Who is this choice relevant to?

If you’re looking for cocoa flavour

If you want a currant bun with a pronounced cocoa flavour as an afternoon snack, check the ingredients rather than relying only on its colour or a description such as ‘dark’.

If you’re comparing fibre content

If fibre is a factor in your choice, the nutritional information gives you a point of comparison: Albert Heijn lists 6.1 g of fibre per 100 g for its wholemeal raisin and currant buns, Jumbo lists 2.8 g per 100 g for its standard variety, and PLUS lists 3.2 g per 100 g for its giant variety. This alone tells you nothing about the cocoa flavour.

If you’re checking allergens or baker’s salt

If allergens, possible traces or the use of baker’s salt are important to you, check the current packaging. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers are not required to use baker’s salt.

What should you look for in currant buns for an afternoon snack?

First, decide whether you’re specifically looking for cocoa in your currant bun. Then compare the nutritional information and check any ingredients that matter to you.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important to?
Cocoa flavour Check whether cocoa or cocoa mass appears in the ingredients list. If a cocoa percentage is given, check what it refers to. I want to taste cocoa, not just buy a bun that looks dark. For around 50% of consumers, flavour is the most important factor in this choice.
Nutritional value Compare fibre, sugars and salt per 100 g, then check the amount per portion. If you’re comparing currant buns as an afternoon snack, you’ll want to know how their nutritional values stack up. For around 30% of consumers, these values come first.
Ingredients and allergens Read the allergen information and warnings about possible traces. If necessary, check whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed. If allergens or the type of salt used are decisive, I need the current ingredients list. For around 20% of consumers, this is the first thing they check.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Assuming a dark currant bun contains cocoa

    A dark appearance, whether from the currants or the flour, doesn’t confirm that the product contains cocoa. The varieties described by Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS are standard or wholemeal raisin and currant buns, not confirmed high-cocoa varieties.

    Check whether cocoa or cocoa mass is actually listed as an ingredient in the bun.

  • Judging by size alone

    A mini or giant size doesn’t tell you how much fibre, sugar or salt a currant bun contains per 100 g. Comparing per portion can also be tricky if portion sizes differ.

    Compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then check how much you eat per portion.

  • Skipping allergen warnings

    The varieties described list cereals containing gluten and milk or milk ingredients. Warnings about possible traces of other allergens can vary from product to product.

    Check the current ingredients list and warnings on the packaging every time you buy.

Brands to compare as a reference

Albert Heijn

The own-label range includes wholemeal raisin and currant buns in a pack of four.

  • Albert Heijn lists 6.1 g of fibre per 100 g and iodised salt for this wholemeal variety.
  • This variety is not confirmed as a cocoa currant bun. Check the packaging, as product information may change.

Jumbo

The own-label range includes standard white wheat raisin and currant buns in a pack of six.

  • For this variety, Jumbo lists 29.6% raisins, 6.1% currants and 2.8 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The product information doesn’t confirm that this currant bun contains cocoa. Check the allergen information on the packaging too.

PLUS Korenlanders

The range includes giant currant and raisin buns.

  • For its giant variety, PLUS lists 32% raisins, 1.9% currants and 3.2 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The larger size doesn’t confirm a cocoa flavour. Check the current ingredients and nutritional information on the packaging.

ALDI

ALDI describes soft wheat raisin and currant buns in a pack of six.

  • The standard variety gives you a familiar size to compare with other packs.
  • Check the packaging to assess whether it has the cocoa flavour you want, as well as its allergens and nutritional values.

Lidl

Lidl’s range includes mini wholemeal raisin buns in a 360 g pack.

  • The mini size gives you a different portion option from a standard or giant bun.
  • The size and the description ‘wholemeal’ tell you nothing about cocoa or allergens; check the label for those details.

Currant buns at Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a dark-looking currant bun automatically contain cocoa?

No, its colour doesn’t prove that it contains cocoa. Check the ingredients list for cocoa or cocoa mass; the currant buns described by Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS are not confirmed high-cocoa varieties.

Do bakers in the Netherlands always have to use baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers are not required to use baker’s salt. Check the label or ask the baker which salt was used in the bread.

How do I compare currant buns with different portion sizes?

Start by comparing the nutritional values per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that manufacturers may use different portion sizes; then check the amount given per portion for the product.

Can I freeze currant buns?

For the wholemeal currant buns described by Albert Heijn, the advice is to freeze them at home on the day of purchase and use them within one month. For other products, follow the instructions on their own packaging.