Who is this choice relevant to?

Organising on a tight budget

You’re buying croissants for several guests and want to factor in the number per pack, so you don’t buy more than you need.

A small group, with no oven plans

You want to serve croissants straight away and buy exactly the number you need. In that case, fresh croissants sold individually are a different option from a bake-at-home pack.

Planning for dietary requirements or allergies

One of your guests needs a plant-based or gluten-free option. So you compare the full ingredients and allergen information for the specific products.

What should you look for when choosing?

Decide how many croissants you want to serve and whether you can bake them. Then check whether the ingredients and allergen information for each product you’re considering are suitable for your guests.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Quantity per guest Compare the number of croissants in a pack with the number you actually need. If I’m buying for a larger group, I want enough croissants without unnecessary leftovers. For around 36% of consumers, getting the right quantity for their budget is the top priority.
Ready to serve Check whether the croissants are fresh and ready to serve, or need to be defrosted or baked first. For a short coffee get-together, I don’t want to have to plan a round in the oven, so I’d rather buy exactly the number I need. Being able to serve them straight away is the top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Dietary requirements and allergens Read the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statement for the exact product. If a guest needs to avoid something, I want to choose a product that meets their requirements. Dietary and allergen information is the top priority for around 21% of consumers.
Baking and storage Check the preparation and storage instructions, and make sure you have enough oven space. If I want to serve warm croissants, baking them needs to fit into my plans. For around 14% of consumers, the preparation involved is the deciding factor.

Common mistakes

  • Looking only at the pack

    A pack with more croissants won’t necessarily suit your budget better if you’re left with lots after your coffee morning.

    First decide how many you want to serve, then compare pack sizes with individually sold croissants.

  • Assuming plant-based means allergen-free

    According to Jumbo, its plant-based croissants contain wheat and gluten and may contain milk. So a plant-based product name doesn’t tell you which allergens a guest needs to avoid.

    Check the latest allergen information on the exact pack before buying.

  • Assuming a gluten-free option is interchangeable with other products

    The Consenza croissants sold by PLUS are labelled as suitable for a gluten- and wheat-free diet, but according to the product information, they also contain egg and soya.

    Choose according to your guest’s requirements and check the full label. Keep different varieties clearly separate when serving.

  • Forgetting the baking time

    Preparation varies by product. PLUS gives different instructions for its butter croissants for baking at home than Albert Heijn does for AH Verse original croissants, where you shape the dough yourself too.

    Read the instructions on the pack you’ve chosen and, if you’re buying several packs, allow enough time for multiple batches before serving.

Brands and shops compared

Jumbo

Jumbo sells a six-croissant own-brand bake-at-home pack and a separate plant-based variety with four croissants.

  • The different pack sizes give you options to suit the number of guests you’re expecting.
  • Check the allergens in the plant-based variety: Jumbo lists wheat and gluten, and says it may contain milk.

Dirk

Dirk lists both an individual 65 g butter croissant and a pack of four butter croissants for baking at home.

  • Buying croissants individually lets you match the quantity to the number of guests attending.
  • When choosing a bake-at-home pack, remember to factor in the preparation and number of croissants too.

ALDI

ALDI lists an individual fresh butter croissant.

  • Buying them individually suits a small group who want to serve them straight away.
  • If you’re buying an individual croissant, ask about allergens before you buy if they’re relevant to one of your guests.

PLUS

PLUS stocks, among other options, butter croissants for baking at home, Schoof croissants and a gluten-free variety from Consenza.

  • You can compare different product types and dietary options side by side.
  • Preparation methods and allergens vary by product, so don’t choose based on the category label alone.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH Verse original croissants as dough for six 40 g portions, and also sells Danerolles Original.

  • The portion sizes make it easier to plan how many croissants you’ll need.
  • For the dough options mentioned, you’ll need to allow time to shape and bake the croissants.

Lidl

Lidl lists an individual butter croissant and a butter variety for baking at home.

  • The choice between buying individually and baking at home works with different serving plans.
  • Check the instructions on the specific pack before baking at home.

Croissants on Joybuy for a coffee morning

This pack of four SCHOOF croissants could suit a coffee morning if you can plan the preparation in advance. Compare the pack size with the number of guests and read the preparation instructions before buying.

Pack of 4 SCHOOF Croissants

SCHOOF Croissants, 4 pack

A pack for anyone who wants to prepare four croissants in one planned serving.

Check the preparation instructions and the latest ingredients and allergen information on the pack, especially if a guest needs to avoid something.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I ask about allergens before buying individual croissants?

Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must be available before purchase, including for non-prepacked foods. If you’re buying a croissant from an open display, ask the seller which allergens it contains.

Is a plant-based croissant suitable for someone with a milk or gluten allergy?

Not necessarily. Jumbo lists wheat and gluten in its plant-based croissants and says they may contain milk. Check the allergen information for the exact variety you want to buy.

Does every croissant have to contain iodised salt?

That isn’t required by the rule mentioned here. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bakery products through the addition of bakers’ salt. If iodised salt is a factor in your choice, check the ingredients list for the croissant you’re considering.

How should I store leftover croissants?

Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says opened croissants can be kept for two days in a kitchen cupboard or for one to three months in the freezer; their quality may deteriorate during freezing.