Which shape is right for you?

If you want to serve thick slices

A whole currant loaf lets you choose the thickness of the slices for a shared Christmas table. Jumbo lists a 500 g currant loaf; ALDI’s Drenthe bun weighs 700 g and is partially sliced.

If you want to serve portions without slicing

Individual currant buns are easy to hand out to each guest. Jumbo and PLUS list bags of six buns, but individual buns won’t give you the thick slices you can cut from a whole loaf.

If you want to compare labels carefully

If fibre, salt or allergens are important to your choice, compare the nutritional information per 100 g and read the packaging. Albert Heijn’s wholemeal raisin and currant buns list 6.1 g of fibre per 100 g; the Jumbo buns reviewed list 2.8 g per 100 g.

What should you look for when choosing?

Whole currant loaf

Choose this if: you want to cut thick slices yourself for several guests.

Consider: you’ll need to slice it yourself, unless the loaf you choose is already partially sliced.

Regular currant buns

Choose these if: each guest should be able to take an individual bun.

Consider: you’ll need to slice each bun individually if you want slices.

Giant currant or raisin buns

Choose these if: you’re looking for a larger individual portion.

Consider: a giant bun still won’t replace a whole loaf when you want even slices.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Slice thickness and serving style Check whether you’re buying a whole loaf or individual buns, and whether the loaf is already partially sliced. If I want to serve thick slices at the Christmas table, I want to choose the thickness myself; this serving style is the top priority for around 44% of consumers.
Portions and preparation Check the number of items and the product-specific instructions for storage, freezing and defrosting. If you want to give each guest their own bun and shop in advance, the number of items and storage instructions can help you plan. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this convenience when it comes to portions and planning.
Nutritional information and allergens Compare fibre and salt per 100 g; check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about possible traces on the current label. If allergens or nutritional values guide my choice, I want to be able to check what’s in the variety I choose; around 23% of consumers give checking the label top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a giant bun is a loaf you can slice

    A larger bun makes for a larger individual portion, but it won’t give you a row of even slices for a serving platter.

    Decide how you want to serve it first: choose a whole currant loaf if you want to cut slices to size, or buns if you’re serving individual portions.

  • Buying in advance without checking the storage instructions

    Instructions vary by product. Albert Heijn says that its frozen currant buns reviewed here must not be refrozen once defrosted.

    Before buying, check how long you can store the pack you’ve chosen and follow its instructions for freezing and defrosting.

  • Relying on the product name for nutritional values and allergens

    A currant bun isn’t automatically suitable for everyone’s dietary needs. The PLUS currant buns reviewed here list wheat, rye, milk and lactose, among other ingredients.

    Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check the allergens and warnings on the packaging of the variety you’re buying.

  • Assuming every currant bun contains iodised salt

    An agreement on the use of baker’s salt doesn’t guarantee what’s in an individual product. According to Brood.net, using iodine-enriched baker’s salt isn’t a legal requirement; the agreement was published in the Government Gazette in 2008.

    Check the ingredients list for the product you choose to see whether it lists iodised salt or baker’s salt.

Brands to consider

These brands offer a range of product formats: a whole loaf for slicing, individual buns for single portions and, with some brands, a giant version.

Albert Heijn

The range includes regular raisin and currant buns, a wholemeal variety and frozen currant buns.

  • The wholemeal variety lists 6.1 g of fibre per 100 g and iodised salt.
  • Albert Heijn recommends checking the packaging, as ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists both individual raisin and currant buns and a whole 500 g currant loaf.

  • The whole loaf lets you choose the thickness of the slices yourself.
  • The currant loaf reviewed lists wheat, cereals containing gluten, milk and lactose as allergens.

PLUS

PLUS lists bags of six or eight currant buns and a pack of four giant currant and raisin buns.

  • The giant variety gives you a larger individual bun instead of a whole loaf.
  • The bag of six currant buns reviewed lists wheat, rye, milk and lactose; also check the warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.

ALDI

ALDI lists bags of six raisin and currant buns and a 700 g Drenthe bun.

  • The Drenthe bun is partially sliced, making it a good option for serving in slices.
  • Check which variety is available in store before planning your Christmas shopping.

Lidl

Lidl lists giant raisin and currant buns in a 4 × 100 g pack.

  • The pack contains four individual large buns.
  • Lidl lists these as available in store; check the label on the product you choose for full nutritional information and allergen details.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose currant buns or a currant loaf for thick slices?

Choose a whole currant loaf if you want to decide how thick to cut the slices. Individual buns are single portions; even giant buns won’t give you the same row of slices as a whole loaf.

Can I freeze currant buns before Christmas?

You can freeze products whose packaging says they’re suitable for freezing. PLUS says that the currant buns reviewed here can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within one month; Albert Heijn’s frozen variety reviewed here must be stored at −18 °C and must not be refrozen once defrosted.

Are currant buns suitable for people with a milk or gluten allergy?

Don’t assume they are: the Jumbo and PLUS currant buns reviewed here list wheat or cereals containing gluten, and PLUS also lists milk and lactose. Check the current allergen information and warnings on the packaging for every variety you choose.

Is iodised baker’s salt required in Dutch currant buns?

No. According to Brood.net, using iodine-enriched baker’s salt isn’t a legal requirement, but was agreed in a pact published in the Government Gazette in 2008. To check whether a particular currant bun contains iodised salt, look at that product’s ingredients list.