tasting it is experiencing the same standard we set from day one.

This is more than a moment – it’s a long-term commitment to delivering Portuguese tradition at its best.

A global standard, built on craft

There’s a quiet power in doing something well, over and over again.

At BY Foods, we don’t just want to go far. We want to go far without changing who we are.
And that means building processes that protect the essence of what we do.

From the first recipe to the final bite, the goal remains the same: Deliver quality. Anywhere.

Nata Pura at Expo 2025 Osaka: a flavourful journey between Portugal and Japan

expo 2025 osaka portugal pavilion nata pura pasteis de nata

Some flavours cross oceans. And some stories are best told at the table. In 2025, Nata Pura brings the pastel de nata — a symbol of Portuguese pastry — to Expo 2025 Osaka, celebrating centuries of connection between the two countries.

Portugal pavilion: the Ocean as a starting point

The theme of the Portuguese pavilion — “Ocean: the Blue Dialogue” — pays tribute to the sea as a link between peoples, cultures and knowledge. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the structure stands out for its use of recycled fishing nets and maritime ropes, evoking the movement of waves and underscoring a strong commitment to sustainability.

This pavilion represents an opportunity to showcase the very best of Portugal — from innovation to tradition, from design to gastronomy.

The pastel de nata as a cultural ambassador

Among the many sensory experiences available at the pavilion, Nata Pura’s presence in the official restaurant is an irresistible invitation to taste. Our pastéis de nata, made using a traditional recipe and strict quality control, have become one of the visitors’ favorite choices — for many, it’s their first time discovering this iconic Portuguese treat.

The response has been enthusiastic. Some visitors return to savour another one. Others leave with the flavour still lingering and a growing curiosity to discover more about Portugal.

A long-standing connection

The relationship between Portugal and Japan is nothing new. As early as the 16th century, Portuguese navigators were the first Europeans to reach the Japanese archipelago. With them came products, techniques and… words.

Japanese linguist Tetsuo Harada recently highlighted how words like “pão” (bread), “botão” (button), “copo” (glass), “álcool” (alcohol) and “caramelo” (caramel) entered the Japanese vocabulary through Portuguese. This legacy lives on in language and now finds new life through flavour — like that of our pastel de nata.

A global stage with real impact

Expo 2025 Osaka brings together over 150 national pavilions and expects to welcome around 28 million visitors over six months. Nata Pura seizes this global stage as a strategic opportunity to strengthen its position in the Asian market — especially in Japan, where the product continues to gain recognition for its authenticity, practicality, and indulgent character.

For the Nata Pura team, this participation is also a way to build commercial relationships, listen directly to the end consumer, and continue developing a brand that is proudly Portuguese, but with a global ambition.

At Nata Pura, we believe every pastel tells a story. In Osaka, that story is about encounters, flavor, and cultural bridges.

Follow our journey at Expo 2025 Osaka and learn more about us at www.natapura.com or on our LinkedIn.