Who are the different portion sizes suitable for?

Picnickers who’d rather not slice anything

If you want to give everyone their own portion straight away, individual currant buns are more practical than a loaf you still need to divide up. There’s no need to bring a knife or chopping board.

Picnickers looking for smaller portions

Mini currant or raisin buns may be a better fit for children or a picnic with a range of snacks. Before buying, check how many buns are in the pack to make sure there are enough for everyone.

Shoppers who check labels carefully

If ingredients, allergens or fibre are important to your choice, compare the packaging for the exact variant. The white currant buns from Jumbo and PLUS included in this review contain wheat and milk ingredients; information about possible traces of other allergens varies by product.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to serve individual portions or slices. Then compare the packaging and label for the product type that suits your picnic.

Regular currant buns

Choose these: when everyone can have their own bun and you don’t want to slice anything.

Consider: choose a bag with enough buns for your group to help avoid leftovers.

Mini buns

Choose these: when smaller portions suit children or a picnic with a variety of snacks.

Consider: check the number of buns and their size; mini varieties aren’t all the same product.

Partly sliced currant bread

Choose this: if you’d rather serve slices from one loaf than hand out individual buns.

Consider: this is a different type of product; check how much has already been sliced and how you’ll pack the slices.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Portions without slicing Compare the number of buns and the size of each one. For currant bread, check whether it’s already sliced and how much of it is. If I want to hand out portions in the park without a knife, I’d rather choose individual buns. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this convenience.
Ingredients and allergens Check both the allergen declaration and any ‘may contain’ information on the pack you’re buying. If someone eating with me needs to avoid an allergen, I want to check the exact variant. Around 36% of consumers make this their priority.
Storage and leftovers Choose a pack size that suits your group and follow the product’s storage and freezing instructions. If I buy the buns before the picnic or have some left over, I want to limit them drying out and avoid waste. This is the main priority for around 21% of consumers.
Fibre Compare the fibre content per 100 g and per portion in the nutritional information for the exact variant. If fibre content determines my choice, I look beyond the size or name of the bun. Around 14% of consumers make this their top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking partly sliced currant bread for individual currant buns

    The 700 g Drentse bol described by ALDI is a larger, partly sliced currant loaf. It needs to be portioned differently from a bag of individual buns.

    Compare the product type, weight and number of buns or slices before deciding what to take with you.

  • Assuming a product is high in fibre based on its name

    A currant bun and a wholemeal variety don’t automatically have the same nutritional value. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 2 g of fibre for a 50 g currant bun; Jumbo states that its raisin currant buns included in this review contain 2.8 g per 100 g.

    Compare the nutritional information for the varieties you’re actually considering, using the same quantity as a basis.

  • Relying on the product name to check for allergens

    The currant buns from Jumbo and PLUS included in this review contain wheat and milk ingredients. PLUS also notes the possible presence of other allergens in the varieties reviewed.

    Read the allergen information on the packaging of the product you’ve bought before eating it.

  • Taking more fresh buns than you need

    A large pack may leave you with buns that continue to dry out after the picnic. How you store them depends on the instructions on the packaging.

    Count the portions you need in advance and store any leftover buns according to the label. Only freeze them if the instructions for that variant say you can.

Brands to compare

These brands offer some options to compare in terms of product types and labelling. Always check the information for the specific variant you’re planning to buy.

Albert Heijn

Supermarket with currant bun and muesli bun varieties; these are different product types and should be compared separately.

  • For a current variety, compare the number of buns and the information on the packaging.
  • The previously described AH Rozijnen krentenbollen are listed as discontinued; don’t use that product listing as an indication that they’re currently available to buy.

Jumbo

The Jumbo Rozijnen Krentenbollen described here come in a bag of six individual buns.

  • Jumbo states that this variety contains six portions of 65 g.
  • The variety described contains wheat and milk; check the packaging for other allergen information too.

PLUS

PLUS describes both regular currant buns and mini currant and raisin buns.

  • These product types give you a choice between regular and smaller individual portions.
  • The white varieties included in this review contain wheat, rye and milk ingredients, and note the possible presence of other allergens.

ALDI

ALDI describes individual raisin currant buns as well as a partly sliced Drentse bol.

  • These two product types let you choose between individual buns and slices from a larger loaf.
  • The 700 g Drentse bol is currant bread, not a regular-sized individual currant bun.

Lidl

Lidl describes currant buns and mini wholemeal raisin buns as separate varieties.

  • A mini variety may suit you if you’re looking for smaller portions.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the pack you choose before selecting a product based on a nutritional claim.

Bolletje

Bolletje sells a range of breakfast and snack products. Only compare one of its currant buns if you can find a current product listing.

  • Other bread or breakfast products from the brand aren’t necessarily a suitable alternative to individual currant buns.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I freeze currant buns in advance for a picnic?

Yes, but follow the instructions for the variety you buy. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing opened currant buns in the freezer for one to three months; freezing them for longer may make them drier. For the varieties reviewed, PLUS recommends freezing them on the day of purchase and using them within one month.

How long can I keep opened currant buns?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened currant buns in a kitchen cupboard for two to four days. For an unopened pack, follow the date and storage instructions on the label, and don’t eat a bun with visible mould.

Can I choose regular currant buns if I have a gluten or milk allergy?

Don’t assume they’re suitable without checking the packaging for the exact variety. The currant buns from Jumbo and PLUS included in this review contain wheat and milk ingredients; PLUS also notes the possible presence of other allergens.