Who are the different pack sizes suited to?

Groups handing out small portions at lunchtime

For childcare staff who portion out food for each child or mealtime. Mini buns and the number in each pack make planning easier: both PLUS and Jumbo list packs of 9 mini buns.

Childcare settings with strict allergen policies

For settings where the current ingredients, warnings about possible allergen presence and individual dietary requirements must all be checked before handing out a bun. The PLUS varieties reviewed list wheat, rye and milk, among other ingredients.

Settings that want to keep lunch balanced

For buyers considering currant buns as an occasional alternative while continuing to plan lunch around wholemeal or brown bread. This is in line with the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice for childcare settings.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with dietary requirements and the number of portions you need. Then compare the size of the buns, how currant buns fit into the lunch menu and the storage instructions for your chosen pack.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Allergens and setting policy Read the current ingredients and allergen warnings on the pack. Compare them with the recorded dietary requirements and the childcare setting’s policy. If a child has an allergy or specific dietary requirements, I want to know before handing anything out whether this particular pack is suitable. For around 31% of consumers, this check comes first.
Portion size and serving Compare mini and standard buns, and count how many individual portions you need. PLUS and Jumbo list packs of 9 mini buns; PLUS, Jumbo and ALDI also list packs of 6 standard buns. When serving a group, I want to plan small portions without opening more buns than necessary. Around 25% of consumers prioritise portioning.
The basis of the lunch Consider how currant buns fit alongside wholemeal or brown bread. Compare nutritional information, such as fibre per 100 g, only for the exact varieties you’re considering. If currant buns appear on the lunch menu more often, I don’t want them to replace the usual bread choice without noticing. This is a key consideration for around 25% of consumers.
Storage and leftovers Match the number of buns to expected demand and read the storage instructions for your chosen pack. For the PLUS packs of 6 and 8 reviewed, the instructions say to freeze on the day of purchase. If a pack will be used over several mealtimes, I want to know in advance what to do with any leftover buns. Stock planning is the main concern for around 19% of consumers.

Common purchasing mistakes

  • Assuming currant buns are an automatic substitute for wholemeal bread

    Currants or raisins don’t make a bun equivalent to the wholemeal or brown bread recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre as the basis of lunch in childcare settings, thanks to its fibre content.

    Offer currant buns as an occasional alternative, and plan the rest of the lunch menu in line with your setting’s food policy.

  • Comparing only the number of buns in each pack

    The PLUS varieties reviewed list wheat, rye and milk, as well as warnings about the possible presence of other allergens. A similar pack size from another brand doesn’t mean the recipe is the same.

    Check the label on the pack you’re actually going to serve, and compare the information with the dietary requirements and allergen policy.

  • Opening a larger pack without a plan for using it

    A pack with more buns is only suitable if the group will use them in time or if the instructions for that particular variety allow them to be stored.

    Count the portions you need for each mealtime in advance. For the PLUS packs of 6 and 8 reviewed, PLUS says to freeze them on the day of purchase and use them within one month. Don’t assume the same instructions apply to other varieties.

Brands to consider

The brands listed here can help you compare pack sizes and product types. For your final choice, always check the nutritional information and allergens on the pack you’ve selected.

PLUS

PLUS lists a standard pack of 6 currant buns, a pack of 8 and a pack of 9 mini currant and raisin buns.

  • The product information for these varieties includes quantities, storage instructions and allergen details.
  • Ingredients and allergen information may change, so check the current label before serving.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists a standard pack of 6 raisin and currant buns, as well as a wholemeal mini variety with 9 buns.

  • Jumbo lists 2,8 g of fibre per 100 g for the standard variety.
  • This nutritional value doesn’t automatically apply to the wholemeal mini variety; check its own packaging.

ALDI

ALDI lists raisin and currant buns in a pack of 6.

  • The stated quantity gives you a clear starting point for planning portions.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the pack before choosing it for your group.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn’s range overview lists currant buns in packs including 6 and 9, as well as separate muesli buns. It also lists a separate frozen option of 6 currant buns.

  • The separate listings make it easier to compare product types and pack formats.
  • Don’t treat a muesli bun or frozen variety as the same product as a currant bun: check the label of the product you choose.

Lidl

Lidl lists mini raisin and currant buns, as well as a separate mini wholemeal raisin bun variety.

  • The product names help you distinguish between the two mini varieties.
  • Check the quantity, ingredients and allergens on each pack before planning to serve a variety.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are currant buns suitable for a child who needs to eat gluten-free?

The PLUS varieties reviewed aren’t suitable as gluten-free options: they list wheat and rye. Assess any other product using only its current packaging and the childcare setting’s individual dietary requirements.

Should I check the label again when I buy another pack?

Yes. Check the label on the pack you’ve received before serving it. Ingredients and allergen information can change, and these details determine whether the currant buns meet the children’s dietary requirements.

Which pack is handy if I want to serve small portions?

A mini pack is a sensible starting point if you want to serve small, individual buns: both PLUS and Jumbo list a variety with 9 mini buns. Then compare the actual bun size with the number of portions you need. A label stating 9 buns tells you nothing about allergens or nutritional value.

Can currant buns replace the usual lunch sandwich?

Not automatically. For lunch in childcare settings, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends wholemeal or brown bread because of its fibre content. So consider currant buns as a possible alternative within your food policy, not as an automatic replacement for the type of bread usually served.

Can I freeze a pack of currant buns for a later lunch?

It depends on the instructions for the exact product. For the PLUS packs of 6 and 8 reviewed, PLUS says they can be frozen on the day of purchase and should then be used within one month. Check the packaging for other varieties.