Which option is right for you?

Buying lunch for just a few people

If you’re buying for one or a few people, buying croissants individually may suit your lunch better than getting a pack you can’t use up in time. If you buy a pack, check the storage instructions too.

Planning lunch and have room to prepare them

If you have an oven or air fryer at home, compare the preparation times and storage instructions for bake-at-home croissants, dough and frozen croissants before choosing how many to buy.

Looking for specific ingredients

Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact product. Wheat, milk and egg are not listed in the same way across all the products reviewed, and the type of salt shown on the label may also vary.

What should you look for when buying?

If you want lunch without preparing anything at home, you could first look for an individual croissant, such as the one shown by ALDI. If you have time to bake, compare the preparation and storage instructions for the other types.

What to consider What to check before buying Who should consider this?
Number of croissants and leftovers Compare individual croissants with the number in a pack, and check how to store any leftovers. If I’m buying for just one or a few people, I don’t want to be left with unused croissants. Around 44% of consumers prioritise getting the right quantity.
Time until lunch Check whether the croissants are ready to eat or need preparing and require equipment. If lunch needs to be ready straight away, I don’t want to have to shape dough or switch the oven on first. Speed is the top priority for around 33% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients list, allergen information and any mention of iodised salt on the exact product packaging. If I need to watch out for certain ingredients, what’s in the product matters more than convenience or pack size. This is the main consideration for around 23% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Treating a croissant as half a loaf

    The Voedingscentrum classifies croissants as small bread rolls. A half loaf is therefore a different choice, even if you’re shopping for a small household.

    When comparing croissants, look at the number in the pack, how they’re sold and the storage instructions. Choose half a loaf only if you’re looking for bread.

  • Assuming every croissant contains iodised salt

    The rules described by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority on adding iodine through bakers’ salt do not tell you which type of salt is used in every individual croissant.

    Read the ingredients list for the exact product. PLUS lists iodised salt in its pre-baked butter croissants; don’t assume this applies to other products.

  • Relying only on ingredient information online

    Ingredients can change. In a 2022 test of online supermarkets, the Consumentenbond also noted that nutritional information was not always available in full.

    Check the physical packaging when you receive your order or in store, especially if allergens or other ingredients affect your choice.

  • Buying a multipack without a plan for preparing it

    Chilled dough and frozen croissants need different storage conditions and more preparation time than a croissant that’s ready to eat.

    Before buying, check how much time and what equipment your chosen option requires, and make sure you have enough fridge or freezer space.

Brands to consider

AH

AH sells chilled croissant dough for anyone who wants to shape and bake croissants at home.

  • The product described makes six croissants.
  • According to Albert Heijn, this product takes 12–15 minutes in the oven and should be stored at a maximum of 7 °C. Check the label for ingredients and allergens.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers several types of croissant, including butter and plant-based options.

  • The category page lists a pack of four for both of the options mentioned.
  • Choose based on the specific product, number of croissants and preparation instructions, not just the brand name.

PLUS

PLUS offers pre-baked butter croissants, among other products, for a quick bake-at-home option.

  • According to PLUS, the croissants described can be baked in an oven or air fryer.
  • The product described lists iodised salt. Check the ingredients and preparation instructions again for any other option.

Danerolles

Danerolles offers chilled croissant dough that you roll and bake at home.

  • The Classic product described contains enough dough for six croissants.
  • According to the product information, it takes 12–15 minutes to bake at 200 °C, and the contents must be used up completely once opened.

Délifrance

Délifrance offers frozen butter croissants for anyone with a freezer and oven at home.

  • According to the product information, the option described can be baked without defrosting.
  • This option must be stored at −18 °C and takes around 18 minutes in the oven. Check the allergens on the packaging too.

Joybuy products for this lunch choice

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Which croissant should I choose if lunch needs to be ready straight away?

Look for a croissant that’s ready to eat, ideally sold individually if you only need one. Bake-at-home croissants, chilled dough and frozen croissants all need preparing at home.

How can I avoid leftovers if I only need a few croissants?

First, look for croissants sold individually. If you buy a pack, check how many you’ll actually use. The Voedingscentrum says croissants can be stored in a kitchen cupboard for two days or in the freezer for one to three months; always follow the instructions on the packaging you choose as well.

Which allergens should I check for in croissants?

Read the allergen information for the exact product: wheat, milk and egg are not listed in the same way across all the products described, and some packaging mentions possible traces of soya or nuts. Check the physical packaging, even if you’ve already looked up the information online.

Does the Dutch rule on bakers’ salt mean that every croissant contains iodised salt?

No, that doesn’t follow from the product category. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes rules on adding iodine through bakers’ salt. Check the ingredients list of the croissant you want to buy to see which type of salt is listed.