A runner with a regular training routine
You want to plan carbohydrates from everyday foods around long training sessions. A currant bun is a different purchase from a box of chocolates to enjoy afterwards.
Who might find this choice relevant?
A runner who pays attention to when they eat
You’re looking for a portion that suits the time you’re going running and that you know you can tolerate. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large portions and foods high in fat, protein or fibre can feel uncomfortable shortly before exercise.
Someone looking for a gift for a marathon runner
You’re looking for a chocolate gift, without assuming the recipient will use it as fuel for a training session.
What should you consider when choosing?
Currant buns for around your training
A good fit when: you want to plan carbohydrates from everyday foods and you tolerate a bread-based snack well.
The trade-off: a currant bun won’t necessarily feel comfortable just before or during a run; the right portion and timing are personal.
A box of chocolates as a gift
A good fit when: you’re mainly looking for a present or treat for the runner.
The trade-off: according to Albert Heijn, the Merci Gift Box discussed here contains 36 g of fat per 100 g. Don’t automatically choose a chocolate gift as a substitute for a planned bread-based snack.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Planning carbohydrates | Compare carbohydrates per 100 g and per portion. For the 65 g currant bun discussed here, Jumbo lists 35.2 g of carbohydrates. | When I plan what to eat around a long training session, I want to know how many carbohydrates my portion provides. For around 46% of consumers, being able to plan this is the priority. |
| Portion and timing | Check the portion size and the amount of fat and fibre; try a new snack during a regular training session first. | When I eat shortly before running, I want to choose an amount I know I can tolerate. For around 36% of consumers, timing and stomach comfort matter most. |
| Gift or training snack | Decide what you’re buying the product for. If it’s a gift, check the ingredients and allergens for the recipient. | I want to give a runner a present, not decide what they should eat before running. Around 18% of consumers prioritise the gift aspect. |
What should you watch out for?
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Treating a chocolate gift as a training snack
A gift box may contain carbohydrates, but its nutritional make-up isn’t the same as a currant bun. Albert Heijn lists 36 g of fat per 100 g for the Merci Gift Box discussed here.
First decide whether you’re looking for a gift or something to eat around a training session. If you’re choosing food for training, consider the portion and timing rather than the gift packaging.
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Trying a new snack just before an important run
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large portions and foods high in fat, protein or fibre can stay in your stomach for longer if eaten shortly before exercise.
Try your chosen currant bun and any toppings during a regular training session, so you can see how the portion works for you.
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Looking only at the carbohydrates
The supermarket options discussed here include ingredients such as wheat and milk. Warnings about the possible presence of other allergens also vary by product.
Check the latest packaging, especially if ingredients or allergens are important to you or the recipient.
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Assuming sports products are always the standard choice
A gel, bar or sports drink is a different practical option from everyday food. The right choice depends on how long you’ll be exercising and what’s convenient to use on the go.
Think about your training before buying sports products, and try any changes to your routine during training first.
Brands and supermarket options compared
These supermarket options give you specific details to compare, including pack size, nutritional information and allergens. Always check the current label before buying.
Albert Heijn
The AH Raisin Currant Buns discussed here come in a pack of six.
- Albert Heijn lists 54 g of carbohydrates and 2.9 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The buns discussed here contain wheat and milk. Check the packaging if the ingredients or allergens matter to you.
Jumbo
The Jumbo Raisin Currant Buns discussed here come in packs of six.
- Jumbo lists 54.1 g of carbohydrates per 100 g and 35.2 g per 65 g portion.
- The option discussed here contains gluten and milk. Also check for warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.
PLUS
The PLUS Currant Buns, which stay fresh for longer, discussed here come in a bag of eight.
- PLUS lists 54.8 g of carbohydrates and 3.3 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The option discussed here contains wheat, rye and milk, among other ingredients. Check the latest allergen information.
ALDI
ALDI describes raisin and currant buns in a pack of six.
- The pack size makes it easier to work out how many buns you need.
- To compare nutritional values or allergens, check the information on the packaging in store.
Lidl
Lidl describes currant buns sold in packs of six and available in store.
- The pack of six makes the number of buns clear at a glance.
- Check the label in store for nutritional values, ingredients and allergens.
Chocolate to give as a gift or share
These chocolate packs are suited to the gift or treat side of the choice. When looking for food to eat around a training session, don’t choose based on the gift presentation. Consider the portion, timing and what you can tolerate.
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Merci Petits Chocolate Collection, 125 g
A chocolate selection for anyone looking for a small thank-you, rather than something to eat before a training session. Check the latest packaging for ingredients and allergens.
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Celebrations Chocolate Assorted, 385 g
An assortment to give as a treat or share; the pack contains 385 g. If you’re choosing something to eat while running, consider the portion and timing separately.
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Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Gift Pack, 288 g
A 288 g chocolate gift for anyone whose main aim is to give a present. Check the latest packaging for ingredients and allergens to suit the recipient.
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Milka Chocolate Assortment Party Pack, 143 g
A 143 g chocolate assortment to share as a treat. Its name and packaging don’t automatically make it suitable as a planned training snack.
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat a currant bun just before running?
You can if the portion and timing feel right for you; try it during a training session first. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends having a meal around 2 to 3 hours before exercising and advises against large portions just before you start.
Do I always need sports gels or bars for a long training session?
No, sports products aren’t a standard requirement for every training session. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, they can be useful during longer, more intense exercise; consider whether everyday food works for you on the go, too.
Can a box of chocolates replace currant buns as a training snack?
Not necessarily. A box of chocolates is more likely to be a gift, while food for around a training session should be chosen based on portion, nutritional make-up and timing. The Merci Gift Box described by Albert Heijn contains 36 g of fat per 100 g. Check the nutritional information for other boxes individually.
Which allergens should I check for?
Check the latest label on both currant buns and chocolate. The Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS currant buns discussed here contain wheat or other gluten-containing cereals and milk, among other ingredients. Ingredients and warnings may vary between options.