Who is each option right for?

Anyone who wants to serve a quick Christmas treat

A packaged bag of currant buns needs no kneading, proving or baking. Compare the number of buns and check the use-by date and allergens on the packaging before handing them out.

Anyone who wants to bake their own currant buns

Baking them yourself is a good choice if you want the preparation to be part of your Christmas activities and would like to choose the filling and size. Albert Heijn’s recipe describes kneading as an important step, so make sure you also allow time for proving and baking.

Anyone keeping an eye on ingredients and allergens

Check the label on the specific pack, including any warnings about possible traces. The product information from Jumbo and PLUS lists wheat and milk, among other ingredients, in the currant buns reviewed; ingredients may vary between products.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to serve currant buns, bake them yourself or give chocolate as a gift instead. If you choose currant buns, compare the portion size and check the packaging.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Ready to serve Choose a ready-made pack and check the use-by date. If I want to put something on the table without spending time baking, it needs to be ready to serve straight away. An estimated 30% of consumers prioritise this.
Baking them yourself Choose a recipe or, if using a baking mix, check which ingredients and preparation steps are needed. If you want to make baking part of your Christmas activities, allow time for kneading, proving and baking. Baking from scratch is estimated to be the top priority for 30% of consumers.
Portion size Compare the number of buns and decide whether you want regular or mini currant buns to hand out. For a treat to share, I want a size that’s easy to divide among everyone. An estimated 20% of consumers prioritise portion size.
Label information Read the ingredients, allergens, possible traces and storage instructions on the specific pack. If I need to take ingredients or allergens into account, I want to check the packaging before serving the buns. Label checks are the first selection priority for an estimated 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming that all currant buns contain the same allergens

    Ingredients and warnings about possible traces can vary between products. The product information from Jumbo and PLUS lists wheat and milk in the currant buns reviewed.

    Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you’re buying, even if you’ve bought the product before.

  • Assuming that all currant buns contain iodised baker’s salt

    According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers are not required to use baker’s salt. You can’t tell whether it’s present from the product name alone.

    Check the ingredients list or ask the baker which salt is used in that particular currant bun.

  • Treating currant buns and boxes of chocolates as the same kind of gift

    A currant bun is a bread product that you can buy or bake yourself; a box of chocolates is a separate gift. So choosing a baking activity doesn’t automatically answer the question of what gift you want to give.

    Before choosing, decide whether you want to prepare or serve a bread-based treat, or give chocolate as a gift.

Relevant currant bun brands

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists currant buns and mini versions in its online range.

  • A mini version offers a smaller portion size for a sharing platter or treat.
  • Albert Heijn notes that ingredient, nutritional and allergy information can change, so check the label on the pack.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists a six-bun own-brand pack of raisin and currant buns.

  • The product information includes ingredients, allergens, nutritional values and storage advice.
  • A wholemeal mini version listed previously was no longer available to buy online; check the current range if you’re specifically looking for small buns.

PLUS

PLUS lists six-packs of currant buns as well as a separate eight-pack version.

  • The product pages include ingredients, allergens, nutritional values, and storage and freezing instructions.
  • Check the instructions on your pack, as information can vary between versions.

ALDI

ALDI lists six-packs of raisin and currant buns in its bread range.

  • The pack size is clearly stated, making it easy to plan if you’re sharing them as a treat.
  • Check the product packaging in store for ingredients and allergens.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Should I check the allergen information on packaged currant buns?

Yes, check the information on the specific pack before serving. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on labels. The product information from Jumbo and PLUS lists wheat and milk in the currant buns reviewed, and also warns of possible traces of other allergens.

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

No, you can’t assume this is true of every currant bun: according to the Voedingscentrum, bakers don’t have to use baker’s salt. Check the product’s ingredients list or ask the baker which salt they used.

Can I freeze packaged currant buns for Christmas?

It depends on the packaging. For the currant buns reviewed, PLUS says you can freeze them at home on the day of purchase and use them within one month. For another product, follow the instructions on its own label.