For a small group, buy individual croissants if you want to take home exactly the number you need and serve them straight away. A suitably sized bake-at-home pack lets you bake just before your guests arrive; frozen croissants also require freezer space and a little preparation. A half loaf is only an extra option if you also want to serve bread with savoury toppings, not a replacement for croissants.
Who are these options for?
Small groups eating straight away
If you’re shopping for a few people, buying individual croissants from a shop lets you choose the right number for your guests. ALDI and Lidl offer individual croissants; check whether they’re available at your local store.
Home bakers planning when to serve
If you want to bake just before your guests arrive, choose a pack with enough pieces for your group. Also check how the croissants need to be prepared and stored.
Shoppers who need to check ingredients
Check the information for the exact product if wheat, gluten, milk or other allergens are a concern for your group. For example, Jumbo’s plant-based croissants contain wheat and gluten according to the product information.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how many croissants you need and whether you want to serve them straight away or warm from the oven. Consider a half loaf separately, depending on the toppings you plan to serve with it.
| What to consider |
What to check when buying |
Who it matters to |
| Number of croissants |
Count the pieces in each pack and check whether individual croissants are available. |
For a small group, I don’t want to come home with more croissants than we’re likely to eat. Getting the number right is the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| When you’ll serve them |
Compare fresh, bake-at-home and frozen options by checking the preparation instructions and storage requirements. |
If I want to serve warm croissants as soon as my guests arrive, I can make time and space to bake them. When to serve them is the main consideration for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens |
Read the information for the exact product; check for wheat and gluten in plant-based products too. |
If someone at the table needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what the croissants contain before buying them. Checking the label is the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
| Extra bread |
Decide whether you want bread for savoury toppings and what quantity would be suitable. |
If I want to serve bread with savoury toppings as well as croissants, a half loaf may be a better fit than a whole one for a small group. Choosing extra bread is a priority for around 10% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing a large pack without counting your guests
For a small group, a pack of four or six croissants may contain more than you want to serve.
Count your guests and choose individual croissants or a suitably sized pack. Only buy a larger pack if you know when you’ll use the rest.
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Assuming plant-based means allergen-free
According to Jumbo, its plant-based croissants contain wheat and gluten; the product information also mentions the possible presence of other allergens.
Before shopping for your group, read the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact product.
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Planning to use frozen or bake-at-home croissants without preparing ahead
Preparation instructions vary by product. The instructions PLUS provides for Délifrance frozen croissants also say not to refreeze them once defrosted.
Check the storage instructions, oven space required and baking time on your pack in advance.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers croissants in a pack of two, among other options, making it easier to get the right number for a small group.
- The pack contains two croissants.
- Albert Heijn warns that ingredient, nutritional and allergy information may change; check the current label.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers several types of croissant, including a plant-based bake-at-home option in a pack of four.
- You can compare product types and pack sizes.
- According to Jumbo, the plant-based option contains wheat and gluten; check the label if you need to avoid allergens.
Lidl
Lidl offers an individual butter croissant for in-store purchase.
- Buying individual croissants lets you choose the right number for your guests.
- Lidl says this item is only available in store; check whether it’s available when you visit.
ALDI
ALDI offers both individual butter croissants and croissant dough for six.
- Depending on your plans, you can serve them straight away or bake croissants at home.
- Before visiting a store, check which of these items are available locally.
PLUS
PLUS provides product information for a pack of four butter bake-at-home croissants and for Délifrance frozen croissants.
- The product information shown includes preparation instructions and details of ingredients and allergens.
- Check the instructions and label on the pack you actually buy.
Dirk
Dirk offers butter croissants in a bake-at-home pack of four and a Délifrance frozen pack of six.
- These pack sizes can help you plan for a small group.
- Choose between the packs only after checking the preparation and storage instructions too.
Croissants at Joybuy
These croissants suit two ways of serving a small group: baking them at home or serving them without baking. Check the number of pieces in each pack and the latest product information before planning your shop around your guests.
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SCHOOF Croissants, 4 pieces
For anyone who wants to bake croissants just before their guests arrive. The pack contains four; check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the current packaging.
View at Joybuy
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Bakery Village Danish Croissant, 85 g
For anyone who wants to serve croissants without baking them. The product name specifies 85 g; check how many pieces you’ll receive and read the current ingredient information, especially if children will be eating them.
View at Joybuy
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G'woon Mini Butter Croissants, 200 g according to the product name
For anyone who wants to serve mini croissants with coffee. The product name says 200 g, but 180 g is listed elsewhere; check the net weight, preparation method and allergen information on the exact pack.
View at Joybuy
Frequently asked questions
Can a half loaf replace croissants?
A half loaf is a separate option if you also want to serve bread with, for example, savoury toppings. Choose the number of croissants based on your guests, then decide whether you need extra bread.
Do all croissants contain iodised baker’s salt?
Don’t assume they do. Check the ingredients list for the specific product or, if you’re buying unpackaged croissants, ask for product information if iodine is relevant to your choice.
Are plant-based croissants also gluten-free?
No. The plant-based label doesn’t mean they’re gluten-free: according to Jumbo, its plant-based croissants contain wheat and gluten. Check the latest allergen information for every product you choose.
Can you bake frozen croissants without defrosting them?
Yes, for the Délifrance butter croissants with preparation instructions listed by PLUS: the stated oven time is 18 minutes at 185 °C. Follow the instructions on any other pack; these Délifrance croissants must not be refrozen once defrosted.