A host looking for a familiar treat
Looking for a croissant to serve with coffee, in a pack size that suits the number of guests. Being able to serve it straight away may matter more than baking it yourself.
Who are you choosing for?
Someone who also wants to offer a wholegrain option
Wants to pair a croissant with a grain product that clearly states which type of flour it contains. According to Voedingscentrum, seeds or a brown appearance don’t prove that a product is wholegrain.
A guest or carer considering ease of eating
Takes any difficulty chewing or swallowing into account before serving something crisp. If someone has difficulty swallowing, follow their individual dietary advice; Thuisarts recommends discussing swallowing problems with a GP.
What matters when choosing?
First decide whether you want to serve the croissants straight away or bake them first. Then consider the grain option, how easy they are for your guests to eat and how many you’ll need.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check the product name, types of flour and any stated proportion of wholemeal flour. Only compare fibre content like for like, for example per 100 g. | If I want to offer something wholegrain alongside croissants, I want to be able to tell from the label rather than relying on seeds. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ease of eating | If someone is known to have swallowing difficulties, ask about their individual dietary advice; don’t choose a texture based on the product name alone. | If a guest has difficulty chewing or swallowing, I want to know which foods have been agreed as suitable for them. Ease of eating is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Preparation | Check whether the croissants are ready to eat or need baking, and follow the instructions on the chosen pack. | I want to serve warm croissants without the baking time getting in the way of coffee. Serving them fresh or keeping preparation to a minimum matters most to around 25% of consumers. |
| Number of croissants | Compare the number of croissants and the total weight with the size of your group. | For a small group, I don’t want to be left with an awkward amount. The right portion size is the deciding factor for around 17% of consumers. |
What could you get wrong?
-
Assuming multiseed means wholemeal
A name that mentions seeds doesn’t tell you which flour has been used. Voedingscentrum distinguishes between wholemeal flour and other types of flour, so a multiseed croissant isn’t wholemeal just because of its name.
Check the product name and ingredients. For a product made with a blend of flours, look for a clearly stated proportion of wholemeal flour.
-
Choosing a crisp croissant for someone with swallowing difficulties
A crisp, crumbly texture won’t necessarily suit someone who has difficulty swallowing. Thuisarts advises contacting a GP about swallowing problems and explains that adapted textures may form part of individual advice.
Ask what dietary advice applies to your guest. If their swallowing difficulties are new or unclear, seek advice rather than assuming which croissant texture will be suitable.
-
Guessing allergens from the name
The name butter croissant doesn’t give you a complete list of ingredients. PLUS lists wheat, egg and milk among the ingredients of one small butter croissant; other products may have a different composition.
Read the label on the exact pack. If you’re buying loose croissants, ask about allergen information before you buy; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority has requirements for sellers of unpackaged food.
-
Assuming all pack formats are equally convenient
A loose croissant, a multipack and croissant dough each require different planning for the number of guests and when you want to serve them.
Count your guests in advance and check how many croissants are in the pack and whether they need baking.
A ready-to-bake option or dough also requires preparation time and access to the equipment specified on the pack.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s range includes fresh, ready-to-bake, frozen and multiseed croissants.
- Offers different product formats to compare.
- If wholemeal flour matters to you, check the individual label on the multiseed croissant.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers several types of croissant, including butter and ready-to-bake options.
- Makes it easy to compare pack formats for groups of different sizes.
- Check the types of flour in a specific product if you want to offer something wholegrain.
PLUS
PLUS offers ready-to-bake croissants, small butter croissants and croissant dough.
- For its small butter croissant, PLUS lists ingredients and allergens; you can also check the baking instructions for the ready-to-bake option.
- Check the information for the exact product: ingredients and preparation methods vary between croissants.
Dirk
Dirk offers croissants in different pack sizes, including a pack of four and a frozen pack of six.
- The stated number of croissants and total weight help you plan for a group.
- Check the storage instructions and preparation method for each product before planning when to serve it.
Lidl
Lidl offers a butter croissant as an in-store product.
- A loose croissant may suit a small group.
- Check the product’s current ingredients and allergen information in store.
ALDI
ALDI offers a fresh butter croissant sold individually.
- An individually sold item lets you match the number of croissants to your group.
- The crisp texture described by ALDI doesn’t mean it’s suitable for someone with swallowing difficulties; follow their individual dietary advice.
Croissants for coffee time
These Joybuy products give you a choice of a croissant that’s ready to eat, a ready-to-bake pack and packs of multiple butter croissants. If you’d also like to serve a grain product that’s confirmed as wholegrain, check its product name and ingredients separately.
Image unavailable
Bakery Village Danish Croissant 85 g
For coffee time without any baking: this croissant is described as ready to eat and individually packed at 85 g.
The product description lists wheat, egg and milk as allergens. Check the current packaging, especially if you want to know which flour and salt have been used.
Image unavailable
SCHOOF Croissants, 4 pieces
For anyone who wants to bake croissants just before coffee and can set aside the time. The pack contains four.
Check the baking instructions and the label on the pack you choose. The product description says it may contain traces of sesame, lupin, milk and soya.
Image unavailable
G'woon Mini Butter Croissants, 200 g
For coffee time when you’d like to offer small butter croissants. The pack contains four, with a total weight of 200 g; the description states that they contain 25% butter.
Check the preparation method and current label. The product information lists cereals containing gluten, lupin, milk, sesame and soya.
Image unavailable
g'woon Butter Croissants, 4 pieces, 180 g
For a group for whom four butter croissants are just the right amount. The total weight is 180 g and the description states that they contain 25% butter.
Check the preparation method and current label. The product information lists cereals containing gluten, milk, lupin, sesame and soya.
Frequently asked questions
Is a multiseed croissant also wholemeal?
Not based on the name alone. According to Voedingscentrum, a product can only be called wholemeal if it’s made entirely from wholemeal flour. Check the product name and ingredients, or look for the stated proportion of wholemeal flour in a product made with a blend of flours.
Can I choose a small or soft croissant for someone with swallowing difficulties?
Not as a general solution: the right texture depends on the individual swallowing advice. Thuisarts recommends contacting a GP about swallowing problems; if the person already has dietary advice, ask which foods are suitable for them.
How can I plan for croissants that need to be served warm?
Choose a ready-to-bake product if you have the time and equipment to bake it just before coffee. Check the instructions on that exact pack; croissant dough may need more preparation than ready-to-bake croissants.
Does every croissant contain iodised baker’s salt?
Don’t assume so. Voedingscentrum says that using baker’s salt in baking isn’t compulsory. If the type of salt used matters to you, check the ingredients of the specific packaged croissant.
Where can I find allergen information for a loose croissant?
Before buying, ask the seller for allergen information or check the written or electronic information available. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets requirements for allergen information on unpackaged food.