Who is this choice for?

Students looking for a larger bread snack

If a regular currant bun feels too small for a school break, the buns labelled ‘giant’ by PLUS and ALDI are worth comparing. Check the pack to see how much each bun actually weighs.

Parents thinking about the rest of the packed lunch

A currant bun doesn’t have to be the only bread in the lunchbox. If the type of bread and fibre matter most to you, you could also compare wholemeal or brown bread; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends these over white bread.

Families who need to check allergens and storage

The currant buns we looked at from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS list wheat or cereals containing gluten, as well as milk. Before packing, read the label on the variety you’ve bought. If you’re buying ahead, also check the storage and freezing instructions.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you’re mainly looking for a larger snack portion or whether the type of bread matters more across the whole lunch. Then check allergens and storage using the pack you’re actually buying.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Portion size Compare the number of buns, the total weight and the weight per bun; don’t rely on the word ‘giant’ alone. If a regular bun seems too small for my break, I look for a larger one without assuming its size means it’s more nutritious. Around 40% of consumers prioritise a larger snack portion.
Type of bread and fibre Read the product description and compare fibre per 100 g; also consider the type of bread you choose for the whole lunch. I don’t want to pack only a sweet bun for lunch; the type of bread and fibre matter to me too. For around 30% of consumers, the role of the currant bun in the overall lunch comes first.
Allergens and storage Read the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings about possible traces; if you’re buying ahead, follow the storage instructions for that variety. If I need to take allergens into account or plan lunches in advance, I want to be able to check the packaging before packing. For around 30% of consumers, this check is their top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘giant’ means a more nutritious lunch

    PLUS and ALDI sell buns labelled ‘giant’, but the name doesn’t tell you how much each bun weighs or how much fibre it contains. PLUS describes its giant currant and raisin bun as a white wheat bun.

    Before choosing a larger size, compare the weight per bun, ingredients and nutritional information on the current packaging.

  • Checking only the product name for allergen information

    The varieties we looked at from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS list wheat or cereals containing gluten, as well as milk. Packs may also include information about the possible presence of other allergens.

    Before packing, read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack you’ve bought. If you have an allergy, follow individual advice and check the school’s policy.

  • Automatically making a currant bun your only bread choice

    The regular currant buns we looked at are made with white wheat flour. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends wholemeal and brown bread over white bread for your usual bread choices.

    Consider the currant bun as part of the whole lunch, and compare a wholemeal or brown bread option too if the type of bread matters to you.

Brands compared

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn sells a regular pack of six raisin and currant buns.

  • The product information gives a weight of 65 g per bun and lists the ingredients and nutritional information.
  • This white wheat variety we looked at contains wheat or cereals containing gluten, as well as milk; if you have an allergy, check the current packaging.

Jumbo

Jumbo sells regular raisin and currant buns in a pack of six.

  • The product information gives a weight of 65 g and 1.8 g of fibre per bun, so you can compare the stated portion.
  • The white wheat bun we looked at lists wheat or cereals containing gluten, as well as milk.

PLUS

PLUS sells regular currant buns in packs of six, Korenlanders giant currant and raisin buns in packs of four, and a separate ‘stays fresh longer’ variety.

  • The range lets you choose between a regular bun, a size labelled ‘giant’ and a pack that PLUS says should be frozen on the day of purchase.
  • The regular and giant currant buns we looked at are made with white wheat flour and contain ingredients including wheat or cereals containing gluten, as well as milk.

ALDI

ALDI lists regular raisin and currant buns in packs of six, and giant raisin buns in packs of four.

  • The two names and pack sizes give you a choice of format.
  • Don’t use the word ‘giant’ as a guide to fibre or weight per bun; compare those details on the pack.

Lidl

Lidl lists currant buns as freshly baked bread, sold in a bag of six.

  • The pack contains six individual buns for anyone looking for a regular portion.
  • Lidl describes them as an in-store product; check the ingredients and nutritional information on the pack you choose in store.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are the currant buns we looked at gluten-free?

No. The varieties we looked at from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS list wheat or cereals containing gluten. Several also list milk. If you have an allergy, always check the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack.

Can I freeze currant buns for several school days?

PLUS says its ‘stays fresh longer’ variety should be frozen on the day of purchase and used within one month. Albert Heijn gives the same instructions for the regular variety we looked at. Follow the storage and freezing instructions on the pack you buy, as they won’t necessarily apply to every currant bun.

Does iodised baker’s salt make a currant bun a better lunch choice?

No. The mention of iodised salt doesn’t, by itself, tell you how a currant bun fits into the whole lunch. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bread through baker’s salt; that doesn’t mean every currant bun contains them. Check the ingredients of the bun you choose and consider the type of bread separately.