Shopping for a group
You want to work out in advance how many croissants you’ll need for your guests. Packs come in different sizes, so consider how many portions you plan to serve as well as the pack size.
Who are these options for?
Buying just a few
You only need a few croissants and would rather not have an opened pack left over. Albert Heijn and Dirk also list individual croissants in their ranges.
Planning for guests with dietary or preparation requirements
You need to take ingredients or allergens into account, or want to know how much preparation is involved. A plant-based croissant and croissant dough that you shape yourself call for different considerations.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how many you want to serve. Then choose between croissants that are ready to serve and those that need to go in the oven. Finally, check the ingredients for your guests.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Getting the quantity right | Count your guests and compare the number of croissants in each pack with how many you want to serve. | If I’m catering for a group, I want enough croissants without having lots left over. For around 42% of consumers, getting the quantity right comes first. |
| Leftovers and preparation | Check whether you can buy individual croissants and whether they’re ready to serve or need baking. | With just a few guests, I don’t want an opened pack left over or lots to do just before they arrive. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this most. |
| Ingredients and preparation | Read the current label for allergen information and follow the preparation instructions for your chosen variety. | If guests have specific dietary requirements, I want to know what they can eat and whether baking will fit into the evening’s plans. This combination is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the pack size
A bigger pack isn’t automatically a better choice if you’re only serving a few croissants. Packs contain different numbers of pastries.
Work out how many you need in advance and compare that with the pack size. For a small group, consider buying individual croissants.
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Assuming plant-based means allergen-free
According to its product information, Jumbo’s plant-based croissant contains wheat and gluten, and may also contain milk.
If a guest has an allergy, check the current allergen information on the exact pack you’re buying.
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Leaving the baking until serving time
Croissant dough may still need to be shaped and baked. For example, Albert Heijn says that Danerolles Croissants Original dough needs to be cut and rolled before baking for 12–15 minutes.
Choose a ready-to-serve variety if you don’t want to bake, or plan ahead for oven space and follow the instructions on the pack.
Brands and ranges compared
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists packaged and individual croissants, as well as varieties to bake at home.
- You can compare packs of four or twelve with individual croissants when working out how many you need.
- Check whether each product you choose is ready to serve or needs further preparation.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists standard, butter and plant-based croissants in packs of different sizes.
- Packs of four or six give you different options depending on the size of your group.
- The plant-based variety contains wheat and gluten and may contain milk; check the label if anyone has allergies.
PLUS
PLUS lists packaged butter croissants and a small individual butter croissant.
- You can choose between a pack and an individual croissant, depending on how many guests you have.
- Check the preparation method and ingredients for your chosen variety. PLUS lists iodised salt in its packaged butter croissants.
Dirk
Dirk lists, among other options, a pack of four 1 de Beste butter croissants and individual butter croissants.
- Choosing between a pack and an individual croissant makes it easier to match the quantity to your group.
- Check which variety is available at your chosen store.
Lidl
Lidl lists a butter croissant to buy in store, as well as croissants to finish baking at home.
- You can choose between a ready-to-eat shop croissant and one to bake at home.
- For the bake-at-home product, check the instructions and allow time for the oven if needed.
Croissants on Joybuy
These Joybuy products include both packaged croissants for several guests and one that’s ready to serve without baking. Choose the quantity and preparation time to suit your St Nicholas’ Eve plans.
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SCHOOF Croissants, 4 pieces
A pack for anyone who wants to serve four croissants and can bake them at home. Before the evening, check the baking time, temperature and allergen information on the pack.
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Bakery Village Danish Croissant, 85 g
A ready-to-serve croissant if you want to keep preparation to a minimum. The stated weight is 85 g; check the ingredients and allergens if they’re relevant to your guests.
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G'woon Mini Butter Croissants, 200 g
Mini croissants to consider if you want to serve smaller pastries to several guests. The pack states 200 g; check the number of pastries, preparation instructions and allergens before planning portions.
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g'woon Butter Croissants, 4 pieces, 180 g
A pack of four croissants for a group that needs that many. The stated total weight is 180 g; check whether they need baking or warming, and read the label if your guests have dietary requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a pack or individual croissants for St Nicholas’ Eve?
Choose a pack if it contains the right number for what you plan to serve your guests. Individual croissants are more practical when you only need a few. Also check whether they’re ready to serve or need baking.
How should I store leftover croissants?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping an opened croissant in a kitchen cupboard for two days or in the freezer for one to three months, although its quality may deteriorate. For an unopened pack, follow the date and storage instructions on the label.
Is a plant-based croissant also allergen-free?
No, you can’t assume that from the plant-based label. According to its product information, Jumbo’s plant-based croissant contains wheat and gluten, and may also contain milk. Always check the current allergen information on the pack you choose.