Choose ready-to-eat or quick-bake croissants if you’ll be short of time just before serving. Frozen croissants need a slot in your oven schedule, while croissant dough lets you shape them yourself but also takes some preparation. If you’d also like to offer guests a wholemeal option, serve a separate bread that’s clearly labelled as wholemeal and check the allergens for each variety you choose.
Want to serve warm croissants while you’re busy with other dishes? Ready-to-eat or quick-bake croissants keep last-minute work to a minimum. Just check that the preparation instructions on your pack fit your schedule.
Frozen croissants need a slot in your oven schedule, while croissant dough lets you shape them yourself. Both options take more preparation than serving them straight away, but give you the flexibility to tailor the bread basket to your dinner party.
Variety, a wholemeal option and allergens are separate things to consider. For guests who prefer wholemeal bread, serve a clearly labelled alternative alongside the croissants. If anyone has an allergy, check the information for the exact variety you’re buying.
First, decide when the croissants need to be on the table and how much time you’ll have to prepare them. Then check the allergens for each product and, if it matters to your guests, provide a separate wholemeal bread.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Serving time | Check whether the product is ready to eat or needs baking. Check the baking time, temperature and available oven space. | If the main course also needs attention, I want to keep last-minute baking to a minimum. Around 31% of consumers put quick service first. |
| Presentation and personal touches | Compare frozen croissants with dough that you cut and shape yourself. Also consider the storage space and preparation time needed. | If I want a bread basket with shapes of my choice or a planned baking slot, I’m happy to do a little extra preparation. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the latest allergen information for the exact variety. If buying unpackaged croissants, ask for this information before you buy. | If a guest has an allergy, I don’t want to rely on how a product looks or what it’s called. Around 25% of consumers put checking ingredients and allergens first. |
| Wholemeal option | For a separate bread, look for a clear wholemeal label and check the ingredients; seeds on a croissant aren’t enough to confirm it’s wholemeal. | I want to serve croissants without denying guests who prefer wholemeal bread a choice. A mixed bread basket is a priority for around 19% of consumers. |
Seeds can add variety, but the name ‘multiseed’ doesn’t confirm that a croissant is wholemeal. As a result, your bread basket may still not include a clear wholemeal option.
Serve a separate bread that’s explicitly labelled as wholemeal and check the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between wholegrain products and products made with white flour.
Ingredients and warnings vary between croissant varieties. Butter, a filling or a plant-based label won’t tell you which allergens are relevant to the exact product.
Read the latest label before buying. If you’re buying unpackaged croissants, ask for allergen information; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the seller’s duty to provide this information.
According to PLUS’s product instructions, the bake-off croissant reviewed needs 4 to 6 minutes in the oven, while the Délifrance frozen croissant reviewed takes around 18 minutes. Shaping dough takes extra time too.
Plan backwards from when you want to serve them. Compare the instructions on your pack with the time and oven space you’ll have available around dinner.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. The presence of iodised salt therefore varies from product to product.
If this matters to your choice, check the ingredients or ask the baker about unpackaged products.
The ranges below show some of the different ways you can buy croissants. Always check the latest product information and availability for the variety you choose.
A range that includes fresh, bake-off and mini croissants, as well as a multiseed variety.
A range that includes frozen, filled and plant-based-labelled croissants.
An in-store option for a butter croissant from the fresh-from-the-oven range.
An in-store option for an individual butter croissant.
A range that includes quick-bake croissants, frozen croissants and croissant dough.
An in-store option for bake-off croissants, including a four-pack from its own-brand range.
These croissants give you a choice of ready-to-eat options, varieties to bake and packs with smaller or pre-portioned servings. Check the preparation instructions and allergens on the latest packaging before deciding when to serve them.
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A ready-to-eat, individually wrapped croissant for serving without any baking.
The product information lists wheat, egg and milk. If you’re serving someone with an allergy, check the latest packaging for this product.
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A bake-off option if you can fit some oven time into your dinner plans. Check the packaging for the required baking time and temperature.
The product information lists wheat and possible traces of sesame, lupin, milk and soya; read the latest allergen information before buying.
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The mini size works well on a platter of smaller portions; the product information states that the pack contains four. Check the packaging if you want to serve them warm.
Also read the latest allergen information for this variety before serving guests with dietary requirements.
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A pack of four croissants if you want to decide on the number of portions in advance. Check the packaging for serving and preparation instructions.
If you’re catering for dietary requirements, check the latest ingredients and allergen information for this variety.
Choose ready-to-eat croissants or a variety that only needs a quick bake. According to the instructions, the PLUS product reviewed takes 4 to 6 minutes in the oven; frozen croissants and dough that you shape yourself need a longer time slot. Always follow the instructions on the pack you buy.
Not on the basis of the name alone: ‘multiseed’ doesn’t confirm that a croissant is wholemeal. If a guest wants wholemeal bread, it’s better to serve a separate loaf that’s clearly labelled as wholemeal and check the ingredients.
Read the latest allergen information for the exact variety you’ve chosen. Wheat, milk and egg may be present in different products, as may warnings about other allergens. If you’re buying unpackaged croissants, ask the seller for this information before you buy.
No, you can’t assume that. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients of packaged products for iodised salt, or ask your baker.
