If you want to cut generous portions yourself
Giant buns let you decide how generous to make your halves or slices. PLUS and ALDI both list a giant option with four buns per pack; ‘giant’ doesn’t guarantee a particular slice thickness.
Choose giant buns if you want to cut generous pieces yourself, or mini buns if you’d rather serve bite-sized portions without any cutting. Standard buns can be served whole or halved. ‘Thick cut’ doesn’t refer to a fixed slice thickness, so check the size and number of buns, and read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack before serving them to your guests.
Giant buns let you decide how generous to make your halves or slices. PLUS and ALDI both list a giant option with four buns per pack; ‘giant’ doesn’t guarantee a particular slice thickness.
Mini buns are small, individually portioned treats for a standing drinks party. PLUS lists nine mini currant and raisin buns per bag.
Before serving, check the allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the pack you’ve bought. The listed products from retailers including Jumbo and PLUS contain wheat and milk.
First, decide how you want to serve the currant buns. Then compare the number of buns and the information on the pack for the option you’ve chosen.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting generous portions yourself | Check whether it’s a giant option and how many buns are in the bag; you can cut them to your preferred thickness. | I want to make pieces that are easy to top and decide on the thickness myself. Cutting generous portions is the top priority for around 34% of consumers. |
| Small portions without any cutting | Check how many mini buns are in the bag and whether you want to serve them whole. | For a standing drinks party, I want to offer guests a small bite straight away. Uncut portions are the first choice for around 33% of consumers. |
| Buying in advance | Read the storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen, especially if you plan to freeze the buns. | If I’m getting ready for the party in advance, I want to know how to store the buns. Planning ahead is the most important factor for around 17% of consumers. |
| Prioritising wholemeal | Look for ‘wholemeal’ on the pack and compare the nutritional information and allergens for that option. | I want to consider a wholemeal option for my guests, even if it isn’t suitable for thick slices. Wholemeal takes priority for around 16% of consumers. |
‘Giant’ describes the size of the bun, not the thickness of a pre-cut slice.
Choose giant buns if you want to cut generous portions yourself. If you’d rather not cut them, look for mini buns.
A bag of mini buns and a bag of giant buns give you different types of portions to serve at a drinks party. For example, PLUS lists nine mini buns or four giant buns per bag.
Think about how many whole buns or hand-cut portions you want to serve, then choose the number of packs to suit.
The listed products from Jumbo and PLUS contain wheat and milk; some specific packs also carry ‘may contain’ warnings.
Read the label on every option you buy, and keep the ingredient information handy when serving.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers don’t always use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell which type of salt a currant bun contains just from its product category.
Check the ingredients list or, if you’re buying loose buns, ask which ingredients have been used.
Albert Heijn lists its AH Extra-long-lasting-fresh raisin and currant buns in packs of ten.
Jumbo lists white wheat buns with raisins and currants in packs of six.
PLUS lists currant buns in standard, mini and giant sizes.
Lidl lists mini raisin and currant buns, as well as mini wholemeal raisin buns.
ALDI lists raisin and currant buns in packs of six, and giant raisin buns in packs of four.
Don’t assume so: the currant buns listed are described as mini, standard or giant, with no fixed slice thickness. If you want thick pieces, choose a suitable bun size and cut them yourself.
Yes, as long as you follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen. The listed AH Extra-long-lasting-fresh and PLUS stay-fresh-for-longer options state that you can freeze them at home on the day of purchase and use them within one month; check the instructions on your pack.
Read the allergen information on every pack you buy and make it available to your guests. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information for pre-packed foods appears on the label; for loose buns, you can ask the seller.
No, don’t assume that every currant bun contains the same type of salt. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers don’t always use baker’s salt; check the ingredients list or, for loose buns, ask which ingredients have been used.
Consider a wholemeal option if wholemeal is a more important choice for your guests than thick, hand-cut portions. Lidl lists mini wholemeal raisin buns; check the nutritional information, ingredients and allergens for the option you buy on the pack.