Organising a small gathering
You want to put out enough currant buns without having lots left over. So compare the number in each pack with the number of guests you expect.
Choose the number of currant buns to suit your guests, then decide whether regular, mini or larger buns are right for you. If you’re buying well in advance, check the storage instructions on the pack you choose. It’s also worth checking the ingredients and allergens if they’re relevant to your guests.
You want to put out enough currant buns without having lots left over. So compare the number in each pack with the number of guests you expect.
You want to buy the buns ahead of a planned gathering. Check whether and how you can freeze them, as stated on each pack.
Allergens or fibre content may matter to your guests. Check the ingredients and nutritional information on the exact pack you’re buying.
First, work out how many guests you’re expecting and what size of bun you’d like to serve. Then check the storage instructions and, where necessary, the label.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Leftover buns | Compare the number of guests with the number of buns in each bag. | For a small group, I don’t want to be left with a large number of buns. Around 36% of consumers prioritise avoiding excess. |
| Portion size | Check whether they’re mini, regular or larger buns, and how many are in the bag. | If I want to offer smaller bites, mini buns suit my plans differently from regular or larger ones. Portion size is the first consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Buying in advance | Read the freezing and storage instructions for the product you’ve chosen. | When I shop ahead, I want to know how to keep the buns until the gathering. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and fibre | Check the allergen information and, if you wish, compare the fibre content per 100 g. | If a guest needs to avoid certain allergens or I’m looking for a wholemeal option, I check the label before buying. Around 14% of consumers give this product information top priority. |
A bag of six regular buns and a bag of eight buns don’t provide the same number of portions. A pack of four larger buns also calls for a different approach.
First, count the guests you’re expecting and decide how many buns you want to serve or keep.
Lidl lists nine mini raisin and currant buns per bag, compared with four giant raisin and currant buns weighing 100 g each. So the number of buns alone doesn’t tell you what size you’re serving.
Choose the portion size you want first, then compare pack sizes within that category.
The standard varieties described by Jumbo and Albert Heijn, among others, are white wheat buns. Albert Heijn also lists a separate wholemeal wheat and rye variety with 6.1 g of fibre per 100 g.
Look specifically for ‘wholemeal’ in the product description and compare the nutritional information per 100 g.
Allergen information and storage instructions vary by product. The products described by PLUS and Albert Heijn state that they can be frozen at home on the day of purchase.
Ask about any relevant allergens in good time, and follow the current ingredients list and storage instructions for the pack you choose.
ALDI lists raisin and currant buns in a pack of six and directs shoppers to its stores to buy them.
Jumbo lists a pack of six white wheat raisin and currant buns.
PLUS lists regular currant buns in packs of six, a longer-life variety in packs of eight, and mini currant and raisin buns in packs of nine.
Albert Heijn lists both white raisin and currant buns and a separate wholemeal wheat and rye variety.
Lidl lists nine mini raisin and currant buns per bag, as well as a giant variety with four buns weighing 100 g each.
It depends on how many you want to serve each guest. If you’re planning on one regular bun per person, divide the number of guests by the number of buns in each pack, then round up to work out how many bags to buy. For mini or larger buns, decide on the portion size you want first.
Yes, if the instructions for the product you’ve chosen allow it. PLUS and Albert Heijn advise freezing the relevant products on the day of purchase and using them within one month. The Voedingscentrum notes that bread becomes drier the longer it is kept frozen.
Not necessarily: the standard varieties described by PLUS, Jumbo and Albert Heijn are white wheat buns. If you want a wholemeal variety, check that ‘wholemeal’ is clearly stated on the product you choose and compare the fibre content per 100 g if needed.
Don’t assume so just because of the product category. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bread and other bakery products through baker’s salt, up to a maximum of 65 mg of iodine per kg of salt. Check the ingredients list on the pack you choose to see which salt is listed.
Check the allergen information on the exact pack you’re serving. The currant buns described by PLUS and Jumbo contain wheat and milk. Also check for statements about the possible presence of other allergens, as these vary by product.