Parents who want to give each child one small bun
When handing out individual treats, the number of buns and their size are key. Jumbo and PLUS list packs of nine mini buns; check whether one mini bun is suitable under the rules for the treat.
Who is this for?
Parents who need to consider school rules and allergens
Ask the school about its rules for the class in advance, and read the label on the pack you choose. The Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS products reviewed list cereals containing gluten; some also list milk or possible traces of other allergens.
Parents who’d like to keep some buns for lunch
If there are buns left after the treat, portion size and storage instructions matter. PLUS says its pack of eight can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within one month.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, check that the treat fits the school’s rules and the needs of the children in the class. Then choose the number of buns and their size, and, if needed, a pack with suitable storage instructions.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and school rules | Ask about the school’s treat policy and check the pack for both listed allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings. | If a child in the class needs to avoid certain ingredients, you’ll want to know which treats are suitable before buying. This check comes first for around 40% of consumers. |
| Number of buns and portion size | Count the children and compare packs, such as those containing nine mini buns or six standard buns. | If each child is getting a whole bun, you’ll want to choose a size that suits the occasion. Around 30% of consumers prioritise getting the portions right. |
| Storage and leftovers | Read the storage instructions; only assume a product can be frozen if this is stated for the variant you’ve chosen. | If the treat is taking place later, you’ll want to know what you can do with any leftover buns. This is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
| Using them as lunchbox buns | Compare the size and, if fibre matters to you, the nutritional information per 100 g on the current labels. | If you’ll be putting any leftover buns in a lunchbox, you’ll mainly want to check their size and nutritional information. This matters most to around 10% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a handy mini pack will automatically suit the whole class
Size tells you nothing about allergens. The Jumbo and PLUS mini buns reviewed contain cereals with gluten and milk; PLUS also lists possible traces of egg, soya, nuts and sesame, among other allergens.
First ask about the rules for the class, then check the current label on the product you’re planning to buy.
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Relying only on ingredient information online
Ingredients and allergen information can change. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information for prepacked products is shown on the label.
Check the packaging you actually bring home before wrapping up the buns.
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Buying extra bags without a plan for leftovers
How many you need depends on the size of the class and the number of buns in each bag. Freezing instructions for one product don’t automatically apply to another.
First work out how many buns you need. If you’re buying in advance, check the storage instructions for the pack you’ve chosen.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists currant buns in a range of sizes, including mini and wholemeal varieties.
- A wholemeal variety could be worth considering if the buns are also for lunch; compare the size and nutritional information on the pack.
- The variety reviewed lists cereals containing gluten and milk. Check the current ‘may contain’ warnings too.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists a pack of six standard raisin and currant buns and a pack of nine mini butter-rich raisin buns.
- The choice between six standard buns and nine mini buns can help you decide whether portion size or handing them out individually matters more.
- The varieties reviewed list gluten and milk; check the other allergen information for the specific product you choose.
PLUS
PLUS lists, among other products, nine mini currant and raisin buns and a pack of eight currant buns.
- For the pack of eight reviewed, PLUS says to freeze the buns at home on the day of purchase and use them within one month.
- The mini pack and pack of eight reviewed list wheat, rye and milk. Check the other allergen information on each pack.
ALDI
ALDI lists a pack of six raisin and currant buns, as well as a separate giant variety in a pack of four.
- The pack of six gives you an easy-to-count option for a small group.
- The giant variety calls for a different approach to portion size. Check the label on the product you choose when you buy it.
Lidl
Lidl lists both currant buns and mini raisin and currant buns.
- Having two sizes to choose from makes it easy to compare a standard bun with a mini one for handing out.
- For ingredients and allergens, check the label or ingredient information for the exact variety you’ve chosen.
Related products on Joybuy
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are the currant buns reviewed suitable for a gluten-free treat?
No. The varieties reviewed from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS list cereals containing gluten or wheat. If a child has dietary restrictions, ask about the rules for that child and check the current label on a suitable alternative.
How can I find out whether currant buns can be handed out at school?
Ask your school before buying the treat. According to the Association for Public Education, schools can set rules about what pupils may hand out on birthdays; ask about any rules that apply to the class too.
How many bags of currant buns do I need?
First decide how many people will get a bun and what size you want to hand out. Divide the number of buns you need by the number in each bag, then round up. The product examples mentioned contain four, six, eight or nine buns per pack.
Can I buy currant buns in advance and freeze them?
Follow the instructions for the variety you’ve chosen. For its pack of eight currant buns, PLUS says you can freeze them at home on the day of purchase and should use them within one month. Don’t assume the same instructions apply to other packs.