Who is this choice relevant to?

Caterers serving mixed groups

You want to offer white raisin-and-currant buns while also catering for guests who prefer to choose wholemeal. With two clearly labelled options, everyone can find something to suit them.

Organisers offering self-service

At a buffet or coffee station, guests need to be able to see which bun is on each platter. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that providers of non-prepacked food must give information about allergens.

Buyers planning portions

Compare the number of buns in each bag with the expected number of portions, and check the shelf life and storage instructions for the products you actually order.

What should you look for when buying?

For a conference buffet, first decide whether you want to offer one type of bun or two separately presented options. Then check the product description and the information available to guests for each type.

White currant buns only

When: if a familiar white currant bun is all you need and a wholemeal option is not a priority.

Trade-off: guests who want a wholemeal option won’t find one in this selection.

Wholemeal currant buns only

When: if you can confirm that the current packaging identifies the product as a wholemeal currant bun and it suits your guests.

Trade-off: check that this exact variety is available before ordering; a standard wholemeal bun is not a currant bun.

White and wholemeal side by side

When: if you want to offer both a white currant bun and a clearly identified wholemeal option.

Trade-off: two products need separate platters, correct product names and allergen information for each option.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
A familiar white option Check the product description and the number of buns in each bag. I want to offer a white raisin-and-currant bun to guests who expect a classic sweet bun. This preference comes first for around 37% of consumers buying the buffet.
A wholemeal option Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging and check whether it is a currant bun or another type of bun. If I offer a wholemeal option, I want the buffet label to name the correct type of bun. This wholemeal choice is the deciding factor for around 36% of consumers buying the buffet.
Self-service and planning Check the allergen information for each product and match the number of buns per bag and the storage instructions to your serving plans. Guests need to be able to find out what they are choosing at each platter, while I need to plan the portions required. This comes first for around 27% of consumers buying the buffet.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming brown or multigrain means wholemeal

    The colour or the word ‘multigrain’ does not prove that a bun is wholemeal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bread labelled ‘wholemeal’ is made with 100% wholemeal flour.

    Only use ‘wholemeal’ on the buffet label if the packaging for that exact bun confirms it.

  • Offering different buns without separate information

    At a self-service buffet, guests may otherwise find it difficult to identify the product on each platter and the allergens it contains. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires allergen information to be provided for non-prepacked food.

    Keep the varieties separate and make sure the current product name and allergen information are available for each option.

  • Putting a specific wholemeal variety on the menu too soon

    Jumbo’s product page for Mini Wholemeal Raisin-Currant Buns says that this variety is no longer available online. A standard wholemeal bun may be an alternative, but it has a different product name.

    Confirm that the exact variety is available before ordering, and update the buffet label if you choose a different bun.

    A last-minute change also leaves you with little time to prepare new product labels and allergen information.

  • Making a general claim about iodine based on one ingredients list

    The mention of baker’s salt for one type of currant bun does not confirm which ingredients are used in other currant buns.

    Check the ingredients list for every variety you choose before mentioning baker’s salt or iodine.

Brands to consider

These product ranges can help you compare a white currant bun with a separate wholemeal option. Always check the variety and packaging you intend to order.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists white raisin-and-currant buns as well as separate wholemeal buns. The wholemeal buns are not the same product as wholemeal currant buns.

  • Jumbo lists 2.8 g of fibre per 100 g for its white raisin-and-currant buns.
  • The page for Mini Wholemeal Raisin-Currant Buns says that this variety is no longer available online.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists both raisin-and-currant buns and separate mini raisin buns. Check the product type before choosing a size.

  • The category shown includes packs of 10 raisin-and-currant buns and 9 mini raisin buns.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact variety you want to serve.

PLUS

PLUS describes its Krentenbollen lekker lang lekker as white wheat raisin-and-currant buns, sold in a bag of 8.

  • PLUS lists 3.3 g of fibre per 100 g and provides ingredients and allergen information for this product.
  • Check this information again on the packaging you choose before serving the buns unpackaged.

ALDI

ALDI lists raisin-and-currant buns and separate wholemeal buns, both in packs of 6.

  • The two product types make it possible to offer a white and a wholemeal option separately.
  • The wholemeal buns shown are not labelled as wholemeal currant buns; check the range at the shop where you plan to buy them.

Lidl

Lidl lists currant buns in a bag of 6 as a possible white option for your buffet.

  • The pack size listed gives you a starting point for planning portions.
  • Before offering the buns for self-service, check the current ingredients and allergens on the packaging.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I identify a wholemeal option for the conference buffet?

Check that the packaging for the bun you have chosen says ‘wholemeal’. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bread with this label is made with 100% wholemeal flour; a dark colour or the word ‘multigrain’ is not enough. Also check whether the product is a currant bun or a standard wholemeal bun.

What allergen information is needed for unpackaged currant buns?

Make sure guests can access allergen information for every bun you offer. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that providers of non-prepacked food must give information about 14 allergens. For cereals containing gluten, you must also state which cereal is involved. Use the current information for the products you have chosen.

Does baker’s salt mean that all currant buns contain iodine?

No. A reference to baker’s salt for one product does not tell you anything definite about all other currant buns. The Commodities Act Decree on the Addition of Micronutrients to Foodstuffs defines baker’s salt as iodised table salt for bread and other bakery products. Check the ingredients list for the bun you actually plan to offer.

How can I plan how many currant buns to buy without unnecessary leftovers?

Compare the number of buns in each bag with the expected number of portions, and check the storage instructions on the packaging you choose. PLUS says its bag of 8 currant buns can be frozen on the day of purchase; don’t assume the same instructions apply to other products without checking.