Who are these choices relevant to?

Those buying a small supply

You want to stock up on a few packs for New Year without having lots left over. ALDI, Jumbo and PLUS each show a standard pack of six currant buns; check whether that quantity will suit your guests too.

Those buying ahead

You’re shopping before the holidays and want to know how to store the buns until you’re ready to serve them. Instructions vary by product: PLUS, for example, gives freezing instructions for its longer-lasting currant buns.

Those who check food labels

You check ingredients or allergens before choosing a pack. The standard Jumbo and PLUS products reviewed list wheat, gluten and milk, among other ingredients. Always check the packaging of the product you’re buying.

What should you look for when choosing?

Decide how many buns and what portion sizes you want to serve. Then check how to store them until New Year, and finally read the label on the product you’ve chosen.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Quantity per pack Compare the number of buns and, if the sizes vary, the pack weight too. For a small gathering, I want a manageable supply, without treating mini and standard buns as equal portions. Around 33% of consumers prioritise finding a standard pack that suits their needs.
Storage Check the use-by date and the storage or freezing instructions on the packaging. If I shop before the holidays, I want to be able to keep the buns until serving time and avoid leftovers. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers.
Portion size Check the number of buns and the total weight of the mini, standard or large varieties. When I’m hosting several guests, I want to serve portions that are right for what they’re likely to eat. Portion size is the top consideration for around 25% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens For the product you’ve chosen, read the ingredients list and check both the allergens it contains and any possible traces. If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the label matters more than the size or ease of storage. Around 17% of consumers make this their priority.

Common mistakes

  • Treating mini, standard and large buns as equal portions

    The number of buns alone doesn’t tell you how much you’ll be serving. Lidl, for example, lists nine mini raisin and currant buns with a total weight of 360 g, and large raisin and currant buns at 4 × 100 g.

    When comparing different sizes, check the weight too and think about how many individual portions you need.

  • Assuming all currant buns contain the same allergens

    The Jumbo and PLUS products reviewed list wheat, gluten and milk. The PLUS variety also lists possible traces of other allergens.

    Check the current packaging of the exact product you want to buy, rather than relying on the product name or picture.

  • Assuming every currant bun contains iodine

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt contains iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it. So the ingredients list for one variety doesn’t tell you about all currant buns.

    If you want to know what kind of salt is in the bun you’ve chosen, look for baker’s salt or iodised salt on the label.

  • Waiting until New Year’s Day to check the shop

    Opening hours and product ranges can vary from shop to shop. Albert Heijn says its range may differ by branch.

    Check the opening hours and range at the shop you plan to visit shortly before New Year.

Brands to consider

ALDI

ALDI shows packs of six raisin and currant buns available to buy in store.

  • A standard pack of six makes it easy to see how many buns you’ll have for a small gathering.
  • Check whether the pack is available at your local shop.

Jumbo

Jumbo shows packs of six raisin and currant buns, with product information available online.

  • The product information lists ingredients and allergens.
  • According to Jumbo, the product reviewed contains gluten, wheat and milk. Check the label on the pack you choose.

PLUS

PLUS shows standard currant buns, a longer-lasting variety, and mini currant and raisin buns.

  • For its pack of eight longer-lasting buns, PLUS says you can freeze them at home on the day of purchase and use them within one month.
  • The standard variety reviewed lists wheat, gluten and milk, among other ingredients. Check the information for the product you choose.

Lidl

Lidl shows mini, large and mini wholemeal varieties of raisin buns and raisin and currant buns.

  • The sizes shown can help you plan portions: the mini raisin and currant buns come in packs of nine, while the large variety contains four 100 g buns.
  • Check which varieties are available in store.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn shows longer-lasting raisin and currant buns and mini raisin buns, among other products.

  • Albert Heijn provides shelf-life information for its extra-long-lasting mini raisin buns.
  • Albert Heijn says its range varies by shop, so check your preferred branch and the current packaging.

Currant buns at Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy currant buns in advance and freeze them for New Year?

You can, if the packaging says they’re suitable for freezing. PLUS says its longer-lasting currant buns can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and used within one month. For other varieties, follow their own storage instructions.

Are ordinary currant buns gluten-free?

The standard Jumbo and PLUS products reviewed aren’t gluten-free: their product information lists wheat and gluten. Check the current packaging for any other variety; the product name alone won’t tell you.

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

No, you can’t assume that all currant buns do. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list for the variety you’ve chosen to see whether it contains baker’s salt or iodised salt.

Can I still buy currant buns on New Year’s Day?

That depends on the opening hours and range at the shop you plan to visit. Check the branch’s information shortly before New Year’s Day, or buy the buns in advance if the storage instructions allow it.