Buffet planners who want to serve them warm
If you want to bake them just before serving, you’ll need to consider oven space and timing. Bake-at-home and frozen croissants are particularly suitable if you have time to prepare them.
Who are these options for?
Hosts catering for different dietary requirements
If someone needs a plant-based or gluten-free croissant, or has a food allergy, the label on the specific product matters more than the general name ‘croissant’.
Planners catering for smaller or larger groups
The number of pieces and their size determine how many croissants you can put out. Jumbo, for example, offers packs of four as well as individual mini croissants.
What should you look for when choosing?
Fresh from the shop
Choose this if: you’re shopping shortly before the buffet and want to serve the croissants straight away.
Bear in mind: the shop’s range on the day; if the croissants are unwrapped, ask for allergen information too.
Shelf-stable and ready to bake
Choose this if: you want to shop in advance and can use an oven just before the buffet.
Bear in mind: baking time and oven space; follow the instructions on the pack you choose.
Frozen
Choose this if: you want to store the croissants and spread the baking over several occasions.
Bear in mind: freezer space and the product-specific preparation instructions.
| What to consider | Check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Serving time | Whether the croissants are fresh, shelf-stable and ready to bake, or frozen; if baking them, read the preparation instructions. | I want to serve warm croissants without holding up the buffet with the oven. Serving time is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Dietary requirements and allergens | For packaged products, check the current product and allergen information; for unwrapped products, ask the shop. | If a guest has a specific dietary requirement or allergy, I want to know which product is suitable for them. This clarity is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Number of portions | Compare the number of pieces and the size of each pack; mini and regular croissants are different portion sizes. | I want to put out enough croissants for my buffet without having lots left over. This is the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
| Variety | Consider which plain, sweet, savoury or mini options you want to offer, and check each product individually. | I want to give guests a choice without putting out large quantities of every flavour. Variety comes ahead of the other considerations for around 17% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘plant-based’ means ‘gluten-free’
These labels answer different questions. Jumbo lists a plant-based croissant as well as a separate Schär croissant labelled gluten-free.
Check the label and allergen information for the product you choose. When serving a croissant to a guest with a specific dietary requirement, keep it clearly separate and identifiable.
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Choosing a bake-at-home option without planning when to bake it
Baking takes time and oven space, which you may also need for other buffet dishes. Instructions vary from one product to another.
Read the pack before planning your baking schedule. For example, PLUS says to defrost its small butter croissant, then bake it for 14 ± 2 minutes at 170 ± 10 °C; don’t apply these instructions to other croissants.
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Treating a croissant as both white and wholemeal bread
A croissant or seeded variety isn’t automatically wholemeal bread. Don’t assume it’s made with iodised baker’s salt without checking the product information either: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use it.
If you also want to serve wholemeal bread at your buffet, choose it as a separate product and check the label.
Shops and brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists croissants from its in-store bakery as well as frozen croissants.
- The listed range includes petit, seeded and butter croissants.
- Some fresh options are only available in store; check the range at the branch where you plan to shop.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists bake-at-home, frozen, plant-based and mini croissants, among other options.
- The different product labels and pack sizes can help you put together a buffet.
- Check the latest product information and availability at your local shop for each option you choose.
Lidl
Lidl lists a butter croissant and a mini version from its in-store bakery.
- The butter croissant is listed as an in-store product.
- Ask for the latest ingredients and allergen information when you buy, and check the range at your local branch.
ALDI
ALDI lists an individual butter croissant in its bakery range.
- Buying croissants individually lets you choose the number you need.
- Check with the shop which bakery products will be available on the day you plan to visit.
PLUS
PLUS lists both a small butter croissant and shelf-stable butter croissants that are ready to bake.
- PLUS gives product-specific defrosting and baking instructions for its small croissant.
- Check the current ingredients, nutritional information and preparation instructions on the product you buy.
Dirk
Dirk lists individual butter croissants and a pack of four 1 de Beste butter croissants.
- Dirk gives the total weight of the four-pack as 180 g.
- Compare the number and size of the croissants for your buffet, and check the latest range too.
Croissants for different buffet plans
These Joybuy products offer different sizes for your buffet. Check whether each croissant needs baking and how many pieces you’ll need for your guests.
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SCHOOF croissants, 4 pieces
An option if you need four croissants and can bake them at home.
Before serving, check the baking time, oven temperature and latest allergen information on the pack.
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Bakery Village Danish Croissant, 85 g
Worth considering if you want to serve croissants without a baking session; check the pack to see whether it’s ready to eat.
The product information lists colourings E102 and E110, with a warning that they may affect children’s activity and attention. Read the latest allergen information too, and check how many pieces are in the pack.
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g'woon butter croissants, 4 pieces, 180 g
With four croissants in each pack, it’s easy to plan how many you’ll need for your buffet.
Check whether this variety is ready to serve or needs baking first. If anyone has specific dietary requirements, read the latest allergen information too.
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g'woon mini butter croissants
The mini size is a good option if you want to serve smaller croissants at your buffet.
Before planning portions, check the number of pieces and the weight on the pack. See whether baking is required and read the latest allergen information too.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get allergen information for unwrapped croissants?
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, consumers must also be given allergen information for unwrapped foods. Before buying, ask the in-store bakery for information about the specific croissant.
Is a plant-based croissant gluten-free too?
Not automatically: ‘plant-based’ and ‘gluten-free’ are different product labels. Jumbo, for example, lists a plant-based croissant and a separate gluten-free Schär croissant. If a guest needs to avoid gluten, check the product is explicitly labelled gluten-free and read the latest allergen information.
Does every croissant contain iodised baker’s salt?
Don’t assume so. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. If the type of salt used matters to you, check the ingredients of the croissant.