Which option is right for you?

If you specifically want to serve sourdough

You’re looking for currant buns made using sourdough. Before the party, ask the baker how they’re made, how many you can order and which allergens they contain.

If you’re short on preparation time

You want to cater for several guests without baking yourself. In that case, the number of buns in each pack and whether you can buy them in time matter more than whether they’re labelled as sourdough.

If you’re checking ingredients for your guests

You want to check the types of flour and allergens before buying, or compare a wholemeal option. If iodised salt matters to you, check this separately on the label or with the baker.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether sourdough is a must-have, or whether your main priority is sorting out enough currant buns for the group with minimal fuss. Then choose the size and check the product information that matters to your guests.

What to consider What to look for Who it matters to
Sourdough preparation Check whether the product is explicitly sold as a sourdough currant bun, and ask the baker how it’s made and whether you can order it. If I want to serve currant buns specifically because they’re made with sourdough, I want to know what I’m ordering. For around 27% of consumers, the preparation method matters most.
Convenience and quantity Compare the number of buns in each pack and check whether you can buy them in-store or order them in time. I want to get enough buns for the group shortly before the party without baking them myself. For around 33% of consumers, convenience comes first.
Ingredients and allergens Read the latest ingredients and allergen information. Check the type of flour and salt separately if they affect your choice. If guests need to watch what they eat, I want to know what the buns contain before I buy them. For around 27% of consumers, this information is the main priority.
Size and storage Choose mini, standard or larger buns to suit the buffet, and follow the storage instructions for the product you choose. For a buffet with several snacks, I want to be able to serve suitable portions and avoid leftovers. For around 13% of consumers, this comes first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming an artisan look means sourdough

    The standard currant buns from the supermarkets reviewed aren’t sold as sourdough. If the method of preparation matters for your party, a bakery product specifically labelled as sourdough currant buns is a more targeted choice.

    Check the product description or ask the baker how the dough is leavened before ordering.

  • Guessing allergens from the product name

    A currant bun may contain ingredients that matter to your guests. The product information for the variants described by Albert Heijn and Jumbo lists ingredients including wheat and milk.

    Read the latest packaging information. For unpackaged buns, ask which allergens they contain before buying, and check for possible cross-contamination if necessary.

  • Assuming every currant bun contains iodine

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt contains iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it. The fact that a bun is sourdough or made with wholemeal flour doesn’t tell you what type of salt has been used.

    Check whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed on the label, or ask the baker.

  • Counting only the number of buns in a bag

    Mini and larger currant buns make for different portion sizes at a buffet. PLUS, for example, lists bags of nine mini currant and raisin buns and four giant currant and raisin buns.

    Choose a size to suit the other snacks you’re serving, and check the storage instructions if you’re buying them in advance.

Brands and retailers compared

Albert Heijn

Worth considering if you want to compare a wholemeal raisin and currant bun with a standard option.

  • The pack described contains four buns. For this option, Albert Heijn lists the ingredients, allergens, fibre content and advice on freezing.
  • This wholemeal option isn’t sold as sourdough. Check the latest packaging, as product information may change.

Jumbo

Worth considering if you’re thinking of buying a pack of six raisin and currant buns for a group.

  • For the option described, Jumbo lists the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
  • This white wheat option lists baker’s yeast and baker’s salt, and isn’t sold as sourdough.

ALDI

Worth considering if you’re thinking of buying a bag of six raisin and currant buns in-store.

  • The product description states that each pack contains six buns.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and any sourdough claim on the packaging in-store.

Lidl

Worth considering if you want to buy a bag of six currant buns in-store.

  • Lidl states that the product described is only available in-store.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging; the product description doesn’t confirm that it’s made with sourdough.

PLUS

Worth considering if you want to compare different sizes for a buffet or an individual snack.

  • PLUS lists, among other options, bags of six standard buns, nine mini currant and raisin buns, and four giant currant and raisin buns.
  • The size doesn’t confirm that the buns are made with sourdough or are suitable for guests with allergies. Check the information for the option you choose.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are sourdough currant buns automatically wholemeal or gluten-free?

No. A sourdough label doesn’t tell you which types of flour or allergens the specific product contains. Check the ingredients and allergen information; a sourdough bun can still contain wheat.

Does every currant bun in the Netherlands contain iodised baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. For packaged buns, check the ingredients list, or ask a baker which type of salt they use.

How can I check allergens in unpackaged buns from a bakery?

Ask about the allergens in the specific buns before buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that sellers of unpackaged food must provide information about the 14 designated allergens. Also ask which type of grain or nut is used if that matters to a guest.

Can I buy currant buns in advance and freeze them?

Follow the instructions for the product you choose. Albert Heijn recommends freezing the wholemeal option described; for its described ‘stays fresh for longer’ option, PLUS recommends freezing the buns on the day of purchase and using them within a month.