Runners who train together
For a club session or a group long run, they want to bring enough currant buns without buying more than the group will eat or can store.
Who is this relevant to?
Runners who eat shortly before training
They want to try out their portion size and when to eat during training beforehand, especially if running on a full stomach feels uncomfortable. The Voedingscentrum advises against having a large meal just before exercise.
Runners who also keep an eye on their everyday diet
For everyday meals and snacks, they want to compare ingredients and nutritional information, including fibre, salt and allergens. If you’re keeping an eye on iodine from baker’s salt, check the ingredients list.
What should you consider when choosing?
For a shared pack, work out how many buns you need. Separately, consider what portion size and timing will suit your training.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is it important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates per portion | Compare the nutritional information per bun, not just per 100 g. Jumbo lists 35.2 g of carbohydrates per 65 g bun. | If you’re planning longer training weeks, you’ll want to fit a portion into your own meal plan. For around 42% of consumers, the carbohydrate content of a portion comes first. |
| Mealtime and stomach comfort | Check the portion size and try it during a regular training session. The Voedingscentrum advises having a meal around 2 to 3 hours before exercise. | If you eat shortly before running, you won’t want to set off with a full stomach. That’s why around 33% of consumers prioritise timing and stomach comfort. |
| Pack size and storage | Count how many buns you need and read the storage instructions. Albert Heijn lists 10, PLUS offers an 8-pack, and standard packs from Jumbo, ALDI and PLUS contain 6. | For a group long run, you’ll want enough to share without being left with buns you can’t store. For around 25% of consumers, this is their main concern. |
Common mistakes
-
Buying a large pack without a plan for the leftovers
A pack of 8 or 10 may be too large if only a few runners will be eating.
Count how many buns the group expects to eat beforehand. Only freeze them if the pack instructions for your chosen variety say you can.
-
Eating a large portion just before running
The Voedingscentrum says that exercising with a full stomach can cause discomfort; foods high in fat, protein or fibre stay in the stomach for longer.
Plan to have a regular meal around 2 to 3 hours before training. If you want to eat a currant bun closer to your session, try a smaller portion first during a regular training session.
-
Assuming every currant bun is wholemeal
The Albert Heijn and Jumbo varieties described here are made with white wheat flour. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread contains more fibre, vitamins and minerals than white bread.
Check the product description and nutritional information if the type of grain or fibre content matters to you. Also consider when you plan to eat before running.
-
Relying on an ingredients list you read before
Ingredients and allergen information can change when a product is updated. The Albert Heijn and Jumbo varieties described here contain wheat and milk.
Check the current packaging before eating, especially if you need to avoid certain ingredients because of an allergy.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists a pack of 10 raisin and currant buns, each weighing 65 g. It’s an option to consider for a larger group.
- The product information says the buns can be frozen on the day of purchase.
- The white wheat buns described contain wheat and milk. Check the current packaging if ingredients or allergens matter to your choice.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists a standard pack of 6 raisin and currant buns, each weighing 65 g.
- The nutritional information lists 35.2 g of carbohydrates per bun and also gives values per 100 g.
- The variety described contains wheat and milk. Check the current label for any warnings about other allergens too.
PLUS
PLUS lists packs of 6 currant buns and a stay-fresh variety with 8 buns.
- The 8-pack variety can be frozen on the day of purchase, according to the product information.
- Check the nutritional information, ingredients and storage instructions on the pack you choose.
ALDI
ALDI lists a pack of 6 soft wheat buns with raisins and currants.
- The 6-pack is a smaller quantity than the 8- and 10-packs described here.
- Check the packaging for the nutritional information, allergens and storage instructions that matter to your choice.
Lidl
Lidl has a product page for currant buns.
- An option to look at if you’re shopping for currant buns for a training session.
- Compare the pack size and the label on the specific variety before choosing it for a group.
Related Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat a currant bun just before marathon training?
A smaller portion that you’ve tried beforehand may suit a short gap before training better than a large meal. The Voedingscentrum advises having a regular meal around 2 to 3 hours before exercise and recommends avoiding a large portion just beforehand.
Can I freeze a large pack of currant buns?
The Albert Heijn and PLUS varieties described here, with 10 and 8 buns respectively, can be frozen on the day of purchase according to their product information. Follow the instructions on the current packaging of the pack you buy.
How can I check whether currant buns contain iodised salt?
For packaged currant buns, read the ingredients list. For unwrapped buns, ask which salt was used. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt, so don’t assume every currant bun contains iodised salt.
Which allergens should I check for in currant buns?
Check the allergen information on the current packaging of the variety you’ve chosen. The Albert Heijn and Jumbo currant buns described here contain wheat and milk; also check for any warnings about other allergens.
Do currant buns also replace drinks during training?
No, a currant bun doesn’t replace a drink. When planning what to eat around your training, also consider what you’ll drink; the Voedingscentrum treats food and drink as separate parts of sports nutrition.