Which size is right for you?

In the mood for one larger snack

If you want one substantial bun late in the evening, compare the weight of each bun rather than just the number in the pack. Lidl lists its giant raisin and currant buns as four buns weighing 100 g each.

Choosing your portion in advance

If you want to decide for yourself how much to have, look at regular or mini buns and choose how many you’ll eat beforehand. Check the sugars, fibre and salt per 100 g as well as per stated portion, so you can compare products on a like-for-like basis.

It depends on the label

If allergens or the type of salt used matter to you, check the ingredients list for the exact variety first. A different size or a similar bun from the same brand may have a different recipe.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide whether you’re mainly looking for a larger bun, a measured portion or something to keep for later. Then check the label of the variety you actually plan to eat.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it’s most relevant to
A larger bun Compare the ‘giant’ label and, where shown, the weight of each bun. Lidl lists its giant variety as 4 × 100 g. If I want one substantial snack around midnight, the number of buns in a bag tells me less than the size of each one. For an estimated 33% of consumers, a larger portion is the main priority.
Portion size Check sugars, fibre and salt per 100 g and per portion; if you’re choosing mini buns, decide how many to have. If you fancy something sweet but want to decide on the amount in advance, compare regular and mini buns with a giant bun. For around 27% of consumers, choosing their portion is the priority.
Keeping a supply Check the storage and defrosting instructions for the pack you choose, especially whether it can be frozen at home or refrozen. If I get peckish late at night, I want to be able to keep some buns without opening a fresh bag every time. For roughly 20% of consumers, ease of storage is the top priority.
Ingredients Check the allergens and, if the type of salt matters, look for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’ in the ingredients list. If you need to avoid an ingredient or want to know which type of salt is used, you’ll need to check the exact bun first; size comes second. This is the most important buying requirement for an estimated 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Assuming ‘giant’ means better nutritional value

    A larger bun means a larger portion, but that alone tells you nothing about its levels of sugars, salt and fibre. For its giant currant and raisin buns, PLUS lists 25.7 g of sugars, 0.9 g of salt and 3.2 g of fibre per 100 g.

    First compare the nutritional values of different varieties per 100 g, then check how much each bun weighs.

  • Assuming every currant bun contains iodine

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell which type of salt is used just from the product category.

    Check the ingredients list on the pack or ask which type of salt is used when buying loose bread.

  • Relying on a brand name for allergen information

    Ingredients and warnings can vary between varieties. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens must be listed on the label, so a bun you’ve checked before is no substitute for reading the label on the pack you’ve chosen.

    Before eating, check the current ingredients list and any warnings for that exact variety.

  • Putting a defrosted bun straight back in the freezer

    Albert Heijn says that its specified frozen currant buns must not be refrozen once defrosted.

    Only defrost as many as you plan to use, and follow the instructions on the pack you’ve chosen.

Brands to compare

These product ranges show which sizes and label details you can compare; the varieties mentioned aren’t necessarily available.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes a pack of six regular raisin and currant buns as an example of a standard-sized bun.

  • The product information gives nutritional values per 100 g and per 65 g bun, so you can check both amounts.
  • Jumbo lists 2.8 g of fibre per 100 g. Check the allergens on the current pack too.

PLUS Korenlanders / PLUS

PLUS offers regular, mini and giant currant and raisin buns. The giant variety is worth considering if you’re looking for one larger bun.

  • The giant variety described is sold in packs of four; PLUS also lists its nutritional values per 100 g.
  • According to PLUS, the giant variety contains wheat, rye and milk. Check the current pack for the full ingredients and allergen information.

Lidl

Lidl offers a range that includes regular, mini and giant raisin and currant buns.

  • For its giant variety, Lidl lists a pack size of 4 × 100 g and says it’s made with butter.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the current pack before comparing varieties.

ALDI

ALDI offers currant buns as well as giant raisin buns. The latter aren’t necessarily the same product as currant buns.

  • The giant raisin buns described are sold in packs of four, if you’d like to look at a larger size.
  • Check the exact product name, ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the pack you choose.

Albert Heijn

The regular and frozen currant buns described show the difference between a standard portion and a product you keep frozen.

  • The product information includes details such as portions, ingredients and storage instructions; the frozen variety described should be stored at -18 °C.
  • The varieties checked were marked as ‘discontinued’. Look for a current alternative before buying and follow the instructions on its own packaging.

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Frequently asked questions

Are ‘thick cut’ currant buns thickly sliced?

No, the currant buns described are sold as round buns in different sizes, not as thick slices. If by ‘thick cut’ you mean a more substantial late-night snack, compare the giant varieties and the stated weight of each bun.

Does every Dutch currant bun contain iodine from baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. Check the ingredients list for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’ on the currant bun you’ve chosen, or ask when buying loose bread.

How can I check the allergens in currant buns?

Read the ingredients list and warnings on the exact pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that fourteen allergens must be listed on the label. The varieties described include ingredients such as wheat and milk, while other allergens can vary by product.

Can I keep currant buns in the freezer for when I get peckish late at night?

It depends on the variety and the instructions on the pack. Albert Heijn says its specified regular currant buns can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within one month. The frozen variety described should be stored at -18 °C and must not be refrozen once defrosted.