If you want to cut a currant bun in half and add a topping, start with a standard bun whose individual weight you can check, or look for a larger version. A mini bun gives you less surface area; also compare the nutritional information and allergens on the packaging of the bun you choose.
For an evening snack with a topping, you’ll want enough surface area across the two halves. A standard bun with a known weight per bun is easier to assess for size than a mini version; also check that it’s firm enough to cut in half.
If you’d prefer a smaller snack, a mini bun could be a good fit. Be sure to compare the weight per bun: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 134 kcal for a 50 g currant bun, while standard buns from Albert Heijn and Jumbo included in the research have a 65 g serving size.
If you’re keeping an eye on fibre, sugars, salt or allergens, it’s important to check the packaging of the version you choose. The buns from Albert Heijn and Jumbo included in the research list wheat or gluten and milk; don’t assume the same information applies to a different bun.
First decide whether you’re mainly looking for more surface area or a smaller portion. Then use the weight per bun and the label to compare different sizes.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Surface area and firmness | Check the size of each bun and whether it’s firm enough to cut horizontally into two halves. The word ‘Giant’ alone doesn’t tell you its dimensions. | If I want to add plenty of topping, I need two halves that can hold it. For around 40% of consumers, surface area is the main priority. |
| Portion size | Compare the weight per bun with the nutritional information per serving; the number of buns in a bag alone tells you little about their size. | For a smaller evening snack, I want to decide how much to have, even if I add a topping. Around 30% of consumers focus most on having that choice of portion size. |
| Label and ingredients | Check the ingredients, allergens and values for fibre, sugars and salt, among other things. If iodine is relevant to your choice, check the salt information on the packaging you select. | When the ingredients influence my choice, I don’t want to rely on information for another brand. For around 30% of consumers, the label is the most important factor. |
With these currant buns, you cut the bun in half yourself; they aren’t sold as pre-cut thick slices. A mini bun in particular may not give you as much surface area for toppings as you’d expect.
Check the size of the bun before buying. Cut a suitable bun horizontally in half and make sure the halves are firm enough before adding your topping.
A bag of six buns doesn’t tell you how much each one weighs. For the standard versions included in the research, both Albert Heijn and Jumbo give a serving size of 65 g.
Compare the weight per bun and check the energy and sugars per serving if you want to work out the size of your snack.
The presence of dried fruit doesn’t tell you how much fibre the whole bun contains. For the standard bun included in the research, Albert Heijn gives 2.9 g of fibre per 100 g and Jumbo gives 2.8 g per 100 g.
If fibre content matters to you, compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the specific products.
Ingredients and allergens can vary between versions. The type of salt listed on one pack also doesn’t tell you what’s in every currant bun.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information for the bun you choose. If it’s sold unpackaged, ask for this information before buying.
Albert Heijn lists standard currant buns and smaller versions.
Jumbo describes a pack of six standard raisin and currant buns.
Lidl describes a bag of six currant buns.
ALDI describes a pack of six raisin and currant buns.
PLUS lists both standard currant buns and Korenlanders Giant currant and raisin buns.
Cut a standard or larger currant bun horizontally in half to make two thick halves. Check first that it’s firm enough to hold the topping you want to use; a mini bun gives you less surface area.
Compare the weight per bun and the nutritional information per serving, not just the number of buns in the pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 134 kcal and 15.9 g of sugars for a 50 g currant bun; for its 65 g bun included in the research, Jumbo gives 177 kcal and 15.6 g of sugars. If you’re comparing the whole snack, you can count the topping separately.
No, don’t assume that based on the product name alone. For the version included in the research, Albert Heijn lists iodised salt, while Jumbo lists baker’s salt; check the current ingredients list for the bun you choose.
For a pre-packed currant bun, check the label. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information must be provided on it. If you’re buying an unpackaged bun, ask for the allergen information before you buy. The versions from Albert Heijn and Jumbo included in the research list wheat or gluten and milk, among other things, but always check the product you choose.
