Cyclists tackling a long, intensive ride
Looking for something to eat that contains carbohydrates before or during a ride? Adjust the amount to suit the ride’s duration, what else you’ll eat and drink, and what’s practical to take with you.
Who might these choices be relevant to?
Leisure cyclists going on a shorter ride
You don’t need to take extra food just because a product is marketed as cycling fuel. The ride’s duration and intensity can help you decide whether it’s practical to eat on the go.
Anyone buying a gift for a cyclist
Looking for a thoughtful gift to give or share? Presentation and the ingredient and allergen details matter more than planning food for the ride.
What should you look for when choosing?
Currant buns for your ride
When: if you’re looking for a familiar source of carbohydrates before or during a longer, intensive ride.
Consider: the amount in each bun varies, and a bun alone isn’t a complete plan for eating and drinking during your ride.
A box of chocolates as a gift
When: if the gesture or sharing matters most, rather than eating while cycling.
Consider: check that the contents and allergens are suitable for the recipient. Gift packaging doesn’t mean it’s suitable as cycling fuel.
First decide whether you’re looking for food for a ride or a gift. Then compare the portion size and contents that matter for your chosen purpose.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates during a long ride | Compare the carbohydrates per bun with the portion size, and consider what else you’ll eat and drink. | For a long, intensive ride, I want to know how many carbohydrates I’m actually taking with me. This is the main priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Portion size and when to eat | Check the weight of each bun and choose a time to eat that suits the portion and what you can comfortably tolerate. | Just before setting off, I want to avoid feeling uncomfortable after a large portion. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Food for a short ride | Check the nutrition information per portion and decide whether you want to take anything extra for this ride at all. | For a short leisure ride, I don’t want to buy an extra snack just because I’m cycling. This matters most to around 21% of consumers. |
| Gifts and allergens | Consider the presentation and check the latest ingredient and allergen details for the recipient. | When I’m giving a gift, I want to make sure the contents are suitable for the recipient. This is the main consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a box of chocolates is a standard snack for every bike ride
A box can make a suitable gift, but that’s different from choosing food to suit a ride. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also points out that chocolate is high in calories and saturated fat.
First decide whether you’re buying a gift or food to take with you. If you’re choosing food for the ride, consider its duration and intensity, and the carbohydrates per portion.
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Reading the values per 100 g as if they were for one bun
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, an average currant bun weighs 50 g. Jumbo lists its Rozijnen Krentenbollen at 65 g per bun, while Lidl sells a version weighing 100 g each. So the weight of an individual bun varies between products.
Before comparing quantities for a ride, check the nutrition information per 100 g, as well as the weight and nutrition information per portion.
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Guessing allergens from the product name alone
Both currant buns and chocolate assortments may contain ingredients that matter to the recipient. The product name doesn’t tell you which allergens are in a specific version.
Check the latest ingredient and allergen details. For unwrapped products, ask about allergen information before buying.
Relevant brands and retailers to explore
These examples can help you decide what product information to compare when choosing currant buns or a chocolate gift. They’re not an assessment of a retailer’s entire range.
Albert Heijn
Sells currant buns as well as chocolate gifts, including a Merci Gift Box.
- Albert Heijn describes its Merci Gift Box as containing 32 individually wrapped chocolates, which may suit you if you’re looking for a gift to share.
- Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens before buying, as product information can change.
Jumbo
Sells its own-brand Rozijnen Krentenbollen in a pack of six.
- Jumbo lists this version as weighing 65 g and containing 35.2 g of carbohydrates per bun, so you can calculate amounts based on this product’s portion size.
- The product description lists white wheat. Check the fibre content of this version on the label, and don’t treat it as a wholemeal product.
ALDI
Sells Rozijnen-krentenbollen in a pack of six.
- The pack size makes it clear how many buns you’re buying.
- For a per-bun comparison, check the nutrition and allergen information on the packaging.
Lidl
Sells a version of reuze rozijnenkrentenbollen weighing 4 × 100 g, listed as an in-store product.
- The stated weight per bun makes it clear that this version has a different portion size from an average 50 g currant bun.
- If the amount you eat before or during a ride matters, compare the nutrition information per bun on the packaging.
Chocolate gifts to consider
These Joybuy products are suited to choosing chocolate to give as a gift or share. If you’re looking for food for a bike ride, compare the nutrition information and portion size of the currant buns you’re considering instead.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack, 288 g
A chocolate gift to consider if you’d like to give a cyclist a present rather than buy food for their ride.
Contents: 288 g. Check the ingredients and allergens for the recipient, and check the packaging if individually wrapped chocolates are important to you.
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Celebrations Chocolate Assorted, 385 g
A chocolate assortment for anyone looking to give or share a treat. It isn’t, on its own, a food plan for a bike ride.
Contents: 385 g. Check the latest allergen information and the packaging if presentation or individually wrapped chocolates matter to you.
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Merci Petits Chocolate Collection, 125 g
A chocolate collection to consider as a thank-you gift when the gift itself, rather than food for the journey, is the point.
Contents: 125 g. Check the latest ingredients and allergen information, especially if the recipient needs to avoid specific ingredients.
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Milka Chocolate Assortment Party Pack, 143 g
An assortment of chocolates to consider if sharing them for an occasion matters more than eating during a bike ride.
Contents: 143 g. Check the allergens and the actual packaging if you’re planning to give the assortment as a gift.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take currant buns on a long bike ride?
Yes. A currant bun can be a familiar source of carbohydrates for a longer, intensive ride, as long as you adjust the amount to suit what else you’ll eat and drink. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 25.6 g of carbohydrates for an average 50 g currant bun. Check the portion size and nutrition information for the product you choose.
Is a large portion just before cycling a good idea?
A large portion just before setting off may leave you feeling uncomfortable. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against eating a large meal immediately before exercise. Choose a mealtime and portion size that suit you, and don’t wait until an important ride to try a new product.
Is a box of chocolates suitable food for a ride?
A box of chocolates is better suited as a gift than as a carefully chosen snack for the journey. If you’re looking for food for your ride, compare the portion size and nutrition information with what you need for its duration and intensity.
Where can you check allergens and baker’s salt in currant buns?
For pre-packed currant buns, check the latest ingredient and allergen details. For unwrapped buns, ask about allergen information before buying. If the type of salt used matters to you, read the ingredients or ask the baker. Don’t assume a particular iodine content based on the product name alone.