Brunch hosts who want to serve straight away
If you don’t want to plan around the oven on the morning itself, a fresh croissant from a shop is an easy choice. Check which options are available before you visit.
Which option works best for you?
The best croissant for a holiday breakfast depends mainly on when you want to serve it, what equipment you have and which ingredients matter to your guests.
Planners with an oven and freezer space
If you’re planning several breakfasts or a brunch, you can bake croissants at home. Match the number of portions to the preparation time and storage instructions.
Shoppers who compare ingredients carefully
If allergies, specific dietary requirements or fillings are a consideration, the current ingredients and allergen information matter more than labels such as ‘made with butter’ or ‘luxury’.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to serve them straight away, bake them briefly, use a supply from the freezer or shape the croissants yourself. Then compare the options within that category.
Fresh croissant from a shop
When: You’re serving breakfast that morning and don’t want to bake at home.
Consider: You have less control over when the croissant comes warm from the oven, and availability varies from shop to shop.
Ready-to-bake croissant
When: You have an oven or air fryer and want to bake shortly before breakfast.
Consider: Follow the instructions on the pack you choose; timings and suitable appliances vary by product.
Frozen croissant
When: You’re planning a baking session in advance and have enough freezer space.
Consider: Thawing takes planning. Jumbo says its frozen croissants must not be refrozen after thawing.
Croissant dough
When: You want to choose the shape, size or filling yourself.
Consider: Shaping and baking them yourself takes more preparation; follow the dough’s refrigeration instructions too.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Serving straight away | Check availability in the shop, the size of each croissant and the current ingredients. | I want to put brunch on the table without switching on the oven first. For around 30% of consumers, being able to serve straight away is the top priority. |
| Serving warm to a group | Compare the number of croissants and the preparation instructions for your oven or air fryer. | If several guests are sitting down at once, I want to be able to plan when to bake them. This matters most to around 30% of consumers. |
| Stock and planning | Read the storage temperature and the instructions for thawing and using the product after thawing. | Our breakfast plans can change, so I want to keep portions in reserve without thawing more than necessary. Having a flexible supply is the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and flavour | Read the ingredients, allergen information and details per portion for both classic and filled varieties. | I want to choose a filling that works for breakfast and know what I’m serving my guests. Ingredients and flavour are the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘premium’ is a fixed product specification
A luxury label doesn’t tell you how big a croissant is, whether it has a filling or how much preparation it takes.
First decide how you want to serve it. Then compare the ingredients, portion size and preparation method on the packaging within that category.
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Buying frozen croissants without a plan for thawing
Jumbo says its frozen croissants must not be refrozen after thawing, and must be prepared and eaten within 24 hours.
Before you buy, check that you have freezer space and an oven, and only thaw as many portions as you plan to serve.
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Assuming the name ‘made with butter’ tells you about allergens
The product name doesn’t give you a complete list of wheat, milk, egg or possible traces. A filling can also change the ingredients.
Check the current allergen information on the packaging for every variety, especially if you’re buying for guests with allergies.
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Assuming online product information never changes
Albert Heijn warns that product information can change; for some croissants sold in its shops, the full ingredients list is only available on the product itself.
Use the product page to compare options, then check the packaging again before serving.
Brands with croissant options to consider
These brands offer different ways to buy and prepare croissants. Compare the specific product; a feature of one croissant won’t necessarily apply to the whole range.
Albert Heijn
Croissants sold in its shops, including filled options, for serving straight away or enjoying a sweet flavour.
- The AH Luxury butter croissant is listed as 90 g each, with 25% butter.
- Albert Heijn lists this luxury variety as available in shops only. Check the ingredients for the filled Excellent Swirl separately.
Jumbo
Includes ready-to-bake and frozen croissants for a planned baking session.
- Jumbo lists its unbaked frozen croissants as six portions, with 23% butter.
- The frozen option needs freezer space and must not be refrozen after thawing.
Lidl
Butter and mini butter croissants to choose from in store.
- Lidl lists its butter croissant as an in-store product.
- If you have specific ingredient or allergen requirements, check the information on the product in store.
ALDI
A butter croissant sold individually from the in-store bakery.
- ALDI describes its in-store option as golden brown, crisp and flaky.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the product if they matter to your choice.
PLUS
Ready-to-bake croissants, a large frozen option and croissant dough for different baking occasions.
- PLUS lists its ready-to-bake butter croissants as containing 25% butter, with an oven time of 4–6 minutes.
- The large frozen croissant and the croissant dough need different preparation and storage; follow the instructions for the option you choose.
Dirk
Includes packaged ready-to-bake croissants for anyone who wants to know the number of pieces in advance.
- According to Dirk, a pack of 1 de Beste butter croissants contains four croissants weighing 180 g in total.
- If you have an allergy or specific dietary requirements, read the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
Croissants on Joybuy
These packaged croissants from g'woon can be compared by size and pack weight for a holiday breakfast. Before buying, check the preparation instructions to see whether they’re suitable for serving straight away or fit your baking plans.
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G'woon Mini Butter Croissants, 200 g
A mini option to consider if you’d like smaller croissants for breakfast. The pack lists a weight of 200 g; check the preparation instructions to plan when to serve them.
If you have an allergy, also read the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
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G'woon Butter Croissants, 4 pieces, 180 g
Four croissants in one pack give you a clear quantity for the breakfast table. The total pack weight is 180 g; check the preparation instructions before planning breakfast.
If you have an allergy, also read the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is a croissant with more butter automatically a better choice?
No. The butter content alone doesn’t tell you which croissant is right for your breakfast. Also compare the size, whether it has a filling, and whether you want to serve it straight away or bake it yourself.
Can I freeze croissants for the holidays?
It depends on the product and its packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing opened croissants in the freezer for 1–3 months and notes that they may dry out; for a packaged frozen product, follow its own instructions. Jumbo says its frozen croissants must not be refrozen after thawing, and must be prepared and eaten within 24 hours.
Which allergens should I check in croissants?
Check the current packaging for allergen information about the specific croissant. Wheat and milk are present in the butter varieties described here, while egg and possible traces can vary from product to product. For filled croissants, check the filling ingredients too. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says the 14 most common allergens must be clearly listed.
Does every croissant contain iodised salt?
You can’t tell from the word ‘croissant’. Check the ingredients list for the variety you choose to see whether iodised salt is listed; PLUS, for example, mentions it in its ready-to-bake butter croissants.