Host planning for a larger Christmas gathering
You want to have enough buns ready in advance. Compare the number of buns in each bag and check the shelf life if you’re shopping well before the party.
For a Christmas party, don’t automatically go for the biggest bag of currant buns. Work out how many portions you need and whether standard buns or mini buns will suit your buffet better. If you’re buying ahead, follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose. And if any of your guests have allergies, check the latest ingredients and allergen information too.
You want to have enough buns ready in advance. Compare the number of buns in each bag and check the shelf life if you’re shopping well before the party.
You’re looking for mini buns to serve alongside other nibbles. Even with a mini pack, check the ingredients and allergen information for your guests.
You’ll need the allergen information for the exact pack you’re serving, including any warnings about possible cross-contamination.
First, decide how many portions you want to serve and how large they should be. Then check whether the pack suits when you plan to shop and your guests’ needs.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Enough portions | Count the buns in each bag and choose the size you want. | When I’m serving a larger group, I want enough buns without having lots left over. For around 29% of consumers, the number of portions comes first. |
| Smaller buffet portions | Compare mini and standard sizes, as well as the number of buns in each pack. | When serving other nibbles, I want to offer smaller buns too. For around 24% of consumers, portion size is the top priority. |
| Allergens | Read the latest ingredients list and any warnings about possible cross-contamination. | If a guest has an allergy, I want to know whether this particular pack is suitable to serve. Around 29% of consumers put checking allergens first. |
| Buying ahead | Check the best-before date and the product-specific storage instructions. | If I’m spreading out my party shopping, I need to know how to store the bag until the day. For around 18% of consumers, this is the most important consideration. |
At a buffet with plenty of other nibbles, not everyone will take a whole standard bun. So a bigger bag isn’t necessarily the best choice for your party.
Estimate how many portions you’ll need, then compare the number and size of the buns shown on the pack.
The varieties listed by Jumbo and PLUS contain wheat/gluten and milk; some also carry warnings about the possible presence of other allergens. The name ‘currant bun’ doesn’t tell you what’s listed on your pack.
Ask your guests about any relevant allergies and read the label on the bag you’ve bought before serving.
Lidl lists its 6-bun bag of currant buns as available in store only. So an online product page doesn’t guarantee that you can have the bag delivered.
Check how you can buy the pack you’ve chosen before planning your party shopping.
Brood.net describes the use of iodised baker’s salt as part of an agreement. That doesn’t tell you which ingredients are in an individual bag of currant buns.
If the type of salt used matters to your choice, check the ingredients list on the pack you’ve chosen.
Albert Heijn’s currant buns and muesli buns category includes a range of packs, including a 10-bun bag of AH raisin and currant buns.
Jumbo lists a pack of 6 raisin and currant buns, with 6 portions per pack.
PLUS lists an 8-bun bag of currant buns and a separate pack of 9 mini currant and raisin buns.
Lidl lists currant buns in a bag of 6, as well as a separate mini variety.
ALDI lists a 6-pack of raisin and currant buns.
Estimate how many guests are likely to have a whole bun, and take the other nibbles into account. Compare that number with the number of buns in each bag. For example, Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list packs with different quantities, while mini buns are an option if you want to serve smaller portions.
Follow the instructions on the specific pack. For its 8-bun Krentenbollen lekker lang lekker bag, PLUS says you can freeze the buns at home on the day of purchase and use them within 1 month. Don’t assume the same advice applies to other bags.
Check the ingredients and any warnings about possible cross-contamination on the pack you’re going to serve. The Jumbo and PLUS varieties listed contain wheat/gluten and milk. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly shown on the label.
Check the ingredients list on the bag you’ve chosen rather than trying to work it out from the product name. Brood.net describes agreements on using iodised baker’s salt, but this doesn’t confirm which type of salt is used in any individual product.