BBQ planners working out portions per guest
Once you know how many people are coming, you can compare packs by the number of croissants and avoid focusing only on the total pack price.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Hosts with little time to prepare
Your choice will partly depend on the space in your oven or air fryer, as well as when you want to serve the croissants.
Shoppers who need to check ingredients
If you prefer plant-based food or have a food allergy, the exact product packaging matters. Read the ingredients and allergen information; plant-based does not automatically mean allergen-free.
What should you consider when choosing?
Ready-to-eat croissants
Choose these if: You’re buying for a small group and don’t want to bake anything at home.
Bear in mind: Before setting off, check that the individual croissants you want are available in store.
Bake-at-home croissants
Choose these if: You want to buy packs in advance and can bake shortly before serving.
Bear in mind: You’ll need access to an oven or air fryer while you’re also getting the rest of the BBQ ready.
Frozen croissants
Choose these if: You’re shopping well in advance and have room in the freezer.
Bear in mind: Plan how you’ll prepare your chosen pack; the Délifrance option listed by PLUS needs 18 minutes in the oven.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and cost | Compare the number of croissants with your guest list and work out the current cost per croissant. | If I want to put something out for everyone without having lots left over, the total number of croissants matters more than the pack alone. Around 33% of consumers put the total cost for a group first. |
| Serving time | Check the baking time and temperature on the pack, and see how many croissants will fit in your oven or air fryer at once. | If I need the oven for BBQ dishes, I don’t want to be waiting for the croissants. Around 27% of consumers prioritise preparation time. |
| Storage | Choose an amount that suits your group; follow the relevant storage instructions for leftovers and unopened packs. | I want to be able to shop in advance without leaving leftover croissants unused. Storage is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
| Ingredients | Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product, even if it is labelled plant-based. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know exactly what’s in these croissants. Around 20% of consumers put this check first. |
Common mistakes
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Comparing packs only
A pack of four croissants and one of six won’t cater for the same group, even if their shelf prices are similar.
Work out how many croissants you actually need, then compare the current cost per croissant.
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Forgetting the baking time
A frozen option may need more oven time than a bake-at-home one. For example, the Délifrance croissants listed by PLUS are baked at 185 °C for 18 minutes, without thawing first.
Check the instructions on your chosen pack and set aside enough time and oven space before serving.
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Assuming plant-based means allergen-free
The plant-based croissants listed by Jumbo contain wheat and gluten; the product information also notes that they may contain milk.
For every guest with an allergy, check the current allergen information on the exact pack.
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Assuming every croissant contains iodised salt
The type of salt used can vary from one product to another. According to Brood.net, the use of iodine-containing baker’s salt is not a legal requirement for all bakery products.
If the type of salt matters to you, read the ingredients list on the croissants you buy.
Brands to compare
Jumbo
Jumbo lists standard croissants in a pack of six, as well as plant-based croissants in a pack of four.
- The different pack sizes can help you work out how many croissants you need.
- Check the current cost and ingredients for each option before comparing.
PLUS
PLUS lists butter bake-at-home croissants and a frozen Délifrance option with preparation instructions.
- The preparation information helps you plan when to use the oven or air fryer.
- Follow the instructions for your chosen option; PLUS notes that local information may differ.
Dirk
Dirk lists both an individual 65 g butter croissant and a pack of four butter croissants weighing 180 g.
- Individual croissants and a multipack give you different ways to cater for your guest list.
- Check which product is available at your local store.
ALDI
ALDI lists an individual fresh butter croissant for in-store purchase.
- An individual croissant is practical when you don’t need a bake-at-home pack.
- Check availability at the store where you shop.
Lidl
Lidl lists croissants to bake at home.
- This type of product works well if you can bake just before the BBQ.
- Lidl directs shoppers to its stores for current food prices; compare the pack there with your other options.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists butter croissants and a range of frozen croissants.
- You can compare different types of product by how they need to be prepared and stored.
- For a budget-friendly choice, compare the current cost and number of croissants in each specific pack.
Croissants on Joybuy
These Joybuy products include two options to bake at home and one croissant to serve without any preparation. Choose the type that suits your plans, then check the current cost, pack contents and ingredients.
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SCHOOF Croissants, 4 pieces
A pack of four may suit you if you want to plan portions for each guest in advance and can bake at home.
Check the baking instructions on the pack and allow enough space in the oven.
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G'woon mini butter croissants, 200 g
The mini size may suit you if you want to serve smaller croissants at your BBQ and have time to bake them.
The pack is labelled 200 g. Check the baking instructions and current label if you have allergies.
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Bakery Village Danish Croissant, 85 g
An option if you want to serve a croissant at your BBQ without baking it at home.
The product description states 85 g. Check the pack contents when working out how many you need for your group, and read the label if you have allergies.
Frequently asked questions
How should I store croissants left over after the BBQ?
For opened croissants, Voedingscentrum recommends two days in a kitchen cupboard or one to three months in the freezer; freezing may affect their quality. For an unopened pack, follow the use-by date and storage instructions on the label.
Can I refreeze thawed frozen croissants?
Not if the packaging says you shouldn’t. The instructions for the frozen Délifrance croissants listed by PLUS say that thawed products must not be refrozen; check the packaging if you’re buying a different option.
Is a plant-based croissant allergen-free too?
No. Plant-based on its own tells you nothing about all the allergens a product may contain. The plant-based croissants listed by Jumbo contain wheat and gluten and, according to the product information, may contain other allergens too. If a guest has an allergy, always check the current label for the exact product.