For one child or a small get-together, you could choose a single croissant so you don’t have an opened multipack left over. If you need several portions and have access to an oven, a small pack of croissants to bake at home may be a better fit. If you’re catering for dietary restrictions, always check the label on the exact product: plant-based doesn’t mean gluten-free, and gluten-free doesn’t mean free from other allergens.
If you’d like to arrange a little tea-time treat without lots of croissants left over, look for individual croissants or a pack of three or four. If you choose a multipack, check how to store the rest once it’s opened.
If you’re buying for a child with a dietary restriction, or for school or childcare, the label on the exact croissant is crucial. The standard examples listed contain ingredients such as wheat; gluten-free products may also contain other allergens.
For a special tea-time treat, you can work out how many portions you’ll need in advance. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre does not list croissants as an everyday snack choice for children aged 4 to 12.
If by ‘half loaf’ you’re looking for a smaller quantity, compare individual croissants with small packs rather than with half a loaf of bread. Then consider whether allergens, the type of snack or the preparation requirements will affect your choice.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and leftovers | Check the number of croissants and the storage instructions once the pack is opened. | If I only need one or two portions, I don’t want to open a pack and have lots left over. For around 40% of consumers, minimising leftovers is the top priority. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Read the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings about traces on the current packaging. | If I’m buying for a child with a dietary restriction, I need to know whether this particular product is suitable for their needs. This is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Type of snack | Decide whether you’re looking for an occasional treat, then check the portion size and nutritional information of the product you choose. | If I’m looking for an everyday snack, I want to take into account that the Netherlands Nutrition Centre does not list croissants as an everyday choice for children aged 4 to 12. This is the deciding factor for around 20% of consumers. |
| Preparation | Check whether the croissants are ready to eat or need to be baked according to the pack instructions. | If tea-time is about to start, I want to know whether I’ll need an oven and extra preparation time. Around 10% of consumers put this practical consideration first. |
According to Jumbo, its Jumbo Croissant Plantaardig contains wheat and gluten, and may also contain milk. So the plant-based label doesn’t tell you whether the product is suitable for someone avoiding gluten or other allergens.
Read the allergen information on the exact pack. If a gluten-free or wheat-free diet is required, choose a product whose label and other ingredients meet those needs.
The Consenza croissants listed by PLUS are labelled gluten-free, but contain egg and soya and may contain sesame, lupin and nuts. Gluten-free doesn’t mean free from all other allergens.
Check the full ingredients list and any warnings about possible traces against the child’s specific dietary requirements.
Once opened, the Jumbo Croissant Plantaardig needs to be kept refrigerated and has a limited shelf life. Croissants that need baking also take time to prepare.
Work out how many you’ll need in advance, then check the preparation and storage instructions before choosing a pack of several croissants.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists croissants among the foods that are best not given to children aged 4 to 12 too often or in large quantities. Choosing a smaller croissant doesn’t change that advice.
Distinguish between an occasional treat and an everyday snack. For the latter, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends options such as fruit, vegetables and wholemeal bread.
The examples below show the pack sizes and product variations you can compare. Always check the information on the exact pack before buying.
Albert Heijn lists an AH Luxe roombotercroissant weighing 90 g, sold individually.
Jumbo Croissant Plantaardig comes in a pack of four, with a total weight of 180 g.
At PLUS, you can compare options such as a small butter croissant sold individually with packs of three Consenza croissants, weighing 180 g in total.
Dirk lists a pack of four 1 de Beste butter croissants, weighing 180 g in total.
ALDI lists a butter croissant sold individually.
Lidl lists a butter croissant as a product available in store.
Each of these packs contains four croissants, making them most relevant when you need several portions for the same tea-time treat. When choosing between them, check the preparation instructions and the label.
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A pack of four may be a good choice if you need several croissants for one tea-time treat. Check the pack to see whether they need to be baked, and read the current allergen information before serving them to a child with a dietary restriction.
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This pack of four is a useful option if you want to prepare several portions. Allow time for baking and check the current packaging for ingredients and possible traces of allergens.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre does not list croissants as an everyday snack choice for children aged 4 to 12. Instead, it includes them among the foods that are best not given too often or in large quantities. For an everyday snack, it suggests options such as fruit, vegetables and wholemeal bread.
Yes. According to Jumbo, its Jumbo Croissant Plantaardig contains wheat and gluten. If you’re catering for a dietary restriction, check the label on the exact product rather than relying on the plant-based description alone.
Not necessarily. The gluten-free Consenza croissants listed by PLUS contain egg and soya, and may contain sesame, lupin and nuts. Check all relevant ingredients and warnings about traces on the current packaging.
Ask about the school or childcare setting’s rules on treats and allergens, then check that the ingredients in your chosen croissant meet those requirements. You can also find out how they handle food for children who need to avoid certain ingredients.
