Buffet manager with fluctuating guest numbers
Wants to top up in small batches while limiting leftovers when guest numbers change.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Hotel with consistently high breakfast numbers
Can plan larger baking runs and needs space to store frozen products according to their storage instructions.
Hotel managing allergen information
Needs up-to-date product information available to guests for unwrapped croissants on the buffet. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights this information requirement for the hospitality sector.
What should you consider when buying?
First, decide how many croissants you want to serve in each batch. Then compare the baking time, storage instructions and information you’ll need at the buffet for each product.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and leftovers | Compare the number of items per pack and check whether you can bake some for a later batch. | When guest numbers fluctuate, I don’t want to bake more at once than guests are likely to take. Portion control is a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Capacity and baking time | Match the baking time and batch size to the oven space available. PLUS lists a baking time of 4–6 minutes at 200 °C for one ambient product; for a Délifrance frozen product, PLUS lists 18 minutes at 185 °C. | During a busy breakfast service, I want to top up in time without disrupting the oven schedule. Service planning is the top priority for around 38% of consumers. |
| Allergen information | Check the latest specification for the exact product and make sure the information is available when serving unwrapped items at a buffet in the Netherlands. | If I serve unwrapped croissants, I need to be able to tell guests which allergens they contain. For an estimated 23% of consumers, this information is their main concern. |
| Nutritional information | Compare the portion size and nutritional values per 100 g on the labels of the products you’re considering. | When putting together the breakfast selection, I want to know what portion sizes and nutritional values I’m offering alongside other options. This matters most to around 8% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Using half a loaf as a guide to croissants
Voedingscentrum classifies croissants as small bread rolls. Choosing half a loaf therefore doesn’t tell you which croissant pack is right for a buffet.
Compare the number of items per pack and decide how many you want to bake for each breakfast service.
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Listing only ‘croissant’ in the allergen information
For unwrapped croissants on a hotel buffet in the Netherlands, information about any allergens present must be available. Ingredients and allergens can vary from one product to another.
Keep an up-to-date specification for every product you choose and make sure guests can access the relevant information.
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Assuming every croissant contains iodised baker’s salt
According to Voedingscentrum, using baker’s salt is not compulsory. So you can’t tell which salt has been used from the product name alone.
Check the ingredients list for the exact product if this is relevant to your product information.
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Continuing to use an outdated product specification
PLUS warns that product information, including ingredients and allergens, can change.
Check the label again whenever you switch products or update the buffet information.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo lists a range of pack sizes and product varieties in its croissant category.
- The category includes packs of 4, 6 and 24, among others, which you can compare with your target batch size.
- Check the preparation method and product specification for your chosen item before scheduling it for the buffet.
PLUS
PLUS provides product information for both ambient bake-off croissants and frozen butter croissants.
- Preparation instructions are available for the products reviewed, so you can assess the oven schedule for each one.
- PLUS warns that product information can change, so use the latest details for your chosen product when ordering.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists frozen croissants in a range of pack sizes.
- The range shown includes packs of 4, 8 and 12, among others.
- Check the instructions and ingredients for the exact product you want to use.
ALDI
ALDI lists croissants to bake at home and individual butter croissants.
- An individually sold product is one option to explore when you need a small quantity straight away.
- Before serving it unwrapped at a buffet, ask for the product-specific ingredients and allergen information.
Lidl
Lidl lists croissants to bake at home.
- The bake-off option is worth considering if you want to plan the baking batches yourself.
- Check the packaging, preparation instructions and allergen information for the product you choose.
Croissants for smaller buffet portions
Each of these Joybuy products contains four croissants. When choosing products for smaller top-up batches, also compare the preparation method and the latest product information.
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SCHOOF Croissants, 4 pieces
A pack of four to consider if you want to plan small quantities for each buffet service.
Check the bake-off instructions and latest allergen information before serving the product at the buffet.
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g'woon Butter Croissants, 4 pieces, 180 g
A pack of four, weighing 180 g, to factor into your plans for smaller buffet portions.
Check whether the product needs to be baked and use the latest allergen information for the buffet.
Frequently asked questions
Does a hotel need to provide allergen information for unwrapped croissants on the buffet?
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, hospitality businesses must inform guests about allergens in non-prepacked food. Keep a record of the information for each croissant product you use. For cereals containing gluten, the specific type of cereal also matters.
Do all croissants in the Netherlands contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, you can’t assume that. Voedingscentrum says that using baker’s salt is not compulsory. Check the ingredients list for the product you choose rather than assuming which salt has been used based on the name ‘croissant’.
Can you refreeze frozen croissants after thawing them?
Not for the Délifrance frozen product for which PLUS states that thawed croissants must not be refrozen. For any other product, follow the storage instructions on its packaging.