Who are these choices relevant to?

Planners of short conference breaks

If you want guests to choose quickly, match the size and number of buns to the length of the break. If the buns are frozen, you’ll also need to plan when to defrost them.

Caterers providing allergen information

When serving unpackaged food, caterers need to know which allergens are present in the products they’ve chosen and how guests can check this information before making a choice.

Organisers planning a more substantial reception

If you want to serve a bun as a treat in its own right, consider a larger size. If there’s already an extensive buffet, that portion size calls for a different approach.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide what role the currant bun will play during the break: a quick bite, part of the buffet or a treat in its own right. Then plan the serving arrangements, product information and portion sizes to suit.

What to consider What to check when buying Who should consider this most?
Serving and freshness Check the number of buns, storage instructions and, for frozen products, how they should be defrosted. If the break is short, I want to be able to serve buns that are ready on time and look appealing. For around 34% of consumers, serving logistics matter most.
Allergens and dietary requirements Ask for the latest ingredients and allergen information, and decide how guests can check it before choosing. When guests have different dietary requirements, I want to know exactly which product is suitable for whom. Around 33% of consumers put allergen information first.
Presentation and portion size Compare the size and number of buns in each pack with the rest of the food on offer. For a reception, I want the bun to fit in with the other food on the table, without serving an unexpectedly large portion. Around 20% of consumers consider this the main priority.
Nutritional information Compare the nutritional values per 100 g and per portion; check whether any wholemeal option is actually labelled as wholemeal. If the buffet includes several types of rolls and sweet treats, I want to be able to compare their nutritional information. This is the top priority for around 13% of consumers.

Common choices that need careful consideration

  • Assuming a larger bun is automatically a better choice

    A giant bun can work well as a treat in its own right, but may be less suitable alongside an extensive buffet. A smaller size can be handy for a short break. Neither size, on its own, tells you anything about the ingredients or nutritional value.

    Decide what role the bun will play, then compare the size, ingredients and nutritional information of the products you’re considering.

  • Assuming gluten-free means free from all allergens

    The raisin and currant buns described by Bakker Leo Glutenvrij as gluten- and wheat-free contain egg and are made in a facility that also handles soya and milk.

    Check the latest allergen information for the specific alternative, and make it clear to guests exactly what the gluten-free label does and doesn’t mean.

  • Using outdated product information for your event

    Ingredients and allergen information can change. Albert Heijn notes that the information on a product page may differ from that on the current packaging.

    For every product you choose, use the latest packaging or supplier information, especially if the buns will be served unpackaged.

  • Leaving defrosting until the day of the conference

    For its fresh-frozen currant buns, Albert Heijn advises storing them at -18 °C, defrosting them at room temperature and not refreezing them once defrosted.

    Plan how many buns you’ll need for each break and follow the storage and defrosting instructions on the packaging you’ve chosen.

Brands and retailers to explore

These examples can help you compare sizes and product information. Always check the specific product before ordering.

Albert Heijn

A retailer to explore if you want to compare mini and fresh-frozen options.

  • Albert Heijn provides storage instructions for its fresh-frozen currant buns, which can help you plan when to serve them.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens on the latest packaging; Albert Heijn says product information can change.

Jumbo

A retailer to explore if you want to compare standard raisin and currant buns.

  • For each product you choose, check the portion size and the available ingredients and nutritional information.
  • Don’t assume a product you viewed previously is still available: the product page for a wholemeal mini option says it is no longer available online.

PLUS

A retailer offering standard currant buns and larger currant and raisin buns.

  • PLUS lists standard currant buns in packs of 6 and Korenlanders giant currant and raisin buns in packs of 4.
  • The ingredients list for the standard option includes wheat and milk, among other ingredients. Check the latest allergen information for the larger option too.

ALDI

A retailer offering standard raisin and currant buns in packs of 6.

  • ALDI’s product description makes the type of bun and pack size clear.
  • For the pack you choose, also check the full ingredients, allergen and nutritional information.

Lidl

A retailer to explore if you’re looking for a mini wholemeal raisin bun as another buffet option.

  • Lidl describes these mini wholemeal raisin buns as a 360 g pack.
  • A raisin bun isn’t necessarily a currant bun. Check the product type and latest packaging information if the distinction matters.

Bolletje

A bakery brand offering products including crispbreads, crackers and snacks.

  • The brand can be a useful starting point when exploring bakery products for a break.
  • Choose a currant bun based on a specific product with the right size, ingredients and allergen information, not on the brand name alone.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What allergen information is needed when serving unpackaged food?

Guests must be able to find out which allergens are present in the food on offer before they buy or order it, according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. For unpackaged catering, make sure the information for the buns you’ve chosen is available and that staff know how to answer guests’ questions.

Does every Dutch currant bun contain iodised baker’s salt?

No. Don’t assume every currant bun is made with baker’s salt. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers don’t always use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list for the product you’ve chosen or ask the baker which salt they use.

Can I buy currant buns in advance and freeze them?

Follow the instructions on the packaging you’ve chosen, as these vary from product to product. For its fresh-frozen currant buns, Albert Heijn advises storing them at -18 °C, defrosting them at room temperature and not refreezing them once defrosted.

Is a gluten-free currant bun suitable for guests with any allergy?

No. Bakker Leo Glutenvrij says its gluten- and wheat-free raisin and currant buns contain egg and are made in a facility that also handles soya and milk. Check the latest packaging for the allergens that matter to each guest.

Does the caterer also need a food safety plan?

According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, any business that prepares, processes or sells food must follow a HACCP food safety plan. Ask your caterer how preparing, storing and serving the buns fits into their procedures.