For a celebratory spread, don’t choose based on the word ‘premium’. Think about the portions you want to serve: a larger bun makes a more generous snack alongside rusks with aniseed sprinkles, while the right pack size and storage instructions matter more if visitors are coming on different days. Compare the stated amounts of raisins and currants, as well as the ingredients, fibre, salt and allergens. A larger size alone tells you nothing about these qualities.
Would you like to offer a larger bun alongside rusks with aniseed sprinkles at breakfast, with a cup of tea or coffee, or when visiting new parents? If so, check the size and the stated amounts of raisins and currants, rather than relying on a festive-sounding product name.
If guests are coming at different times, the number of buns in the pack and the storage instructions matter. Check the use-by date and whether the packaging says you can freeze the buns at home.
Are ingredients, allergens, fibre, salt or the type of salt used important to your choice? Compare the current packaging of the products you’re considering; don’t assume this information from the name ‘currant bun’.
For a spread alongside rusks with aniseed sprinkles, the right currant bun mainly depends on the portion you want, when you’ll serve it and the information on the label.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Festive portion and fruit filling | Compare the size, number of buns and stated percentages of raisins and currants. | I want to serve a generous bun alongside the rusks when visiting new parents, so I look at the portion size and fruit filling. Around 40% of consumers put this serving preference first. |
| Storage and portioning | Check the use-by date and freezing instructions for the pack you’ve chosen. | If visitors are coming on different days, I don’t want to have to serve all the buns at once. For around 30% of consumers, being able to buy ahead and portion them out is the priority. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Read the current allergen information and compare fibre and salt per 100 g; also check which type of salt has been used. | If allergens or nutritional information affect my choice, I want to be able to check the label for the exact bun I’m buying. For around 30% of consumers, this check comes first. |
The product descriptions we reviewed show differences in size, fruit filling, fibre, salt and storage instructions. A larger bun isn’t automatically the right choice for your occasion.
Before choosing a more festive-looking option, compare the portion, ingredients and nutritional information on the current packaging.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell whether it’s included from the product category or brand name.
Look for baker’s salt or iodised salt on the label. If the buns are sold loose, ask which type of salt has been used.
If you won’t eat all the buns at once, the storage instructions will help determine whether a pack suits your plans for visitors. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s storage guide, bread can dry out if it’s frozen for longer periods.
Choose a suitable number of buns and follow the instructions on the packaging. If you’ll use them at different times, portion them out before freezing.
The Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS currant buns we reviewed list wheat or gluten and milk ingredients. Information about possible traces varies by product.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information every time you buy. If the buns are sold loose, ask for this information before buying.
Albert Heijn lists regular currant buns, as well as a ten-pack version called Extra Lang Lekker.
Jumbo lists a standard pack of six white raisin-and-currant buns.
PLUS lists a range of sizes, including Korenlanders Reuze currant and raisin buns for anyone looking to serve a larger bun.
ALDI describes a pack of six raisin-and-currant buns as soft wheat buns with raisins and currants.
Lidl lists large and mini raisin-and-currant buns, giving you two sizes to consider for your occasion.
Bolletje is relevant for the rusks with aniseed sprinkles you want to serve alongside the currant buns.
No, you can’t assume they do: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. For packaged buns, check whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed in the ingredients. If the buns are sold loose, ask which type of salt has been used.
Read the current allergen information for the bun you want to buy. The versions we reviewed from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list wheat or gluten and milk ingredients; information about possible traces, such as nuts or sesame, can vary by product. If the buns are sold loose, ask about allergens before buying.
Yes, as long as the use-by date and storage instructions for the pack you choose fit your plans. For the Extra Lang Lekker version we reviewed, Albert Heijn says you can freeze the buns at home on the day of purchase. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s storage guide, opened currant buns can be kept in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months. Freezing them for longer may cause them to dry out.
Compare the stated grams of fibre per 100 g and check which type of flour the bun is made from. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says wholemeal and brown bread contain more fibre than white bread, but the product name ‘currant bun’ doesn’t tell you whether a particular bun is wholemeal.
