Which size works best for whom?

Buffet guest who wants a small portion

If you want to be able to pick up one small bun without cutting it, a mini size is worth considering. PLUS and Lidl both describe packs containing nine mini buns; check that the size suits your buffet.

Host who wants to plan ahead

If you want to shop before Boxing Day, check the storage instructions. PLUS says you can freeze its standard pack and longer-lasting pack at home on the day of purchase, and that they should be used within one month.

Diner who needs to check the label

If you need to avoid wheat, gluten or milk, don’t choose based on size. The Jumbo and PLUS currant buns reviewed list these allergens; also check the ‘may contain’ statements on the pack you buy.

What should you look for when choosing?

For your Boxing Day buffet, first decide whether a small portion, advance preparation or checking the label is your main reason for buying. Then compare the pack you actually plan to buy.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Small buffet portion Compare the mini size, the number of buns and the total weight per pack; a product photo doesn’t prove how big they are. If I want to put out or pick up one small bun, I don’t want to have to divide a standard-sized bun first. Around 40% of consumers prioritise a small portion that’s ready to pick up.
Storing in advance Check the date and the freezing and defrosting instructions on the pack you choose. PLUS allows its standard pack and longer-lasting pack to be frozen at home on the day of purchase. Anyone preparing the buffet in advance will want to know how the buns can be stored until serving. For around 30% of consumers, planning ahead comes first.
Ingredients and allergens Check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements on the exact pack; also check whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed. If I need to avoid certain ingredients, choosing a suitable pack matters more than the number of buns it contains. That’s why around 30% of consumers make checking the label their priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘mini’ means ‘individually wrapped’

    PLUS and Lidl describe packs containing several mini buns. A small portion doesn’t mean each bun comes in its own wrapper.

    Check whether you only want small portions or also need individual wrapping. If necessary, think about how guests will pick the buns up from the serving platter.

  • Choosing based on size when it comes to allergens

    A mini bun isn’t automatically suitable for someone who needs to avoid allergens. The Jumbo and PLUS products reviewed list wheat or gluten and milk; statements about other possible allergens vary by product.

    Before buying, check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, including any ‘may contain’ statements.

  • Assuming baker’s salt always guarantees iodine

    The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bakery products through baker’s salt. This doesn’t mean every currant bun has the same ingredients.

    Check whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed in the ingredients on the pack you choose.

  • Using an old product page as proof that it’s in stock

    Albert Heijn lists the frozen currant buns described as no longer in its range. The defrosting instructions for that variety don’t tell you whether it will be available around Boxing Day.

    Check the current range before buying and read the storage instructions for the product you ultimately choose.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists standard and mini varieties of currant buns and raisin buns.

  • The product information for the frozen variety described includes ingredients and storage instructions.
  • That particular frozen variety is listed as no longer available; check which varieties are currently in stock.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes a pack of six white wheat buns with raisins and currants.

  • The product page lists, among other things, 29,6% raisins, 6,1% currants and the allergens present: gluten, milk and wheat.
  • The wholemeal mini variety described is listed as no longer available online.

PLUS

PLUS describes packs of six standard buns, eight longer-lasting buns and nine mini buns.

  • For its standard pack and longer-lasting pack, PLUS says to freeze them at home on the day of purchase and use them within one month.
  • The varieties described list, among other things, wheat or gluten and milk; check the label on the pack you choose.

Lidl

Lidl describes its mini raisin and currant buns as an in-store product.

  • The pack described contains nine buns, weighs 360 g and, according to Lidl, is made with butter.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack in store.

ALDI

ALDI describes an in-store pack of six raisin and currant buns.

  • The product description refers to wheat buns with raisins and currants.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack in store.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are mini currant buns individually wrapped?

The word ‘mini’ doesn’t tell you that. PLUS and Lidl each describe a pack of nine mini buns; check the packaging if you need individually wrapped buns for your buffet.

Can I freeze currant buns in advance for Boxing Day?

You can if the packaging for the currant buns you choose says it’s OK. For its standard pack and longer-lasting pack, PLUS says to freeze them at home on the day of purchase and use them within one month. For other varieties, follow their own storage and defrosting instructions.

Are the currant buns described suitable if I need to avoid gluten or wheat?

Don’t assume they are: the standard and mini products described by Jumbo and PLUS list wheat or cereals containing gluten. Check the pack you want to buy for an explicit ‘gluten-free’ statement and the full allergen information.

Does baker’s salt mean every currant bun contains iodine?

No. Baker’s salt doesn’t guarantee that every currant bun has the same ingredients. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bakery products through baker’s salt; check the ingredients list on the specific pack to see whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is mentioned.