Shoppers who want to serve them straight away
For breakfast, lunch or the Christmas table, you’ll want ready-to-eat currant buns. Work out how many portions you need and compare packs of the same product type.
Choose a standard bag of currant buns if you want to serve them straight away at Christmas. A larger, freezer-friendly pack is a good fit if you can store and use the remaining buns according to the pack instructions. A baking mix is the right choice if baking your own is part of your Christmas preparations. Whichever option you choose, check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product.
For breakfast, lunch or the Christmas table, you’ll want ready-to-eat currant buns. Work out how many portions you need and compare packs of the same product type.
You want to be able to serve currant buns after Christmas breakfast, too. A larger bag is most practical if you can freeze the rest according to the instructions and use them in time.
You want to choose the filling yourself and set aside time for kneading, proving and baking. A currant bun mix is a baking project, not a ready-to-eat alternative to a bag of buns.
First decide whether you want the currant buns ready to serve straight away, for several occasions, or as part of your Christmas baking.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-eat portions | Compare the number of buns and the weight of similar packs. | If I want to serve the buns without any preparation, the pack needs to suit the number of people eating; around 40% of consumers prioritise ready-to-eat portions. |
| Stock for more than one occasion | Check the number of buns and the freezing and use instructions for the pack you choose. | For Christmas breakfast and another occasion later on, I want to be able to store the remaining buns; planned stock is a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Baking your own | Check what filling you’ll need and how many steps the mix involves, including proving time. | I want to choose the filling myself and set aside time for the dough; around 30% of consumers prioritise the baking project. |
The 8-count PLUS pack comes with specific storage instructions: PLUS says you can freeze the buns at home on the day you buy them and should use them within 1 month.
Choose this pack only if you can freeze the remaining portions and plan to use them within that time.
As well as the mix, the In2bake recipe calls for ingredients such as filling and involves kneading, proving and baking. The buns won’t be ready to serve straight away.
Choose a mix if you want to plan a baking session; opt for ready-made buns if you want to serve them straight away.
Allergens and the type of salt used can vary between currant buns and mixes. A brand name or product category won’t tell you which ingredients are in the particular variety you choose.
Check the latest ingredients and allergen information for the exact pack you’re buying.
ALDI lists a 6-count pack of raisin and currant buns for anyone looking for ready-to-eat buns.
Jumbo sells standard currant buns as well as mini and giant versions; don’t compare these product types as if they were the same size.
PLUS lists both a standard bag of currant buns and an 8-count pack with freezing instructions.
In2bake offers a currant bun mix for anyone who wants to make their own buns.
Start by comparing packs of the same product type by number of buns and weight. A mini or giant version is a different size from a standard currant bun, so also consider how many buns you’ll actually need for your Christmas table.
You can if the pack you choose includes instructions for freezing. PLUS says its 8-count pack can be frozen at home on the day you buy it and must be used within 1 month; for other products, follow the instructions on their packaging.
Don’t assume they do. Check the ingredients list on the currant buns or baking mix you choose to see which type of salt is listed.
Read the latest allergen information for the exact product you choose. PLUS lists wheat and milk, among other things, as allergens in its currant buns and also notes the possible presence of other allergens; don’t assume the same information applies to other varieties or brands.