If you specifically want sourdough currant buns for your Boxing Day buffet, you can bake them yourself or ask a baker if they can make and supply them. Choose packaged currant buns if buying ahead and handing them out easily are more important; always check the latest allergen information for guests with allergies. The regular varieties we looked at from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS list baker’s yeast, while Jumbo’s sourdough breads are a different product.
If sourdough is a must, you can bake the buns yourself or ask a local baker for a suitable option. A recipe from AromaLifestyle uses an active sourdough starter and an overnight rise, so you’ll need to plan ahead.
If you want to buy the buns in advance and serve them individually, packaged varieties make it easy to compare pack sizes and storage instructions. Check whether and when each chosen pack can be frozen.
If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, check the latest packaging before serving, or ask the baker for allergen information if the buns are unwrapped. Wheat and milk are listed for several of the supermarket varieties we looked at.
First, decide whether the currant buns themselves need to be made with sourdough. A separate sourdough loaf can add sourdough to the buffet, but it isn’t a substitute for sourdough currant buns.
When to choose this: go for this option if sourdough in the buns themselves matters and you have time to bake before the buffet.
The trade-off: AromaLifestyle’s recipe uses an active starter and an overnight rise, so it takes more preparation than serving packaged buns.
When to choose this: go for this option if you want to shop ahead and hand out the buns easily.
The trade-off: the varieties we looked at from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS list baker’s yeast, so they aren’t confirmed sourdough currant buns.
When to choose this: consider serving a separate sourdough loaf if you’d also like sourdough on the buffet, but don’t need the currant buns themselves to be made with sourdough.
The trade-off: Jumbo describes its sourdough breads as in-store products; they aren’t confirmed sourdough currant buns.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough in the currant bun | Look for an explicit sourdough claim on the packaging, or ask the baker how the bun is made. A rustic appearance doesn’t tell you anything about this. | I specifically want to serve sourdough currant buns and can bake them myself or order them from a baker. For around 42% of consumers, verified sourdough preparation comes first. |
| Buying ahead and serving | Compare the number of buns per pack and read the storage instructions, including advice on freezing. | I want to sort out the buns before the buffet and serve them to each guest without any extra preparation. Convenience is the top priority for about 33% of consumers. |
| Allergens and ingredients | Read the latest label or ask for allergen information if the buns are unwrapped, including any warnings about cross-contamination. | I need to find out which buns are suitable for guests who avoid certain ingredients. For around 25% of consumers, this check comes first. |
The currant buns we looked at from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS list baker’s yeast. Jumbo’s information about sourdough applies to a separate range of breads.
If you want sourdough in the currant bun itself, check that the packaging says so explicitly or ask the baker to confirm how the bun is made.
Wheat and milk are listed for several of the varieties we looked at. This may make a chosen bun unsuitable for a guest who needs to avoid these ingredients.
Keep the packaging so guests can check the information themselves. If the buns are unwrapped, ask about allergens before buying and, where relevant, possible cross-contamination.
The sourdough breads described by Jumbo and the currant buns from Lidl are in-store products. If you’re relying on them, the chosen shop’s opening hours and stock levels will matter.
Check with the shop or baker well in advance. If you want to buy packaged buns earlier, follow the freezing instructions for that specific variety.
The wholemeal raisin and currant buns we looked at come in packs of four and are listed as an in-store product.
Jumbo lists regular raisin and currant buns in packs of six, as well as a separate range of sourdough breads.
PLUS lists regular currant buns in packs of six and eight.
ALDI describes its packs of six raisin and currant buns as soft wheat buns with raisins and currants.
Lidl lists packs of six currant buns as an in-store product.
Don’t assume they are: the currant buns we looked at from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS list baker’s yeast in their ingredients. Jumbo also describes sourdough breads, but that information doesn’t confirm that its currant buns are made with sourdough.
No, check each product individually. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt for the wholemeal raisin and currant buns we looked at; for another variety, check the latest label or ask the baker.
For packaged currant buns, read the latest label. If they’re unwrapped, ask the seller for allergen information before buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains allergen labelling for pre-packed foods; if someone may have an allergy, also ask about any relevant cross-contamination warnings.
You can for varieties whose product information says they’re suitable for freezing. Albert Heijn and PLUS say the varieties we looked at can be frozen at home on the day of purchase; follow the latest storage and defrosting instructions for your pack.
