Commuter comparing fibre content
You’re looking for a bun that’s easy to take with you, but don’t want to guess its fibre content based on the raisins or seeds. Check whether it’s labelled wholemeal and compare the nutrition information per 100 g.
A plain currant bun is a good choice for lunch on the go if you’re looking for a soft bun you can eat straight away. If a wholemeal base or the texture of seeds matters more to you, compare a wholemeal bun and, if you like, a muesli bun with seeds by checking the ingredients, fibre per 100 g and allergens. Seeds don’t automatically make a bun wholemeal, and a muesli bun isn’t the same product as a currant bun.
You’re looking for a bun that’s easy to take with you, but don’t want to guess its fibre content based on the raisins or seeds. Check whether it’s labelled wholemeal and compare the nutrition information per 100 g.
You want to be able to eat a currant bun at work, school or while travelling, without any preparation. The number of buns in the pack and the portion size can help you decide how many to take with you.
You’re looking for the texture of seeds or kernels, or need to know exactly which ingredients and allergens a product contains. Check the current packaging, including any warnings about the possible presence of allergens.
First, choose the type of bun that suits your lunch. Then use the packaging to compare the features that matter most to you.
A good choice for: a soft bun with raisins and currants that you can take with you and eat without any preparation.
Bear in mind: the standard currant buns from Jumbo and PLUS that were reviewed are made with white wheat flour, not wholemeal.
A good choice for: prioritising a wholemeal base.
Bear in mind: a wholemeal bun doesn’t necessarily contain raisins or currants, so check the product name if that’s the flavour you’re after.
A good choice for: anyone looking specifically for seeds or kernels in a bun they can take with them, and open to a different type of product from a currant bun.
Bear in mind: a muesli bun may have different ingredients and nutritional information from a currant bun.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and wholemeal base | Check whether it’s labelled wholemeal and compare fibre per 100 g. A picture of seeds doesn’t tell you anything about the grain base. | If fibre is my priority for lunch, I want to be able to tell a wholemeal bun apart from a white currant bun with seeds. This is the main consideration for around 36% of consumers. |
| Portion for eating on the go | Check the number of buns in the pack and the nutritional information per portion. | During a short break, I want to be able to take a bun with me and eat it straight away, in a portion that suits my lunch. A convenient portion is the deciding factor for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list and check both the listed allergens and any warnings about their possible presence. | When I need to check ingredients or allergens, I want to know what’s in this particular bun before choosing it. This check is the priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Packaging and storage | Check the number of buns and the storage instructions on the pack you choose, especially if you want to freeze them. | If I’m buying buns for several lunches, I want to know whether I can store them as directed on the pack. Planning ahead is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Seeds and kernels add texture, but they don’t prove that the bun is made with a wholemeal grain base.
Check whether it’s labelled wholemeal and compare fibre per 100 g if those features matter to your choice.
Ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change. This is especially important if you’re choosing a product for specific ingredients.
Check the current packaging when you buy, and take account of any warnings about the possible presence of allergens.
A bag contains several buns, while nutritional information may be given per 100 g or per portion. This means you can’t necessarily compare two packs on a per-bun basis.
Check the weight of one bun and which information applies per portion when deciding what to take with you.
Albert Heijn groups currant buns and muesli buns in the same online product category.
Jumbo lists the ingredients and nutritional information for its standard pack of raisin and currant buns.
PLUS lists a standard bag of six currant buns and a separate longer-lasting variety.
ALDI describes a pack of six soft wheat buns with raisins and currants.
Lidl has separate product pages for currant buns and wholemeal buns.
The Bolletje crispy protein muesli bun mentioned, weighing 360 g, is a muesli product, not a fresh currant bun.
No. Seeds or kernels don’t tell you whether the grain base is wholemeal. Check the product name and ingredients list, and compare fibre per 100 g if that’s a priority for you.
Yes, it’s important to check the current allergen information even for a plain currant bun. The standard products described list ingredients including wheat and milk; some product pages also mention the possible presence of sesame or nuts. Check the packaging of the product you buy.
You can’t assume that every currant bun does. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bread and other bakery products through the addition of baker’s salt. This doesn’t tell you which ingredients are in an individual currant bun, so check the ingredients list.
You can if the storage instructions for the currant buns you choose say that they can be frozen. The Albert Heijn and PLUS product pages described recommend freezing on the day of purchase. Follow the instructions on your pack for storing and using the buns.