Parents who plan lunch portions in advance
Compare the number of croissants in a pack with how many you can actually use for school lunches. Preparation and storage instructions also determine whether a multipack fits into your routine.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Parents looking for variety in the lunchbox
A croissant can add variety without becoming the usual lunch staple. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists wholemeal bread and vegetables or fruit among the items to include in primary school lunches.
Families managing allergies or dietary requirements
Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact croissant, even if the product carries a dietary claim. Also ask the school what rules it has for food brought in from home.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you need a single croissant that’s ready to eat without preparation at home, or whether you can plan for several portions. Then consider the croissant’s place in the lunch and check the allergens in the exact product.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable portions | Compare the number of items with the lunches you’re planning, and check how to store the pack. | If I’m planning several lunches in advance, I don’t want leftover croissants that I can’t store as instructed. Around 33% of consumers prioritise the number of usable portions. |
| Place in the lunch | Check the nutritional information per portion and what else will be in the lunchbox. | If croissants are part of a regular school lunch, I want to know how one fits alongside the other items. Around 27% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
| Allergens | Read the latest allergen information for the exact variety and check the school’s food policy. | If allergens or dietary requirements are a deciding factor, I need to know whether this particular product can be included. Around 20% of consumers put this check first. |
| Morning routine | Check whether baking is required, and read the preparation and storage instructions. | On a busy morning, I want to know whether I can pack the croissant straight away or need to prepare it beforehand. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this practical preparation. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing a multipack without planning how to prepare it
Some packaged croissants need to be baked at home. A pack with several items is only practical if you can prepare them and store them as instructed.
Before buying, read the preparation and storage instructions and decide when you’ll get the croissants ready for lunch.
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Seeing a croissant as a regular substitute for wholemeal bread
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends items including wholemeal bread and vegetables or fruit for primary school lunches. According to its nutritional information, an average 45 g croissant contains 5 g of saturated fat; recipes and portion sizes may vary.
Check the nutritional information on the pack you’ve chosen and consider the croissant as part of the whole lunch.
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Relying on the product name when managing allergies
A description such as ‘made with butter’ or ‘gluten-free’ doesn’t tell you which other allergens may be present. For example, the Consenza Croissants described are labelled gluten- and wheat-free, but according to the product information they contain egg and soya.
Check the latest allergen information for the exact variety. If you’re buying a single croissant, ask for this information and check the school’s food policy.
Brands compared
Albert Heijn
AH sells croissants and butter croissants, among other varieties, in packs of four.
- The product information distinguishes between the varieties and lists allergens.
- Check the label on the pack you choose: the varieties described contain wheat, and the butter variety also lists milk.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells a pack of six Croissants and a pack of four Butter Croissants.
- The stated number of items helps when planning several lunch portions.
- The six-pack described contains croissant dough that still needs baking; check the allergens for each variety too.
Lidl
Lidl lists a butter croissant available in store.
- For this product, Lidl refers customers to information about ingredients and allergens.
- Check that information for the product you’re buying, especially if the school lunch needs to meet allergy requirements.
ALDI
ALDI lists a single butter croissant for in-store purchase.
- A single croissant works well if you want to take one lunch portion without baking it at home.
- Ask about the ingredients and allergens when buying if they’re relevant to the lunch.
PLUS
PLUS lists butter croissants for baking at home and Consenza Croissants labelled gluten- and wheat-free.
- The Consenza variety is a separate option to consider if gluten and wheat need to be avoided.
- Check the full label: the Consenza variety described also contains egg and soya.
Dirk
Dirk lists both a single butter croissant and 1 de Beste Butter Croissants in a pack of four.
- You can weigh up a single portion against a pack for several lunch occasions.
- Check the preparation method and allergen information for your chosen variety when buying.
Croissants at Joybuy
These croissants are worth considering if you’re choosing between a single portion and a pack for several school lunches. Check the preparation method, latest allergen information and the school’s food policy before making your choice.
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SCHOOF Croissants, 4 items
A pack for anyone planning several lunch portions who can bake them at home. Check the preparation and storage instructions, as well as the allergen information on the pack.
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Bakery Village Danish Croissant, 85 g
A single portion for anyone who wants to take a croissant with them without baking it at home. Check the latest label for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information; also look out for the warning about E102 and E110 in the product information.
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g'woon Butter Croissants, 4 items, 180 g
A pack of four for anyone planning several lunch portions. Check the pack to see whether baking is required, how to store the croissants after opening and which allergens are listed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I include a regular croissant in a gluten-free school lunch?
Don’t assume so: the AH and Jumbo croissants described list wheat or cereals containing gluten. Only choose a product whose current packaging carries the required gluten-free label, and check for other allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings too.
How do I check allergens in a single croissant?
Before buying, ask for the allergen information if it isn’t displayed with the product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says consumers must be informed about allergens present; also check the school’s food policy.
Can a croissant replace wholemeal bread in a daily school lunch?
Don’t automatically treat a croissant as an equivalent substitute for wholemeal bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists wholemeal bread and vegetables or fruit among the items for primary school lunches, so consider the whole lunch and the nutritional information for the croissant you’ve chosen.
What should I check before buying bake-at-home croissants for several lunches?
Check that you can prepare the croissants in time and store them as instructed. Also read the instructions for storing them after opening, so you can decide whether the pack suits your lunch plans.