If you’re planning one serving time
If you want to serve warm croissants all at once, factor in oven space, baking time and the storage instructions on the pack you choose.
Which option is right for you?
If you’re catering for different dietary needs
If your guests prefer plant-based food or have allergies, check the label of each type individually. Also look out for ‘may contain’ warnings and ingredients needed for preparation.
If you’re hosting fussy eaters
Serve a plain croissant alongside one with a different flavour or texture to give guests a choice. Don’t assume that a multiseed option is wholemeal.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you need croissants that can be served without using the oven or whether you can plan time for baking. Then choose options that suit your guests’ ingredients and preferences.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who this matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Serving time | Check whether the croissants are ready to serve or need baking, and read the baking and defrosting instructions if they do. | If I want to serve them all warm at once, I need to plan for oven space and preparation time. This serving occasion is the top priority for around 37% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergens and ‘may contain’ warnings for each option; don’t rely on ‘plant-based’ alone. | If guests avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in each option or what it may contain. This is the top buying priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Flavour variety | If needed, choose a plain option and another with a noticeably different flavour, making sure guests can identify the ingredients in each when serving. | For fussy eaters, I want to offer a choice without assuming everyone likes a strong flavour. This is the top priority for around 18% of consumers. |
| Seeds and nutritional information | Check the ingredients list and compare fibre, fat and salt per 100 g and per serving if these details matter to your choice. | If I’m looking for a seeded or wholemeal option, I want to be able to tell from the label. This is the most important consideration for around 18% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘plant-based’ means allergen-free
According to Jumbo, its plant-based croissant contains wheat and may contain milk. So the label ‘plant-based’ doesn’t answer every question about allergens.
Check the ingredients and ‘may contain’ warning on the pack of the option you’re buying.
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Assuming multiseed means wholemeal
According to Albert Heijn, its AH Meerzaden croissant contains seeds and bran, but wheat flour is listed as the first ingredient.
If wholemeal flour matters to your choice, check the ingredients list rather than relying on the product name alone.
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Opening or defrosting dough without a serving plan
Jumbo says its frozen croissants must not be refrozen after defrosting and must be prepared and eaten within 24 hours. According to PLUS, Danerolles cinnamon dough must be used in full once opened and must not be eaten raw.
Choose the number of packs to suit your serving time and follow the storage and preparation instructions for the option you’ve bought.
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Applying average nutritional values to every croissant
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives nutritional values for a 45 g croissant, but the ingredients in a specific product may differ.
Compare the nutritional information on the exact packs if fibre, fat or salt affects your choice.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The croissant range shown includes options that are ready to serve or can be baked, as well as a multiseed variety.
- The different product formats give you options for putting together a platter with more than one variety.
- Check the pack when you buy: ingredients, nutritional information and allergens can change.
Jumbo
The products reviewed include plant-based croissants and unbaked, frozen butter croissants.
- The two options cater for different ingredient and preparation preferences.
- The plant-based option contains wheat and may contain milk; the frozen option contains milk and egg and comes with instructions for use after defrosting.
PLUS
The products reviewed are a small butter croissant and Danerolles cinnamon croissant dough.
- They offer a smaller size and a distinctive flavour option respectively.
- The small butter croissant needs to be defrosted and baked; the cinnamon dough must be used in full once opened.
Croissants for your World Food Night
These croissants come in different sizes, with options for anyone considering baking them. For each product, check that the preparation method and ingredients suit your serving plans and guests.
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Bakery Village Danish Croissant 85 g
An individual croissant if you want to choose portions for each guest. Check the serving instructions and label: the product description lists wheat, egg and milk, and warns that the colourings E102 and E110 may have an adverse effect on children’s activity and attention.
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SCHOOF Croissants, 4 stuks
A pack of four croissants for anyone planning to bake them. Before buying, check the baking time and oven temperature on the pack, and read the current label if allergens are a concern.
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g'woon Butter Croissants, 4 stuks, 180 g
Four butter croissants if you want to serve this option alongside other varieties. Check the pack to see whether they’re ready to serve or need baking, and read the allergen information.
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G'woon Mini Butter Croissants
A mini size if you’d like to add smaller croissants to the platter too. Before planning portions and serving time, check the number of pieces, net weight and preparation instructions on the pack. Also check the current allergen label.
Frequently asked questions
Is a multiseed croissant the same as a wholemeal one?
No. The name ‘multiseed’ alone doesn’t confirm that wholemeal flour has been used. According to Albert Heijn, wheat flour is listed as the first ingredient in its AH Meerzaden croissant. Check the ingredients list if wholemeal is important to your choice.
How can I cater for guests with different allergies?
Check the current label for each type of croissant individually and make sure the information is easy to identify when serving. For example, Jumbo lists wheat and the possible presence of milk in its plant-based croissant; its frozen butter croissants contain milk and egg.
What should I plan for with bake-at-home and frozen croissants?
Plan the preparation based on the instructions on the pack you buy. Albert Heijn says its Verse original croissants should be kept chilled at a maximum of 7°C and prepared straight after opening. Jumbo says its frozen croissants must not be refrozen after defrosting and should be prepared and eaten within 24 hours.
Do all croissants contain iodised salt?
Don’t assume they do: check the ingredients list for the exact product. The Jumbo plant-based croissant and Albert Heijn multiseed croissant reviewed both list iodised salt, but that doesn’t tell you anything about other croissants.