Anyone giving a Sinterklaas Eve gift
If you want to give one person a recognisable gift, consider a chocolate gift, chocolate letter or chocolate figure. These are different types of product from a bag of currant buns.
Who is each option for?
Hosts catering for a group
If you’re putting something out for several guests, check how many portions the pack contains and whether the ingredients are suitable for everyone who’ll be eating.
Anyone buying sweet bread rolls
If you want to serve bread rolls as part of a meal, look for currant buns with dried fruit rather than a chocolate gift. Check how many are in the pack and follow its storage instructions.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re looking for a gift, a Sinterklaas treat or bread rolls to serve at the table. Then compare products in that category by checking the ingredients and quantity.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Type of product | Choose between a gift pack of chocolates, a seasonal item such as a letter or figure, and currant buns to serve with a meal. | If I want to give someone a small gift, I’ll look for something different from what I’d choose to put bread rolls on the table. This is the main consideration for around 42% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, even if you’re choosing a different flavour or variant from the same brand. | When guests are eating too, I want to know whether they can eat the product I’ve chosen. Allergens are the main concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Quantity and storage | Check the number of items or the weight, and follow the storage instructions on the pack of currant buns you choose. | When catering for a group, I want to have enough portions without being left with too much. Quantity and storage are the main considerations for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Comparing currant buns with a box of chocolates
A bag of bread rolls and a chocolate gift are for different occasions. So comparing the packaging alone won’t tell you which is right for the recipient.
First decide whether you want to give a gift, hand out a themed treat or serve bread rolls. Then compare products within that category.
-
Relying on the product name when checking for allergens
Ingredients and allergens can vary between different versions. A general category page won’t tell you what’s listed on the pack you’re buying, either.
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact pack before offering the product to guests.
-
Assuming every currant bun contains iodised salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, bread doesn’t have to be baked with baker’s salt. So you can’t tell which type of salt is used just from the product category.
If the type of salt matters to you, check the ingredients list on the pack of currant buns you choose.
-
Assuming the seasonal range is always available
A chocolate letter or figure may be part of a Sinterklaas range without being available whenever you want it.
Once you’ve chosen the type of product and checked any allergen requirements, confirm that your preferred option is currently available.
Brands and retailers to explore
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists chocolate gifts and currant buns as separate product categories.
- Its chocolate gifts include gift packs and assortments you can compare.
- Check the current variety and ingredients before choosing currant buns.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s Sinterklaas range includes chocolate letters, figures and kruidnoten (spiced biscuits).
- The range offers different shapes and styles for gifts or treats.
- Not every Sinterklaas product is a box of chocolates, so check the type of product and current packaging separately.
ALDI
ALDI offers seasonal sweets, including chocolate letters and other Sinterklaas treats.
- You can compare several themed product types side by side.
- Check the availability and label of the option you want to buy.
PLUS
PLUS lists Sinterklaas chocolate and currant buns as separate products.
- This makes it easier to choose between a chocolate treat and bread rolls for the table.
- Check the ingredients and storage instructions on the pack of currant buns you choose.
Lidl
Lidl lists Way To Go chocolate and seasonal products such as Sinterklaas letters.
- A chocolate letter is a good choice if you want the Sinterklaas theme to be clear in your gift.
- Check current availability and allergen information for each option.
Bolletje
Bolletje is relevant here for kruidnoten and chocolate-coated kruidnoten, rather than boxes of chocolates.
- These products offer a different kind of Sinterklaas treat.
- Bolletje notes that allergens can vary between packs, so check the packaging of the product you’re buying.
Related products at Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are currant buns an alternative to a box of chocolates as a Sinterklaas gift?
Only if you specifically want to give or serve bread rolls. Currant buns are bread rolls with dried fruit. For a recognisable chocolate gift, choose a gift pack or a seasonal item such as a chocolate letter.
How can I check for allergens when guests are eating too?
Read the allergen information and ingredients list on the exact pack you’re serving. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) highlights the allergen information on food labels. Don’t rely on the product name alone, as ingredients and warnings can vary between different versions.
Can I assume currant buns contain iodised salt?
No, don’t assume that without checking the label. According to the Voedingscentrum, bread doesn’t have to be baked with baker’s salt. If you want to know which salt is used, check the ingredients on the currant buns you choose.
Can I buy currant buns in advance for Sinterklaas Eve?
That depends on the storage instructions for the pack you choose. Albert Heijn and PLUS state that their currant buns can be frozen at home on the day of purchase. Follow the latest product instructions for the pack you buy.