If you’re specifically looking for sourdough
You want to know whether the croissant itself contains sourdough. Check the ingredients list or ask the baker directly; sourdough bread elsewhere in the range tells you nothing about the croissant.
Who are these choices relevant to?
If you’re taking croissants to the Christmas market
Choose a time to buy or bake them that fits your plans, and check how the packaging says to store the croissants.
If you’re buying for a group
You want to check which allergens are in your chosen croissants before buying, even if you’re buying them loose from a counter.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether sourdough is a product requirement or simply a preference. A supermarket pack listing sourdough as an ingredient, a croissant from a bakery and a regular butter croissant each call for a different approach.
Supermarket croissant with sourdough
A good choice if: You’re looking for sourdough as a listed ingredient and want to prepare a packaged croissant at home. Jumbo lists sourdough in its butter croissant.
Consider: Jumbo also lists yeast, so the ingredients list doesn’t confirm that sourdough is the only raising agent.
Croissant from an artisan bakery
A good choice if: You specifically want to know whether the croissant itself is made with sourdough and can ask the baker in advance.
Consider: Kometen Brood and Oscar both list sourdough bread and croissants, but that doesn’t confirm that their croissants contain sourdough.
Regular butter croissant
A good choice if: Sourdough isn’t essential and you mainly want a croissant that suits your plans and the number of people you’re buying for.
Consider: A description such as ‘butter’ or ‘ready to bake’ doesn’t in itself confirm that a croissant contains sourdough.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough in the croissant | Look for sourdough on the label or ask the baker about the exact croissant. Also check whether yeast is used if that affects your choice. | If sourdough is the deciding factor for me, I don’t want to rely on the bakery’s name or on sourdough bread on the shelf. Around 33% of consumers prioritise verifiable sourdough. |
| Convenience for a group | Check how many are in the pack and whether the croissants still need to be cooked; make sure this fits your plans. | When buying for several people, I want to choose an amount I can take with me on time, without making sourdough a requirement. Convenience is the main concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| Timing and storage | Read the cooking and storage instructions for your chosen variety, and plan when to buy or bake it around your departure time. | If I need to take the croissants with me for a while, I want to know how to store them until I leave. Timing matters most to around 20% of consumers. |
| Allergen information | For packaged croissants, read the label; for loose croissants, ask for allergen information before buying. | If I’m buying for someone who needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be able to check the information for the exact croissant in advance. Around 20% of consumers put this check first. |
Common mistakes
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Confusing sourdough bread with a sourdough croissant
A bakery that sells sourdough bread doesn’t necessarily use sourdough in its croissants. Separate sections for sourdough bread and croissants don’t confirm it either.
Ask about the ingredients or method used for the exact croissant. If you need it to be raised with sourdough alone, ask separately whether yeast is used.
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Expecting every croissant to contain iodised salt
According to Brood.net, the use of iodised baker’s salt is not a legal requirement. Jumbo lists iodised salt in the butter croissant reviewed, but that tells you nothing about other varieties.
If this ingredient matters to your choice, check the label or ask the baker about the exact croissant.
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Asking about allergens only after buying
Jumbo’s ingredients list includes wheat, spelt and milk, among other things. You can’t tell what’s in a loose croissant just from its product category.
Before buying, check the label or ask the seller for allergen information. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must also be available for unpackaged food.
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Buying too early without a storage plan
According to the Voedingscentrum, the quality of croissants can deteriorate during storage. That’s why the instructions for your chosen packaging and product type matter when planning ahead.
Read the instructions before deciding when to buy or bake them before heading to the Christmas market.
Brands and shops to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo lists both sourdough and yeast in the ingredients for a pack of four butter croissants.
- The mention of sourdough gives you something specific to look for if you’re after this ingredient.
- The mention of yeast doesn’t confirm that the croissants are raised with sourdough alone; check the other ingredients in your chosen variety too.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn shows a range of croissants, including butter varieties.
- You can compare the varieties shown by product type.
- Check the ingredients of each croissant if sourdough is essential for you.
PLUS
PLUS shows ready-to-bake butter croissants in its range, as well as sourdough bread.
- The ready-to-bake option is worth considering if you want to plan the preparation at home.
- Sourdough bread in the range doesn’t confirm that the croissants contain sourdough; check the exact variety.
Lidl
Lidl describes a butter croissant that, according to its product page, is only available in store.
- The product page lists butter as an ingredient.
- If you’re looking for sourdough, check separately for the exact croissant.
ALDI
ALDI shows an individually sold butter croissant.
- Buying them individually lets you choose how many to get per person.
- The description ‘butter croissant’ doesn’t tell you whether sourdough has been used.
Dirk
Dirk lists butter croissants in its range.
- The category shown is a starting point if you’re looking for a regular croissant.
- Check the ingredients and product type for each variety if sourdough or preparing them at home will determine your choice.
Croissants on Joybuy
This pack of four croissants is an option to consider if you want to take croissants with you and check the label for sourdough. Before buying, check how this variety should be prepared and stored.
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g'woon Butter Croissants, pack of 4, 180 g
The pack of four could be a good option if you’re taking croissants for several people. Check the packaging for this variety to see whether sourdough is listed, which allergens it contains and whether the croissants need to be cooked.
Frequently asked questions
Does a croissant with sourdough as an ingredient also mean it’s raised with sourdough alone?
No, the mention of sourdough alone doesn’t tell you that. Jumbo also lists yeast in the butter croissant reviewed. If it’s essential that the croissant is raised with sourdough alone, ask the baker how that particular croissant is made.
Does every croissant in the Netherlands have to contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to Brood.net, iodised baker’s salt is not a legal requirement. Jumbo lists iodised salt in the croissant reviewed; for another croissant, check its own label or ask the baker.
How can I check allergens in loose croissants?
Ask for allergen information for the exact croissant before buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information must also be available for unpackaged food; don’t rely on the ingredients in a similar croissant.
How long can I keep an opened pack of croissants?
The Voedingscentrum says opened croissants can be kept for two days in a kitchen cupboard or one to three months in the freezer; their quality may deteriorate after that. Follow the instructions on your product’s packaging, especially if you plan to take it to the Christmas market.