Buy croissants individually if you only need a few portions and don’t want to open a pack with some left over. A small pack of bake-off croissants works well when everyone wants to eat them warm at the same time, provided you have the right equipment and enough time to prepare them. Frozen croissants are an option if you want to spread portions across different occasions. Whatever you choose, check the storage instructions and, if ingredients matter, read the label for the exact product.
If you’re buying for one or a few people, you can match the number of croissants to the occasion. ALDI and PLUS show croissants sold individually, while you can also find four-packs at shops such as Jumbo. Check the pack for instructions on storing any croissants left over.
For breakfast or brunch around the Sinterklaas parade, bake-off croissants are worth considering if you have the time and a suitable appliance. Instructions vary by product: PLUS, for example, gives oven and air fryer instructions for one of its butter croissant varieties.
A label such as plant-based or gluten-free doesn’t tell you everything about other ingredients and allergens. Jumbo’s plant-based croissants, for example, are listed as containing wheat and gluten. So check the label of the exact variety you’re choosing.
When: You’re buying for one person or don’t want to open more croissants than you need.
Consider: Check that the variety you want is available when you do your shopping.
When: You want to serve several croissants warm at the same time and can bake them according to the pack instructions.
Consider: Preparation takes time; check the pack’s instructions for what to do after opening it, too.
When: You want to spread portions over more than one occasion and have space in your freezer.
Consider: Defrosting takes planning; follow the product’s instructions for storage and refreezing.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Check how many croissants are in the pack and how to store them after opening. | If I’m buying for a few people, I don’t want to be left with an opened pack of croissants. Avoiding leftovers is a priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Preparation | Check whether they need baking, and what appliance and how much time the variety you’ve chosen requires. | I want to serve the croissants warm around the Sinterklaas parade without running behind schedule. For around 29% of consumers, serving them warm on time is the deciding factor. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current label for the exact variety, even if it’s labelled plant-based or gluten-free. | If someone needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know exactly what’s in these croissants. Around 21% of consumers put this check first. |
| Storage and planning | Compare the storage instructions with when you want to eat the croissants; for frozen products, check the defrosting instructions too. | If we’re not eating everything at once, I want to be able to store the remaining portions as directed on the pack. For around 14% of consumers, this is their main concern. |
‘Half loaf’ isn’t a useful way to describe how many croissants you need. If you’re buying for a small group, it’s more helpful to compare individually sold croissants with small packs.
Decide in advance how many you want to serve and check that number on the product packaging.
These terms don’t mean the same thing: according to Jumbo, its plant-based croissants contain wheat and gluten.
Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact variety, even if another product label already matches your needs.
A bake-off product may need preparing, while different storage rules may apply to a defrosted frozen product. Schär says its frozen croissants must not be refrozen after defrosting.
Before buying, check what you’ll need to prepare the product, and follow the instructions on the pack after opening or defrosting.
Albert Heijn shows a pack of four AH butter croissants and also stocks frozen croissants.
Jumbo shows croissants in packs of four and six, a four-pack of plant-based croissants and a gluten-free Schär variety.
Lidl lists butter croissants in its range.
ALDI shows a butter croissant sold individually and also lists croissants among its products to bake at home.
PLUS shows a small butter croissant sold individually and bake-off croissants in a pack of four.
Dirk’s range includes a butter croissant sold individually and croissants in a four-pack.
These Joybuy products include an 85 g croissant and packs that could suit a small occasion. Compare the number of croissants and check the packaging if preparation instructions or ingredients are important to your choice.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a small quantity. The product name specifies 85 g; check the number of croissants on the pack before planning your portions.
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Four croissants could suit a small group. If you want to serve them warm or won’t eat them all at once, check the preparation and storage instructions on this pack.
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A mini croissant option if you’d like to serve smaller pastries. The product name gives the pack weight as 200 g; check the pack for the number of croissants and how to prepare them.
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The four-pack could suit a small group and lists a total weight of 180 g. Check the preparation instructions before setting aside time to serve them warm.
Yes, if the instructions for the croissant you’ve chosen say you can. PLUS recommends four minutes in a preheated air fryer at 180 °C for its butter croissants; for another variety, follow the instructions on its own packaging.
No, you can’t assume that from the plant-based label. Jumbo lists wheat and gluten in its plant-based croissants. If you’re choosing a gluten-free product, check both the specific product label and the other allergens listed on the packaging.
Follow the instructions for the specific product. Schär says its frozen croissants must not be refrozen after defrosting and should be eaten within one day.
