Who is this decision relevant to?

Anyone buying lunch for a group

You’ll want to know how many croissants are in a pack, whether that’s enough for the group, and whether you have the time and equipment to prepare them.

Anyone planning the daily lunch menu

You’ll need to weigh up a croissant lunch against the usual bread-based lunch. In its childcare guidelines, the Voedingscentrum recommends wholemeal and brown bread for everyday lunches because of their fibre content.

Anyone responsible for allergy arrangements

Before serving, you’ll need to compare the ingredients and allergens on the packaging with each child’s individual arrangements. Even if a croissant is labelled gluten-free, other allergens still need to be considered.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide whether the croissants are for an occasional lunch. Then check the quantity, each child’s allergy arrangements and what preparation the nursery will need to do.

What to consider What to check Who this matters to
Pack size and portions Compare the number of croissants with the group size, and check the storage and usage instructions. If I’m buying for a group, I want a pack that will be used up at the planned lunch. Around 31% of consumers prioritise suitable portions.
Everyday lunch choice Distinguish between an occasional change and the everyday bread-based lunch, and read the nutritional information for the variant you choose. For a regular nursery lunch, I want a bread option that fits the everyday menu. Around 31% of consumers prioritise the quality of everyday lunches.
Allergens Read the current packaging, including any ‘may contain’ warnings, and follow the individual preparation arrangements. If a child needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know before serving whether this particular croissant meets the agreed requirements. For around 25% of consumers, checking allergens is their main concern.
Preparation and storage Check what equipment is needed and read the instructions for storage, baking and use after opening. If lunch needs to be ready at a set time, preparation has to fit into our kitchen routine. Around 13% of consumers give this their highest priority.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Choosing a large pack without considering the group size

    The number of croissants only tells you whether a pack will work if you know how many children will be eating and how long the product can be used for after opening.

    Choose a pack to suit the lunch occasion, and read the storage and opening instructions beforehand.

    An opened pack of dough that isn’t fully used can lead to waste.

  • Treating croissants as a replacement for everyday bread

    For childcare settings, the Voedingscentrum recommends wholemeal and brown bread because of their fibre content. A croissant lunch therefore has a different place on the menu from the usual bread-based lunch.

    Plan croissants as an occasional change, and keep childcare guidelines in mind when planning everyday lunches.

  • Reading only the front of the pack

    A standard croissant may contain wheat and gluten. A gluten-free label alone doesn’t tell you whether it contains other allergens, such as egg or milk.

    Compare the full allergen information with the nursery’s individual arrangements, and prevent unwanted contact with other products during preparation.

  • Checking the preparation instructions just before lunch

    Bake-off croissants and chilled dough don’t require the same steps. PLUS says, for example, that Danerolles dough must be baked, must not be eaten raw and must be used up completely once opened.

    Read the storage and preparation instructions before buying, and check that the nursery can follow them.

    Preparing dough also takes staff time and requires an oven.

Brands to consider

Even within one supermarket, pack size, product type and ingredients can vary between croissants. Compare the specific variant you’re considering, not just the retailer.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers standard croissants and butter croissants in a range of pack sizes.

  • The range shown includes packs of four and a butter croissant option in a pack of twelve.
  • Check the ingredients and nutritional information for each variant; the pack size won’t tell you anything about these.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers standard croissants, butter croissants and a separate Schär product labelled gluten-free.

  • You can compare product types and pack sizes.
  • Even with a product labelled gluten-free, check the label for all other allergens too.

PLUS

PLUS offers Schoof croissants and Danerolles dough for mini croissants, among other products.

  • The dough product comes with specific instructions for storage, baking and use after opening.
  • Check whether the preparation required for each product fits into your lunch routine.

Dirk

Dirk offers Schoof margarine croissants and butter croissants in packs of four, among other products.

  • The pack size makes it easier to plan how many you’ll need for the group.
  • Check the label of the variant you choose for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.

Croissants at Joybuy for a varied lunch

These mini croissants are worth considering for an occasional lunch. Check the packaging and preparation instructions before deciding how many you’ll need for the group.

Pack of G'woon Mini Butter Croissants

G'woon Mini Butter Croissants, 200 g

The mini size is worth considering when planning portions for an occasional group lunch.

The product description lists cereals containing gluten, lupin, milk, sesame and soya. Compare the current packaging with each child’s individual allergy arrangements.

Check the net weight on the pack and read the preparation instructions before deciding on quantities and lunch timings.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are croissants suitable for everyday lunches at a nursery?

Croissants aren’t an equivalent replacement for an everyday wholemeal or brown bread lunch. In its childcare guidelines, the Voedingscentrum recommends wholemeal and brown bread because of their fibre content. It’s better to plan croissants as an occasional change.

Can a child with coeliac disease or a wheat allergy have a standard croissant?

Don’t assume a standard croissant is suitable: check the label and follow the nursery’s individual dietary arrangements. The Voedingscentrum explains that gluten is harmful to people with coeliac disease or a wheat allergy. If you choose an alternative, check for other allergens too and prevent contact with other products during preparation.

Can you tell from the name whether a croissant contains iodised salt?

No, you can’t tell from the product name. Check the ingredients list for the specific croissant if iodised salt is important to your choice.

What do you need to arrange before baking?

Check the packaging for the equipment, storage method and preparation steps required. PLUS says Danerolles dough must be baked, must not be eaten raw, must be used up completely once opened and must be stored at a maximum of 7 °C.