Picnickers who want one larger snack
A whole croissant is easier to take with you if you don’t want to carry loose, thinly sliced pieces. Compare the weight per croissant if portion size matters.
Which croissants work best for different needs?
Picnickers who want to bake them at home
A bake-at-home or frozen option works well if you have time and an oven before you set off. Check the baking, defrosting and storage instructions beforehand.
Groups who want to share smaller portions
Mini croissants are a good option if you want several small bites to share. If you’re looking for one larger croissant per person, compare the size and number of croissants in each pack instead.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether you want to take one whole croissant per person or smaller portions. Then think about how much time you can spend preparing them at home and how you’ll transport any chilled fillings.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size for a snack on the go | Compare the weight per croissant and the number in the pack; ideally, take them whole. | If I want to take one croissant as a snack, I look for a portion that suits my appetite without having to slice it thinly first. For around 29% of consumers, size is the most important factor when choosing. |
| Quick to pack | Check whether the croissants are ready to eat or need to be warmed up or baked. | I don’t want to have to plan time for baking just before I leave. That’s why an estimated 23% of consumers prioritise convenience. |
| Baking them at home | Read the baking instructions and, for frozen products, the defrosting instructions. | If I want to bake the croissants myself, I set aside time and oven space before the picnic. For around 18% of consumers, this preparation comes first. |
| Sharing smaller portions | Compare mini and standard sizes, as well as the number in each pack. | For a group, I’d rather take several small croissants than one larger croissant per person. Around 18% of consumers put sharing first. |
| Taking chilled fillings with you | Plan to use a cool bag for any ingredients that need to be kept chilled. | If I want to take croissants with chilled fillings, those fillings need to stay cool during the journey. For around 12% of consumers, this is the main consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Searching for ‘thick cut’ as if it were a croissant size
The supermarket options shown mainly distinguish between croissants by size, number in the pack and preparation method. Slicing them thinly in advance also leaves you with more loose pieces to carry.
Compare the weight per croissant and choose a whole one if you want a larger snack to eat on the go.
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Thinking about the croissant but not the filling
Fillings that are normally kept chilled also need to stay cool during the picnic. Voedingscentrum recommends using a cool bag.
Take chilled ingredients out of the fridge shortly before you leave and transport them in a cool bag.
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Assuming you know the ingredients from the name ‘butter croissant’
The name doesn’t tell you what other ingredients or allergens the particular product contains.
When buying, check the latest ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
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Refreezing defrosted croissants without checking the instructions
Jumbo says that its frozen-fresh croissants must not be refrozen once defrosted and should be eaten within 24 hours of defrosting.
Only defrost what you need and follow the instructions on your pack.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists pre-baked AH butter croissants in packs of four, weighing 45 g each.
- For this product, Albert Heijn gives oven instructions of 4–6 minutes at 200 °C.
- Check the packaging for the latest ingredients, allergen and storage information.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s croissant range includes standard, mini and frozen options.
- The different sizes and preparation methods give you useful points of comparison for portions and preparation.
- Read the preparation and defrosting instructions for your chosen product, as they vary between croissants.
Lidl
Lidl lists mini butter croissants as an in-store option for anyone who wants smaller portions to share.
- The mini size is a good fit for a picnic with several small bites to share.
- Before choosing a product, check its information and allergens in store.
ALDI
ALDI lists a single fresh butter croissant, an option if you want to buy one whole croissant per person.
- Buying them individually lets you match the number to your group.
- For ingredients and allergens, read the information provided with the product in store.
PLUS
PLUS lists pre-baked butter croissants, chilled croissant dough and Délifrance frozen croissants.
- For the Délifrance frozen croissants shown, PLUS says to bake from frozen for 18 minutes at 185 °C.
- Only use those instructions for that product; check the packaging for any other option.
Dirk
Dirk lists a single 65 g butter croissant and several bake-at-home croissants.
- The stated weight of the single croissant helps you compare portions.
- Check the preparation method and ingredients and allergen information for each product you choose.
Croissants on Joybuy
These croissants suit different picnic plans: a single 85 g croissant, packs with several croissants, mini croissants to share and croissants to bake at home. When choosing, check that the preparation method and size suit your plans.
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Bakery Village Danish Croissant 85 g
An 85 g croissant for anyone who wants to take one per person. Check the latest allergen information on the packaging, especially if you’re adding a filling.
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g'woon Butter Croissants, 4 pieces, 180 g
A pack of four croissants for a picnic with several people. The stated weight of 180 g is for the whole pack; if you’re short on time before setting off, check how they need to be prepared.
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G'woon Mini Butter Croissants 200 g
The mini size is ideal for several small bites to share, rather than one larger croissant per person. The pack states a total weight of 200 g; check the number of croissants and how to prepare them before your picnic.
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SCHOOF Croissants, 4 pieces
A pack of four croissants for baking at home. Before buying, read the baking instructions on the packaging and compare the size per croissant if you’re looking for a more substantial individual snack.
Frequently asked questions
Should I cut croissants into thick slices for a picnic in the park?
No. If you want a more substantial snack to eat on the go, it’s better to choose a whole croissant in a suitable size. Only cut it open if you want to add a filling, and keep wet or chilled fillings separate until you’re ready to take them with you.
How should I take croissants with chilled fillings?
Transport ingredients that need to stay chilled in a cool bag, as Voedingscentrum recommends for picnics. Take them out of the fridge shortly before you leave, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging too.
Can I buy croissants the day before or freeze them?
Yes, if the storage instructions for the croissants you’ve chosen allow it. Voedingscentrum says croissants can be kept in a kitchen cupboard for two days and in the freezer for one to three months. However, Albert Heijn says its specific pre-baked butter croissants are not suitable for freezing at home.
Does every croissant in the Netherlands contain iodised salt?
No, don’t assume that. Some croissant products from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list iodised salt; check the ingredients list for the product you’re buying.
Which allergens should I check in butter croissants?
Check the full allergen information for your chosen product, particularly for wheat and milk. Other ingredients and warnings may vary by product, so don’t rely on the product name alone to identify allergens.