Who needs to think about size?

Filling small advent calendar compartments

If each treat needs to fit inside a compartment, the difference between mini and standard buns matters. Albert Heijn and PLUS both list a 9-pack of mini buns; also check the dimensions of your calendar.

Families planning portions in advance

If you’re splitting currant buns across several days or lunchboxes, you’ll need a storage plan as well as the right number of buns. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides separate storage advice for opened packs of currant buns; PLUS advises freezing its 8-pack on the day of purchase.

Shoppers checking ingredients

When you’re sharing treats with several people, the number of buns isn’t the only thing to consider. Jumbo and PLUS list ingredients including wheat and milk, along with warnings about the possible presence of other allergens. Check the current packaging for each product you choose.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, count the occasions and recipients. Then compare the size, storage options and label of the pack you’re planning to buy.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Storage Check the use-by date and storage advice. For its 8-pack, PLUS advises freezing on the day of purchase and using within 1 month. I want to share the buns over several days without keeping an opened bag for too long. Around 42% of consumers would consider planning how to store them their main concern.
Size and quantity Count how many portions you need and check that the buns will fit in the compartments. Albert Heijn and PLUS list 9-packs of mini buns. If the compartments are small, or I’m dividing portions between children and lunchboxes, I want to make sure the size and quantity are right first. This would be the main consideration for around 33% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings about the possible presence of allergens on each pack. When I’m sharing the buns with others, I want to know what’s in the specific buns I’m giving them. The ingredients would be the top priority when buying for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming one multipack will fill a whole advent calendar

    The packs listed contain 6, 8, 9 or 10 buns. So one bag won’t be enough if you want to give out a whole bun every day for 24 days.

    Count how many buns you’ll need each day and for each recipient before combining packs.

  • Buying all the buns weeks in advance without a storage plan

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says opened packs of currant buns can be kept in a kitchen cupboard for 2 to 4 days. It recommends storing them in the freezer for 1 to 3 months, after which their quality may deteriorate.

    If needed, buy them in batches. If you plan to freeze them, follow the advice on the pack you choose. PLUS advises freezing its 8-pack on the day of purchase.

  • Assuming all currant buns have the same ingredients

    Jumbo and PLUS list wheat and milk ingredients, but their allergen warnings vary by product. If you’re sharing the buns, checking a different pack previously won’t be enough.

    Before filling the calendar, check the ingredients and allergens on each pack you’ve chosen.

Brands compared

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn’s product range includes currant and raisin buns in packs of 6 and 10, as well as a 9-pack of mini buns.

  • You can compare the quantities and mini size for compartments or several occasions when sharing them out.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions on the pack for the variety you choose.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists raisin and currant buns in a pack of 6.

  • The product information lists portions, ingredients and allergens, helping you assess the variety you choose.
  • Six buns won’t cover 24 days on their own. The listed variety contains ingredients including wheat and milk.

PLUS

PLUS lists packs of 6 and 8, as well as a 9-pack of mini buns.

  • For its 8-pack, PLUS advises freezing on the day of purchase and using within 1 month.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety. The freezing advice for the 8-pack doesn’t automatically apply to other packs.

ALDI

ALDI lists raisin and currant buns in a pack of 6.

  • The quantity is clear, making it easy to plan for a few occasions or a small group.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions on the current label.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is one multipack enough for a 24-day advent calendar?

No, not if you want to use one whole bun each day. The packs listed by Albert Heijn, Jumbo, PLUS and ALDI contain 6, 8, 9 or 10 buns. Remember to count the number of recipients, and combine packs or shopping trips if needed.

How should you store currant buns if you’re sharing them over several days?

Plan when to buy them around the storage advice on the pack you choose. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping opened packs of currant buns in a kitchen cupboard for 2 to 4 days, or in the freezer for 1 to 3 months; their quality may deteriorate if stored for longer. For its 8-pack, PLUS advises freezing on the day of purchase and using within 1 month.

Can you give these currant buns to someone with a gluten or milk allergy?

Don’t assume they’re suitable without checking. The Jumbo and PLUS varieties listed contain wheat or cereals containing gluten, as well as milk ingredients, and may also list other allergens. Check the current ingredients list and allergen warnings on the exact pack you’re giving them for the person concerned.

Can you rely on the online ingredients information?

Use it to compare packs, but check the current label before sharing the buns too. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says the label shows what a food contains; when it comes to allergens, it’s the information on the product you’re actually using that matters.

Can you tell how much iodine a currant bun contains from the mention of baker’s salt?

No. The mention of baker’s salt doesn’t tell you how much iodine there is in each bun. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes a limit for iodine in baker’s salt added to bakery products, not a fixed amount in every currant bun. If the amount matters to your choice, ask the manufacturer for information about the specific product.