Which option is right for you?

If you’re looking for a larger morning portion

If a regular bun isn’t the size you’re after, you could try a giant version. PLUS and ALDI list these versions in packs of four; the size alone doesn’t tell you anything about the nutritional value.

If you want to compare nutritional information

As well as size and flavour, consider the type of grain, fibre, protein, sugars, salt and allergens. Compare the values for the specific products you’re considering on a like-for-like basis.

If you want to plan portions and stock up

Mini buns can be handy if you want to take your snack with you in smaller portions. If you’re planning ahead for several mornings, check the storage instructions: PLUS says its ‘stays delicious for longer’ currant buns can be frozen at home on the day of purchase.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide what portion you want to eat mid-morning. Then use the ingredients list and nutritional information to compare regular, giant and mini buns on a like-for-like basis.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Larger portion Check the size and, if stated, the weight of each bun. Compare the nutritional value of the whole portion you plan to eat. A regular bun isn’t the size I’m looking for during my morning break; around 33% of consumers prioritise a larger portion.
Nutritional profile Compare the type of grain and the values for fibre, protein, sugars and salt per 100 g and per portion eaten. I want to know how my snack fits with the nutritional values I keep an eye on; around 27% of consumers prioritise this nutritional profile.
Portions and stock Check the number and size of the buns, and follow the storage instructions for the product you choose. For several mornings, I want to choose how many buns to take with me and how to store the rest; around 20% of consumers prioritise this kind of planning.
Ingredients and allergens Read the allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statement. Check the ingredients list if you want to know what type of salt has been used. If allergens are a concern, or the type of salt matters to me, I want to be able to check the packaging; around 20% of consumers prioritise this label information.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a giant bun is high in fibre

    ‘Giant’ tells you about the size, not the type of grain or fibre content. PLUS describes its giant currant and raisin buns as white wheat buns.

    Choose a size that suits the portion you want to eat, then compare the fibre and other nutritional values separately on the label.

  • Only reading the front of the packaging

    A product name or claim on the front won’t give you all the information you need to compare two buns. The Voedingscentrum recommends checking the back of the packaging too.

    Read the ingredients list and compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then consider how much you’ll actually eat.

  • Assuming every currant bun contains baker’s salt

    According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell which type of salt a bun contains just from the product type.

    Check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt if that’s relevant to your choice. For an unwrapped product, ask which type of salt has been used.

  • Treating an old product page as a current option in store

    Albert Heijn says that the AH Bakkersbol krent a8 is no longer in its range. The ingredients listed for it don’t make it a current purchase option.

    For the bun you want to buy now, check both the current product information and the packaging.

Brands to compare

Jumbo

Jumbo describes its currant and raisin buns as a pack of six, with nutritional values per 100 g and per 65 g portion.

  • The product information includes ingredients, allergens, fibre, protein, sugars and salt, so you can check both portion sizes.
  • This is a white wheat version. Jumbo lists 2.8 g of fibre per 100 g; don’t use that figure as the value for other currant buns.

PLUS

PLUS lists regular currant buns in packs of six, giant currant and raisin buns in packs of four, and a ‘stays delicious for longer’ version.

  • These product pages provide ingredients, allergen and nutritional information. For its ‘stays delicious for longer’ version, PLUS says to freeze the buns on the day of purchase.
  • The regular and giant versions are described as white wheat buns. Compare their nutritional values separately; ‘giant’ doesn’t mean wholemeal.

ALDI

ALDI lists giant raisin buns in a pack of four as fresh bread to buy in store.

  • The product description makes it clear that you’re looking at a larger bun.
  • Check the packaging in store for ingredients, allergens and nutritional values before comparing this bun with another.

Lidl

Lidl lists regular currant buns in packs of six and mini wholemeal raisin buns in a 360 g pack.

  • The two product types give you a regular bun and a smaller raisin bun described as wholemeal to consider.
  • Check the packaging for the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values of the version you choose.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn has a category for currant buns and muesli buns. The product information for the AH Bakkersbol krent a8 includes ingredients and nutritional values.

  • The Bakkersbol described shows the label details you can compare for a specific version, including ingredients and allergens.
  • Albert Heijn says this Bakkersbol is no longer in its range. Check which products are currently available and read their packaging.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What does ‘thick cut’ mean for currant buns?

Don’t treat ‘thick cut’ as a standard description of size or nutritional value for currant buns. PLUS and ALDI do describe giant versions: check the specific product and, where stated, the weight per bun if you’re looking for a larger portion.

Does a giant currant bun have different nutritional values from a regular one?

You can’t tell from the word ‘giant’. Compare the nutritional values per 100 g, then consider how much of the bun you’ll eat. PLUS describes its giant currant and raisin buns as a white wheat version.

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

No, don’t assume that: according to the Voedingscentrum, bakers don’t have to use baker’s salt. For packaged currant buns, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt, and ask which type of salt has been used for unwrapped buns.

Can I freeze currant buns for several mornings?

Follow the instructions for the specific product. PLUS says its ‘stays delicious for longer’ currant buns can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within one month; don’t assume the same instructions apply to other versions.

What should I check on the label if allergens matter?

Read the allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statement on every pack you buy. Jumbo and PLUS list wheat or gluten and milk among the allergens for the currant buns described; don’t assume other versions have the same ingredients.