Who should choose which option?

If you’re serving smaller courses

A mini currant bun can be served on a platter or as a small portion alongside other dishes. PLUS lists mini currant and raisin buns; check the size when working out how many portions you’ll need.

If you want to shop in advance

If you’d like to do your shopping before the day you’re serving, choose a pack with freezing advice that suits your plans. PLUS advises freezing selected currant buns on the day of purchase.

If you’re catering for allergies or dietary preferences

Check the latest ingredients and allergen information for both the bun and any toppings. Compare fibre, sugar and salt on the packaging if these values matter to your choice.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide how large a portion you want to serve at Christmas dinner. Then check whether you can store the buns in advance and whether the ingredients are suitable for the guests you’re serving.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Portion size and presentation Check whether the buns are sold as mini, standard or giant, and how many are in the pack. If I’m serving several small courses, I want a portion that works alongside the other dishes. Around 24% of consumers prioritise portion size and presentation.
Storage and timing Read the storage and freezing advice for the pack you’ve chosen. For its longer-lasting currant buns, PLUS advises freezing them on the day of purchase and using them within one month. If you shop well before dinner, you won’t want to rely on a last-minute purchase. That’s why around 29% of consumers prioritise storage.
Ingredients and allergens Check the ingredients list, allergens and any warnings about possible cross-contamination for both the buns and the toppings you buy. If a guest has an allergy, I need to know exactly what I’ll be serving. Ingredients and allergens are a top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Nutritional information Compare fibre, sugar and salt per 100 g and per portion; check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt. If the ingredients matter to you, don’t mistake a festive presentation for a particular nutritional value. Nutritional information matters most to around 18% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘premium’ means more nutritious

    A larger size or festive presentation doesn’t, on its own, tell you anything about the fibre, sugar or other nutritional values of a currant bun.

    Choose a size that suits the way you’ll serve the buns, then compare the nutritional information on the packs you’re considering.

  • Checking the allergens in the toppings only

    The bun itself may also contain allergens. The standard products described by Jumbo and PLUS contain wheat; the available product information also lists milk. Toppings may add other allergens.

    Before buying and serving, read the information on the packaging for both the buns and the toppings.

  • Not considering texture when freezing

    Freezing the buns in advance can make planning easier, but according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread can become drier the longer it’s frozen.

    Follow the advice on the packaging. If a soft texture is essential, plan your purchase and serving time accordingly.

  • Assuming the range will stay the same around Christmas

    A product listed online may not be available in the shop you choose. Lidl lists its currant buns as an in-store product; a frozen version previously listed by Albert Heijn has been discontinued.

    Check the product’s availability at your chosen shop shortly before you buy, and be prepared to adapt your menu.

    If your chosen option isn’t available, you may need to choose an alternative or visit another shop.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn’s range includes currant buns in different pack sizes, as well as mini raisin buns. Check each option to see whether it contains currants as well as raisins.

  • A choice of sizes makes it easy to cater for smaller or individual portions.
  • Check current availability: a frozen version that was previously listed has been discontinued.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists white wheat raisin and currant buns in packs of six. According to Jumbo, the version described contains 29.6% raisins and 6.1% currants.

  • The ingredients and nutritional information make it easy to compare with other packs.
  • The version described contains wheat and milk; check the latest allergen information for each guest.

PLUS

PLUS lists standard currant buns in packs of six, a longer-lasting version in packs of eight, and mini currant and raisin buns in packs of nine.

  • You can match the size to the portion; PLUS advises freezing selected versions on the day of purchase.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens for each version, as well as its specific storage advice.

Lidl

Lidl lists currant buns in packs of six as an in-store-only product.

  • A pack of six makes it easy to plan for one bun per guest.
  • Check the packaging in store for ingredients, nutritional information and allergens.

ALDI

ALDI lists raisin and currant buns in packs of six, as well as giant raisin buns in packs of four. Don’t assume that the giant version contains currants.

  • The two sizes listed give you the choice of individual or larger portions.
  • Read the label if the presence of currants, ingredients or allergens is important to your choice.

Related products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I freeze currant buns well ahead of Christmas dinner?

You can, as long as the storage advice for the pack you’ve chosen suits your plans. PLUS advises freezing its longer-lasting currant buns on the day of purchase and using them within one month; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that bread can become drier if it’s frozen for longer.

Are all currant buns made with iodised baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list on the currant buns you buy rather than assuming they contain added iodine based on the product name.

Can I serve an ordinary currant bun to someone who needs to eat gluten-free?

Don’t assume an ordinary currant bun is gluten-free: the products described by Jumbo and PLUS contain wheat. Choose one only if its current product-specific labelling confirms it’s suitable, and discuss any necessary precautions with your guest if they have an allergy or other dietary requirement.

Are currant buns naturally high in fibre?

No, you can’t tell that from the name or a festive presentation. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 2 grams of fibre for a 50-gram currant bun; compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion on the packs you’re considering.