Only choose between mini and regular currant buns once the nursery has confirmed that they’re allowed under its lunch policy and that the ingredients are suitable for the children in the group. Mini buns are handy when you want to serve smaller portions; regular buns may come in pack sizes that better suit your plans. The PLUS varieties reviewed contain ingredients including wheat and milk, so choosing a size is no substitute for checking the label.
First, check which allergies, dietary requirements and rules on lunch or treats apply to the children. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also recommends considering foods that children avoid for religious reasons.
A mini bun can be practical if each child is having a small individual portion. Be sure to check the ingredients and the nursery’s policy for this variety too.
Compare the number of buns in each pack with the number of children, and read the storage and freezing instructions for your chosen variety before buying in advance.
Start with the nursery’s policy and the children’s needs, then choose the size and pack. If a box of chocolates is meant as a gift or treat rather than part of lunch, discuss this separately with the nursery.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and permission | Ask what rules apply to the group and check the allergens and any warnings on the current packaging of your chosen bun. | If I’m buying for the whole group, I want to know whether the bun meets the rules for every child. For around 42% of consumers, this would be their top priority. |
| Portions and serving | Compare the size and number of buns in the pack with the agreed portion size and the size of the group. | When serving young children, I want to choose a portion that suits the lunch occasion. For around 33% of consumers, portion size would come first. |
| Storage and choice of bread | Read the storage instructions on the exact pack and ask whether the lunch policy requires wholemeal or brown bread. | If I’m buying in advance, I want to plan supplies without overlooking the nursery’s rules on bread. This would be the most important factor for around 25% of consumers. |
The PLUS currant buns reviewed contain wheat, rye, gluten-containing cereals, milk and lactose. Choosing the mini size doesn’t change the allergens in that variety.
Ask the nursery which products meet the group’s requirements, then check the label of the exact variety you plan to bring.
For a group lunch, the ingredients and allergens in the product you actually buy are what matter.
Check the packaging when you buy it. For unpackaged bread, ask the seller for allergen information; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information must also be available for unpackaged products.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible. So, the nursery’s rules on bread still matter, even if a currant bun is the right size.
Ask whether the bun is intended as part of lunch, a treat or a replacement for the usual sandwich, and follow the nursery’s rules on bread.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that using baker’s salt when baking bread is not compulsory.
If baker’s salt is important to your choice, read the ingredients list for your chosen bun or ask the baker.
PLUS lists regular currant buns in packs of 6 and 8, and mini currant and raisin buns in packs of 9.
Albert Heijn sells a range of currant buns and muesli buns, including mini varieties.
Lidl lists packs of 6 currant buns and mini raisin and currant buns in its freshly baked bread range.
ALDI lists packs of 6 raisin and currant buns as freshly baked bread.
Don’t choose the PLUS varieties reviewed without checking with the nursery: they contain wheat, rye and gluten-containing cereals. Check the ingredients in the exact product and follow the arrangements in place for the child.
No. The smaller size may make it easier to serve smaller portions, but it doesn’t tell you whether the buns are allowed under the lunch policy or what allergens they contain. Check both before choosing a variety.
It depends on the instructions for the pack you choose. PLUS says its 6- and 8-bun packs of regular currant buns can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within 1 month.
Ask the seller which allergens are in the exact buns you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information for unpackaged food must be available in a way other than on a packaging label.
No, you shouldn’t assume so: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre says baker’s salt is not compulsory when baking bread. If this matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for the currant bun you’re considering.
