Who are these options suited to?

Planning lunches for several days of the holidays

You’re buying ahead for several lunches, so storage instructions matter. For some currant buns, Albert Heijn and PLUS say you can freeze them at home on the day of purchase.

Comparing fibre content

You’re looking for a wholemeal option among the currant buns and comparing nutritional values per 100 g. The word ‘wholemeal’ alone tells you nothing about the cocoa or sugar content.

Adults looking for a cocoa flavour

You specifically want a currant bun with cocoa or dark chocolate. Before buying, check the ingredients list and, if a high cocoa content matters, the stated composition. Don’t judge by colour alone.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether cocoa is essential for the flavour you want. Then compare the number of portions, the nutritional information and the storage instructions on the pack you’re considering.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Cocoa flavour Look for cocoa or dark chocolate in the ingredients list. Check any stated cocoa percentage if a high content matters to you. If you specifically want a cocoa flavour for an adult lunch, don’t rely on the colour of the bun. Around 31% of consumers would reportedly make the presence of cocoa their first requirement.
Portions Compare the number of buns in each pack with the stated serving size. When I’m planning lunch for several people, I want to know how many buns I can share out without buying more than I need. For around 31% of consumers, this practical consideration would reportedly be their top priority.
Fibre and nutritional value Check whether the product is labelled wholemeal and compare fibre and sugar on the same basis, such as per 100 g. If fibre is my main priority when choosing lunch, I want to be able to compare the value on the label without drawing conclusions about the cocoa flavour. Around 23% of consumers would reportedly put this need first.
Buying ahead and storage Check the use-by date and the storage and freezing instructions for the exact pack. If I’m planning lunches throughout the school holidays, I want to be able to shop ahead without using all the buns straight away. Around 15% of consumers would reportedly consider storage their main priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a dark bun is rich in cocoa

    The ingredients lists for the Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS currant buns discussed here don’t include cocoa or chocolate. So a dark colour or a wholemeal label doesn’t prove that the flavour you want is there.

    Before checking anything else, make sure cocoa or chocolate is actually listed as an ingredient. Even then, its presence alone doesn’t prove a high cocoa content.

  • Assuming the salt is iodised baker’s salt

    According to NBC, the use of baker’s salt containing iodine is covered by an agreement. So don’t assume a particular type of salt is used in an individual currant bun without checking the label.

    Check the ingredients list on the pack if the type of salt used matters to your choice.

  • Judging allergens by the product name

    The Jumbo and PLUS currant buns discussed here list ingredients including wheat and milk. A name or shop category won’t tell you which allergens and warnings appear on the exact pack.

    Check the current ingredients and allergen information every time you buy. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens must be listed on food labels.

  • Assuming wholemeal means low in sugar

    A wholemeal label and the amount of sugar describe different properties. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives the sugar content of a currant bun as 15.9 g per 50 g bun; the value for the product you choose may differ.

    Compare fibre and sugar in the nutrition table for the buns you’re considering, using the same basis each time: per 100 g or per portion.

Shops and brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists several currant and raisin buns, including a wholemeal option.

  • The wholemeal raisin and currant bun described contains 6.1 g of fibre per 100 g and comes with freezing instructions.
  • The ingredients list for this option doesn’t mention cocoa or chocolate. Check the ingredients if cocoa flavour is your top priority.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes a pack of six standard raisin and currant buns and provides nutritional and allergen information.

  • For this option, Jumbo lists 29.6% raisins, 6.1% currants and 2.8 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • This option contains wheat and milk. Also read the warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.

PLUS

PLUS lists standard currant buns as well as a separate longer-life option.

  • For the options described, PLUS advises freezing them at home on the day of purchase and using them within one month.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens for each option; the product information lists ingredients including wheat, rye and milk.

ALDI

ALDI describes raisin and currant buns as soft wheat buns sold in a pack of six.

  • The number of buns per pack makes it easy to plan lunch portions.
  • Check the pack itself for ingredients, nutritional information and allergens before you choose.

Lidl

Lidl describes currant buns in a pack of six and lists this item as an in-store product.

  • A separate mini raisin and currant bun product offers another portion size to consider.
  • Check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens on the pack you choose, especially if cocoa is a must-have.

Currant buns at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘dark’ on a currant bun mean it contains a lot of cocoa?

No. The colour or name doesn’t prove that it has a high cocoa content. The ingredients lists for the Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS currant buns discussed here don’t mention cocoa or chocolate. For a different bun, check the ingredients and, if you’re looking for a high cocoa content, look for a stated cocoa percentage.

Can I buy currant buns in advance for the school holidays?

Yes, as long as the storage or freezing instructions on the pack you choose fit your plans. For some options, Albert Heijn and PLUS advise freezing them on the day of purchase and using them within one month. Also follow the use-by date on the pack.

How can I check the allergens in a currant bun?

Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack before buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on the label; the Jumbo and PLUS buns described here include ingredients such as wheat and milk.

Are currant buns always made with iodised baker’s salt?

Don’t assume they are. According to NBC, the use of baker’s salt containing iodine is set out in an agreement. Check the ingredients list for the specific bun if the type of salt used matters to your choice.

How do I compare sugar and fibre in currant buns?

Compare the values on the same basis: per 100 g or per stated portion. Don’t mix the two up. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives the sugar content of a 50 g currant bun as 15.9 g; when buying, use the nutritional information for the product you choose.