Who is this option for?

Parents looking for a croissant they can slice open

You’re looking for a larger starting size that you could fill. Albert Heijn and Jumbo offer options labelled ‘super’, but that name doesn’t tell you how sturdy a croissant will be once baked.

Families short on time in the morning

You want to know whether a croissant is pre-baked or whether you still need to shape the dough. Preparation varies from product to product, so check the instructions before planning your school-morning routine.

Families who need to check for allergens

You’ll need to look beyond a label such as ‘gluten-free’. For example, according to PLUS’s product information, the Consenza croissant contains egg and soya, and may contain sesame, lupin and nuts. Check the school or after-school club’s rules too.

What should you look for when buying?

Start with any allergens and the school’s rules. Then compare the size you want with the time you have to prepare the croissant. If you’re planning for several school days, check how many croissants are in the pack too.

What to consider What to check when buying Most relevant to
Size and slicing Compare the weight per portion and check whether you’re buying a bake-off product or dough. Once prepared, try slicing the croissant open; ‘super’ and ‘large’ don’t tell you how thick it is. I want to be able to fill a croissant without relying on the name ‘super’. For around 40% of consumers, a practical size comes first.
Preparation time Check whether the product is pre-baked or still needs shaping, and follow the time and temperature on the packaging. If I’m short on time on a school morning, I want to know in advance what I’ll need to do. Around 30% of consumers prioritise quick preparation.
Allergens and school rules Check the ingredients and any warnings about possible traces on the current label. For unpackaged croissants, ask about allergens and check what the school or after-school club allows. If I need to account for an allergy or diet, that information determines whether the snack can go along. For around 20% of consumers, this is the first thing they consider.
Number of croissants Compare the number of croissants in the pack with the number of school days you’re planning for, and read the storage instructions. If I’m planning more than one day ahead, I want to know how many croissants I can use. For roughly 10% of consumers, planning comes first.

A higher total weight doesn’t prove that a croissant will have a thick cross-section once baked. Albert Heijn lists its super croissant dough as 340 g for six portions; the dough still needs to be shaped and baked. So it’s important to check the instructions for the exact product.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘super’ means a croissant will definitely be sturdy enough to fill

    A larger portion gives you more to work with, but the weight and product name don’t tell you how the baked croissant will slice or hold its filling.

    Bake the product at home and try slicing it open before counting on it as a filled snack for a school day.

  • Assuming ‘gluten-free’ means free from all allergens

    The Consenza croissant described by PLUS contains egg and soya, and may contain sesame, lupin and nuts. A gluten-free label doesn’t rule out these other things to consider.

    Choose according to the specific allergy or diet, and read the full, up-to-date allergen information, including any warnings about possible traces.

  • Packing a croissant without considering the school’s rules

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre discusses wholemeal bread, vegetables and fruit among its suggestions for primary school lunches. Schools and after-school clubs may also have their own rules about food brought from home and allergens.

    Consider how the croissant fits into the rest of the meal, and check the rules at the school or childcare setting in question.

  • Assuming every croissant contains iodised baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Bakery Centre’s information about the Dutch agreement, using baker’s salt containing iodine isn’t a legal requirement. Imported bakery products don’t necessarily have to be made with it either.

    If iodine is relevant to your choice, check the ingredients list for the specific croissant for terms such as ‘iodised salt’.

Brands and ranges to consider

These supermarket ranges include different types of croissant. What you can do with the one you choose depends on its product information and preparation method.

Albert Heijn

Offers both pre-baked butter croissants and super croissant dough that you shape yourself.

  • The product information includes details such as ingredients, allergens, portions and preparation instructions.
  • A label such as ‘super’ doesn’t specify how thick or sturdy the croissant will be once baked.

Jumbo

Offers regular and larger croissants, alongside other types.

  • The range includes packs of six regular croissants weighing 240 g and six Super Croissants weighing 340 g.
  • Check the product information or packaging for the ingredients, allergens and shape of the croissant you choose.

Lidl

Offers a butter croissant as an in-store product.

  • The product description makes clear that it’s a butter croissant.
  • Check the current allergen information and size in store if you want to slice the croissant open.

ALDI

Offers a fresh butter croissant sold individually.

  • The product page identifies this option as a butter croissant.
  • Check the current product information for ingredients, allergens and dimensions.

PLUS

Offers pre-baked butter croissants, Consenza croissants and cheese croissants, among other options.

  • The product information describes the ingredients, allergens and preparation method for each option.
  • According to PLUS, the Consenza option labelled gluten- and wheat-free still contains egg and soya, and may contain other allergens.

Dirk

Offers butter and margarine croissants, among other options, in packs of four.

  • You can compare the number of croissants and total weight of the options shown.
  • Read the packaging for the ingredients and allergens in the option you choose.

Croissant on Joybuy

This 85 g croissant could be a starting point if you’re considering a larger snack. Its weight doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for filling once sliced open. For a school snack, check the ingredients and the school’s rules too.

Bakery Village Danish Croissant 85 g

Bakery Village Danish Croissant 85 g

Consider this 85 g croissant if you’re looking for a larger snack; try slicing it open to see whether it’s suitable for filling.

According to the product information supplied, it contains wheat, egg and milk. It also lists the colourings E102 and E110, with a warning that they may adversely affect children’s activity and attention. Check the current packaging and the school’s rules before packing it.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can someone who needs to avoid gluten eat a regular croissant?

Don’t assume a regular croissant is gluten-free: according to their product information, Albert Heijn’s butter croissants contain wheat and cereals containing gluten. PLUS labels its Consenza croissant as suitable for a gluten- and wheat-free diet, but also lists egg and soya, and the possibility of sesame, lupin and nuts. Always check the current label for the person in question.

How can I find out about allergens in an unpackaged croissant?

Ask for the allergen information for that particular croissant before buying it. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this information must be available to consumers; for unpackaged products, the shop can provide it in writing or verbally.

How long do pre-baked croissants and croissant dough take?

It depends on the specific product and how much preparation it needs. Albert Heijn gives a baking time of 4–6 minutes in an oven at 200 °C for its pre-baked butter croissants. Its super croissant dough needs to be divided and rolled first, then baked at 200 °C for 12–15 minutes, according to Albert Heijn. Follow the instructions on the packaging you’re using.

Does every croissant sold in the Netherlands contain baker’s salt with iodine?

No, you can’t tell that just because it’s sold in the Netherlands. According to the Netherlands Bakery Centre, using baker’s salt containing iodine isn’t a legal requirement; imported bakery products don’t necessarily have to be made with it either. Check the ingredients list for the specific product if this is relevant to your choice.

Can you always take a croissant to school or an after-school club?

First, check the rules at the school or after-school club about food brought from home and allergens. Also consider the ingredients in the croissant you’ve chosen and what else you’re packing for the meal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s suggestions for primary school lunches include wholemeal bread, vegetables and fruit.