A small coffee gathering without an oven
If you’re expecting just a few guests and don’t want to bake anything, you can buy the number of individual croissants you need. That way, you won’t have to open a larger pack.
Which option works best for you?
Hosting a small group
If you’re serving several croissants at once, a bake-at-home pack could be a good fit. Check how many are included and make sure you have enough time and a suitable oven.
Choosing for guests with specific dietary requirements
If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients or allergens, check the current packaging for each product. Look at the nutritional information too, if it’s relevant to your choice.
What should you consider when choosing?
First, work out how many croissants you need for afternoon coffee. Then consider which ingredients and preparation method suit your guests and the time you plan to serve them.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and leftovers | Count your guests, check how many croissants are in each pack and look at the storage instructions once opened. | If I’m serving only a few croissants, I don’t want to open a pack and have some left over. An estimated 33% of consumers prioritise reducing food waste. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients, listed allergens and any precautionary statements about traces on the current label. | If a guest has a food allergy, I want to know exactly what’s in this particular croissant. An estimated 27% of consumers give this check top priority. |
| Preparation and storage | Check whether the croissants are ready to serve or need baking, and what equipment and storage space you’ll need. | If I want to serve warm croissants, the preparation needs to fit into my schedule. Around 20% of consumers say ease of preparation matters most. |
| Nutritional information | Check the nutritional information, such as salt and fibre per 100 g, if it’s relevant to your guests. | If guests have different dietary requirements, I want to be able to compare the information for each product. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing a larger pack without working out how many you need
At a small coffee gathering, you could have croissants left over if the pack contains more than you need.
Count your guests before buying and check how to store any unused croissants according to the packaging.
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Assuming plant-based means allergen-free
Jumbo’s plant-based croissants list wheat and gluten. So, the plant-based label doesn’t answer every question about allergens.
If a guest has an allergy, check the current ingredients and allergen information for the product you’ve chosen.
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Assuming the type of pastry tells you whether it contains iodine
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking isn’t compulsory. So don’t assume a croissant contains iodised salt just because it’s a bakery product.
Check the ingredients list if it’s important to know whether the product contains iodised salt or baker’s salt.
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Leaving it until you get home to check the preparation instructions
Bake-at-home and frozen croissants don’t need the same preparation. According to the product information, Délifrance croissants from PLUS are baked in the oven straight from the freezer.
Before buying, read the instructions for equipment, preparation and storage to make sure they suit when you plan to serve them.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers products including AH Croissants in a pack of four.
- The product information helps you check the ingredients, preparation and storage instructions.
- Read the instructions on the packaging before serving, especially after opening.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers both a pack of six croissants and a plant-based pack of four.
- You can choose a pack size to suit the number of guests.
- The plant-based option lists wheat and gluten, so check the label if anyone has an allergy.
PLUS
PLUS offers products including bake-at-home butter croissants and Délifrance frozen croissants.
- The product information explains how to prepare each option, so you can choose one to suit when you plan to serve it.
- Check the instructions on the pack you choose: equipment requirements and baking times vary.
ALDI
ALDI offers a fresh butter croissant sold individually.
- Buying croissants individually lets you choose the right number for a small gathering.
- If you have specific dietary requirements, ask for the product’s allergen information.
Dirk
Dirk offers an individual 65 g butter croissant and a pack of four butter croissants.
- You can choose between individual croissants and a small pack.
- For the pack of four, check the storage and preparation instructions.
Lidl
Lidl stocks a butter croissant as an in-store product.
- The product page links to ingredients and allergen information.
- Check the information in store for the product you’re buying.
Croissants for afternoon coffee on Joybuy
These croissants differ in details such as the stated quantity and pack size. Choose an amount to suit your gathering and check the ingredients and any preparation instructions for each product.
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Bakery Village Danish Croissant 85 g
An option if you want to plan the amount per croissant; the product name states 85 g. Check how many are in the pack, the ingredients and how to serve the product.
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SCHOOF Croissants, 4 stuks
A pack of four could suit a small gathering. Before buying, check the bake-at-home instructions and the allergen information on the packaging.
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G'woon Mini Butter Croissants
The product description lists four mini butter croissants, which could help you plan for a small gathering. Check the net weight on the packaging and read the preparation instructions before serving.
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g'woon Butter Croissants, 4 stuks, 180 g
The pack contains four croissants with a stated total weight of 180 g, making portion planning easier. Check the packaging to see whether they need baking, and check the ingredients if you have dietary requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how many croissants I need?
Start with the number of guests and check how many croissants are in a pack. Buying them individually lets you choose exactly how many you want for a small gathering; if you buy a larger pack, also check how to store any leftovers.
Does every croissant contain baker’s salt or iodised salt?
No, you can’t tell from the type of product. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking isn’t compulsory, so check the ingredients list for the croissants you want to buy.
Which allergens should I check in croissants?
Check the allergen information for the specific product, including any mention of wheat, milk or egg. For example, Jumbo’s plant-based croissants list wheat and gluten. If you’re buying croissants without packaging, ask for the allergen information before you buy.
Are croissants a suitable afternoon coffee option for older people on their own?
Croissants can be part of afternoon coffee, but they aren’t a complete nutritional option on their own. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that older people have different nutritional needs, and that illness, disability or a reduced appetite may mean they need additional advice.