First-time shopper on a tight budget
You want to buy croissants for your first food shop without taking home more than you’ll use. So consider both the number in each pack and when you plan to eat them.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shopper without an oven or with limited storage space
You’re looking for something to eat straight away, or would rather buy just a few. In that case, a single bakery-fresh croissant may be more practical than a pack you need to bake at home.
Label-conscious shopper
You want to check the ingredients and allergens before buying, or you’re specifically looking for a product labelled as plant-based. The wording on the front doesn’t replace the information on the label.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide how many croissants you need and whether you want to bake them. Then compare like-for-like products and read the label of the one you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and comparison | Check the number of croissants and the weight; don’t compare individual croissants with ready-to-bake packs without taking the difference into account. | When planning my first food shop, I only want to buy croissants I’ll actually use. This is the biggest consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Eat straight away or bake | Check the preparation method and storage instructions, especially after opening. | If I don’t have an oven, or only need one croissant, I don’t want to be left with an opened pack of ready-to-bake croissants. Around 25% of consumers prioritise convenience. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact product; for unpackaged croissants, ask what information is available. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients or want to eat a plant-based diet, the product information must meet my needs. For around 25% of consumers, this check comes first. |
| Nutritional information | Compare the nutritional value per portion, including fibre, saturated fat and salt. | If croissants are a regular part of my breakfast, I want to know what a typical portion contains. For around 17% of consumers, nutritional information comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming every pack contains the same amount
The number of croissants, weight and preparation method can all vary. So pack size alone doesn’t tell you how many usable portions you’re buying.
Compare products of the same type and choose an amount that suits when you plan to eat your croissants.
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Choosing ready-to-bake croissants without checking how to prepare them
A ready-to-bake option isn’t practical if you don’t want to use an oven. The instructions for storing them after opening can also affect how many you’ll use.
Check the preparation method and storage instructions before you buy. If you want something to eat straight away, choose a croissant intended for that.
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Assuming plant-based means allergen-free
A plant-based label doesn’t tell you whether the product contains wheat, soya, sesame or other allergens that may be relevant to you.
For packaged croissants, read the current label. For unpackaged croissants, ask about allergen information before buying.
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Overlooking the nutritional value of a portion
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 5 g of saturated fat and 1.1 g of fibre, among other figures, for a standard 45 g croissant. The values for a specific product and portion size may differ.
If you regularly have croissants for breakfast, check the nutritional information per portion for the one you’ve chosen rather than applying general figures to every variety.
Brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers a range of individual bakery croissants, including butter and multiseed varieties.
- An individual croissant is an option if you want to buy one or a few to eat straight away.
- The individual varieties shown are marked as available in store only; check what your local branch stocks.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers several types of packaged croissants, including ready-to-bake, plant-based and frozen varieties.
- You can browse different product types and pack sizes.
- A filled frozen croissant isn’t directly comparable with a basic ready-to-bake croissant; check the product type and portion size.
Lidl
Lidl lists croissants to bake at home and also sells croissants from its in-store bakery.
- You can choose between baking croissants at home and buying them from the in-store bakery.
- Lidl advises shoppers to check the store for current food prices; you can also check the range there.
ALDI
ALDI offers a fresh butter croissant sold individually in store.
- Buying them individually works well if you only need a small quantity.
- Don’t compare this individual croissant directly with a multipack without considering the product type and portion size.
PLUS
PLUS offers packaged butter croissants and Schoof Croissants in a pack of four.
- The different packs give you a basis for comparing the number of croissants and product type.
- If you have dietary requirements or allergies, always check the current packaging; product information can change.
Dirk
Dirk’s croissant range includes products such as Danerolles Supercroissants and Délifrance butter croissants.
- The range can help you find products from different brands.
- Before choosing, check the latest product information and compare only products of the same type and portion size.
Croissants on Joybuy
This selection includes a ready-to-bake option, a croissant you can eat without an oven, and packs containing several croissants. Check the preparation method, quantity and ingredients for each product before choosing.
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SCHOOF Croissants, 4 pieces
For anyone who wants to bake several croissants at home and has an oven.
The pack contains four croissants. Follow the preparation instructions and check the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
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Bakery Village Danish Croissant 85 g
An option if you’re looking for a croissant you can eat without using an oven.
The listed weight is 85 g. Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging; the product information lists egg and milk, among other ingredients.
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g'woon Butter Croissants, 4 pieces, 180 g
A pack to consider if you need several croissants.
The title lists four croissants and 180 g. Before buying, check whether they need baking and read the latest allergen information.
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G'woon Mini Butter Croissants 200 g
A mini variety to consider if you want several croissants in one pack.
The title lists 200 g, while another product listing gives 180 g. Check the weight, number of croissants, preparation method and allergens on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare croissants for my first food shop?
Start by comparing croissants of the same type and consider how many you actually need. Individual bakery croissants, ready-to-bake packs and frozen products also differ in how they’re prepared and stored.
What should I check for ready-to-bake croissants?
Check that you have the oven you need and read the preparation and storage instructions. For example, the product information for Jumbo’s plant-based croissants says to refrigerate them after opening at a maximum of 7 °C and that they have a limited shelf life. For other products, follow the instructions on their own labels.
Where can I find allergen information for croissants?
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information for pre-packed croissants is provided on the label. Before buying unpackaged croissants, ask what information the seller can provide; don’t rely solely on a label such as ‘plant-based’.
Does every croissant contain iodised salt?
No, you can’t tell from the type of product alone. Check the ingredients list for the croissant you choose: iodised salt is listed on a Schoof pack, but that tells you nothing about other products.