Which portions work best for different occasions?

Planning a large buffet

If you’re shopping for a large number of guests, work out how many portions you want first, then check how many buns come in a pack. That way, you won’t be basing your shopping list on the number of packs alone.

Hosting and serving smaller portions

If guests will be trying other dishes too, mini buns may work better for your buffet than one large bun per person. For example, PLUS lists a pack of nine mini buns.

Shopping ahead for the festive season

If you’re shopping before Boxing Day, it’s important to check the storage instructions for the variety you choose. For its pack of eight longer-lasting currant buns, PLUS says they can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within a month.

What should you look for when choosing?

Choose the portion size for your buffet first, then work out how many buns you’ll need. When you buy them, also check the storage instructions and the ingredients for the exact variety you’re choosing.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Number of portions Count the portions you want and compare this with the number of buns in each pack. Jumbo and ALDI each list a pack of six. If I’m shopping for a large number of guests, I want to serve enough buns without having far too many left over. For around 42% of consumers, the number of portions a pack provides is the most important factor.
Bun size Check whether the pack contains mini, standard-sized or giant buns, and whether that size will suit the rest of the buffet. At a buffet with several dishes, I want to be able to offer guests a smaller portion. Portion size is the top priority for around 33% of consumers.
Storage and labelling Check the storage instructions for the variety you’ve chosen, and read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging. If I’m shopping before the festive day or need to consider what guests can eat, I want to be able to check this information in advance. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers.

Common choices that can go wrong

  • Counting the packs instead of the buns

    A pack of mini buns and a pack of giant buns won’t provide the same number or size of portions. PLUS lists packs of nine mini buns, six standard-sized buns and four giant buns.

    Decide how many portions you want to serve, and what size, before working out how many packs you’ll need.

  • Assuming an online listing will still apply on the day

    Ranges and local availability can change. The standard and frozen varieties mentioned from Albert Heijn are both listed as discontinued.

    Check which variety your supermarket stocks shortly before you buy, and plan your shopping around what’s available.

  • Guessing allergens from the product name

    The Jumbo and PLUS currant buns described contain wheat or other gluten-containing cereals, as well as milk. Ingredients and possible traces vary between varieties.

    Read the label on every pack you choose, and keep the ingredients information available for guests at the buffet.

  • Freezing buns without checking the instructions

    Freezing instructions apply to the specific variety mentioned, not automatically to all currant buns. PLUS says its longer-lasting variety can be frozen on the day of purchase and should be used within a month.

    Follow the instructions on the packaging you buy, and only freeze the portions you expect to use.

Supermarkets and own-label ranges to consider

ALDI

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

  • The product listing says they’re available in store.
  • Check the packaging of the buns you buy for ingredients and allergen information.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists a pack of six raisin and currant buns.

  • The product information includes ingredients, allergens and nutritional values.
  • This variety contains wheat and milk; check the current label when you buy it.

PLUS

PLUS lists mini, standard-sized, longer-lasting and giant varieties, with nine, six, eight and four buns per pack respectively.

  • The different sizes give you a choice of smaller or larger buffet portions.
  • The home-freezing instructions apply to the longer-lasting variety mentioned; check the packaging separately for every other variety.

Lidl

Lidl lists currant buns in a pack of six.

  • The product listing states how many buns are in each pack.
  • Lidl says this item is available in store only; check availability at the store where you plan to shop.

Albert Heijn

The standard and frozen varieties mentioned from Albert Heijn are both listed as discontinued.

  • The product information for the frozen variety includes instructions for after defrosting.
  • Don’t rely on these varieties for your buffet; check what the supermarket currently stocks.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How many packs of currant buns do I need for a buffet?

First, decide how many portions you want to serve and what size will suit. Then divide the number of buns you need by the number in each pack, rounding up; check the pack you buy to confirm the quantity. The Jumbo and ALDI varieties mentioned contain six buns, while PLUS also lists packs of four, eight and nine.

Can I freeze currant buns before Boxing Day?

Yes, if the packaging for your variety says it’s suitable for home freezing. PLUS says its longer-lasting currant buns can be frozen on the day of purchase and should be used within a month. Don’t assume the same instructions apply to other varieties.

Can I serve currant buns to guests with a gluten or milk allergy?

Always check the label on the exact pack you’ve chosen. The Jumbo and PLUS varieties described contain wheat or other gluten-containing cereals, as well as milk; information about possible traces can also vary between products. Keep the packaging or ingredients list available when you serve the buffet.