Who is this choice relevant to?

Canteen buyer looking to reduce waste

Matches individual croissants or multipacks to the expected number of lunches. When attendance varies, what matters most is how many croissants are actually served.

Organiser of a busy lunchtime rush

Can consider bake-off products if oven space, time and storage are available. For AH Verse original croissants, Albert Heijn recommends baking for 12–15 minutes at 200 °C, storing them chilled at a maximum of 7 °C and preparing them immediately after opening.

Canteen responsible for allergen information

Needs to be able to tell customers which allergens are in the product being served loose. A gluten-free label does not replace the need to check for other allergens.

What should you look for?

First, work out how many croissants are likely to be served and whether baking them during lunch is practical. Then check the allergen information for each product you choose.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Predictable quantities Compare the number of items in the pack with expected attendance and your options for storing any unused croissants. When attendance varies, I don’t want to be left with an opened pack that I can no longer serve. For around 42% of consumers, avoiding leftover croissants is the top priority.
Lunchtime rush and preparation For bake-off products, check the instructions for oven settings, baking time, storage and use after opening. During a short lunch break, I need to serve croissants without delay. For around 33% of consumers, being able to prepare them easily is the top priority.
Allergens and dietary requirements Read the latest allergen information for the exact product and decide how it will be made available before serving. When guests ask about ingredients, I want to be able to give them information about the croissant I’ve chosen. Around 25% of consumers rank this information as their top consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Looking only at the number of items in the pack

    A multipack of croissants won’t necessarily suit a lunch where attendance varies. You could be left with unused croissants.

    Choose a pack size that matches the number you expect to serve, and check how the product should be stored after opening.

    Remember to factor in preparation time and any potential waste.

  • Treating ready-to-bake dough like a croissant that’s ready to serve

    For AH Verse original croissants, Albert Heijn recommends baking for 12–15 minutes at 200 °C, storing them at a maximum of 7 °C and preparing them immediately after opening. These steps need to be planned around the lunchtime rush.

    Check the instructions for the variant you’ve chosen, and make sure the oven, fridge and staff will be available at the planned serving time before you buy.

  • Assuming gluten-free means free from all allergens

    A gluten-free label doesn’t tell you which other allergens a croissant contains. Preparation and serving also need careful attention if products must be kept separate.

    Use the latest allergen information for the exact product, and make sure staff can provide it before serving.

  • Assuming every croissant is made with iodised baker’s salt

    According to the Dutch bakery sector, there is no general legal requirement to use iodised baker’s salt. So a croissant’s place of origin alone won’t tell you which type of salt was used.

    If this matters to your choice, check the latest packaging or product specification for the croissant in question.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

A starting point for canteens looking to bake chilled croissant dough.

  • For AH Verse original croissants, Albert Heijn lists six 40 g portions and preparation instructions.
  • This dough needs to be stored chilled at a maximum of 7 °C and prepared immediately after opening.

Jumbo

A starting point for comparing multipacks with your planned serving quantities.

  • Jumbo lists a pack of six croissants with a total weight of 240 g.
  • For each variant you consider, check that the pack size, preparation and storage instructions suit your canteen.

Lidl

A shop to try if you want to buy individual croissants locally.

  • Lidl lists a butter croissant as a product available in store only.
  • Before serving, check the ingredients and allergens in the specific product you’ve bought in store.

Aldi

A starting point for serving individual butter croissants straight away after buying them locally.

  • Aldi describes a fresh butter croissant sold individually.
  • Check the latest ingredients and allergen information for the product you’ve bought in store.

PLUS

A starting point for both individual croissants and a separate gluten-free product variant.

  • PLUS lists a mini butter croissant and Consenza croissants labelled gluten- and wheat-free.
  • For the Consenza variant, also check the latest packaging for other allergens.

Dirk

A shop to try for individual croissants that can be served in the canteen without baking.

  • Dirk lists a 65 g butter croissant.
  • Check the allergen information for the specific product before serving.

Croissants at Joybuy

These two croissants suit different ways of serving: an individual croissant for straightforward lunch planning, and a pack of four for servings planned in advance. Check the product information for both before deciding on preparation and how you’ll communicate allergen information.

Bakery Village Danish Croissant 85 g

Bakery Village Danish Croissant 85 g

An individual croissant to consider if you don’t want serving quantities to depend on a larger pack. Before serving, check the preparation instructions and the latest allergen information.

View on Joybuy
SCHOOF Croissants, 4 pieces

SCHOOF Croissants, 4 pieces

A pack of four for servings you can plan in advance. Check the packaging to see how they need to be prepared, whether that fits around the lunchtime rush and which allergens are listed.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does a workplace canteen have to provide allergen information for unpackaged croissants?

Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, businesses serving unpackaged food must inform customers about 14 allergens. Make sure the information for the croissant you’re serving is available before guests choose.

When are bake-off croissants suitable for a canteen lunch?

Bake-off croissants are suitable when the canteen can organise storage, oven space and preparation before serving. For AH Verse original croissants, Albert Heijn recommends storing them at a maximum of 7 °C, preparing them immediately after opening and baking them for 12–15 minutes at 200 °C. For other variants, follow the instructions on the packaging.

Is a gluten-free croissant also free from other allergens?

No. The gluten-free label alone tells you nothing about other allergens. Check the latest ingredients and allergen information for the variant you’ve chosen, and take it into account during preparation and serving.

Does every croissant in the Netherlands contain iodised baker’s salt?

No, you can’t assume that for every croissant. According to the Dutch bakery sector, there is no general legal requirement to use iodised baker’s salt. If the type of salt used matters to your choice, check the information for the specific product.