Who is this important for?

Shoppers looking for strictly sugar-free options

You’re looking for a currant bun that meets the EU threshold for the ‘sugar-free’ claim. The total sugar content is what matters, even if sugar isn’t listed as a separate ingredient.

Stocking-up shoppers comparing added sugars

You’re happy to have sugars from raisins and currants, but want to know which sweetening ingredients have been added. To check this, read both the ingredients list and the nutrition information per 100 g.

Shoppers checking fibre and freezing options

You buy several bags at once and compare the fibre content of a wholemeal variety with that of white currant buns. Clear freezing instructions help you plan your stock; assess the sugar content separately.

What should you look for when buying?

When stocking up on currant buns, decide what matters most to you: choosing a strictly sugar-free option, comparing added sugars, freezing or comparing fibre. Each goal calls for different checks on the label.

What to look for What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Strictly sugar-free Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g; under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim allows a maximum of 0.5 g per 100 g. If I really want a sugar-free option, the total sugar content must meet that threshold. This strict requirement is the top priority for around 30% of consumers.
Added sugars Compare the ingredients list and, where stated, both added sugars and total sugars per 100 g. I’m happy to have sugars from fruit, but want to identify added sweetening ingredients. This is the main reason for comparing labels for around 30% of consumers.
Stocking up and freezing Check the freezing instructions and use-by period for the pack you choose; also make sure the pack size suits how you’ll use it. When I buy several bags, I want to use them before their quality deteriorates. A practical freezing plan matters most to around 20% of consumers.
Wholemeal and fibre Look for wholemeal flour in the ingredients list and compare fibre per 100 g; assess sugars separately. When choosing what to stock, I focus on wholemeal flour and fibre content without drawing conclusions about sugar from them. This is the main priority for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing ‘no added sugars’ with ‘sugar-free’

    The claims don’t mean the same thing. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, a product labelled ‘sugar-free’ can contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; sugars from fruit may still be present in products with no added sugars.

    If you need to stick to a strict sugar limit, check the total sugar content per 100 g. If you want to limit added sugars, check the ingredients list as well.

  • Assuming wholemeal means low sugar

    The Albert Heijn wholemeal variety described here lists 6.1 g of fibre and 25 g of sugars per 100 g. Its higher fibre content compared with the white varieties from Jumbo and PLUS described here doesn’t change that sugar figure.

    Compare fibre and sugars as separate values in the nutrition table.

  • Buying fresh bags without a freezing plan

    According to Voedingscentrum, frozen bread can become drier over time. Instructions for a specific product may recommend a shorter storage period than the general guidance.

    Check the packaging before buying several bags. For the eight-pack PLUS variety described here, freeze it on the day of purchase and use within one month.

  • Looking only at sugar

    Salt and allergens may also matter when choosing a particular currant bun. The sugar figure won’t tell you about these.

    Check the current ingredients, allergen information and salt value on the packaging of the product you buy.

Brands compared

The varieties mentioned offer different things to consider when stocking up. Always compare the information on the specific pack, not just the brand name.

Albert Heijn

An option to assess for fibre, sugars and freezing instructions if you’re looking for a wholemeal currant bun.

  • The Extra lang lekker variety described here lists 6.1 g of fibre and 25 g of sugars per 100 g. Albert Heijn recommends freezing it on the day of purchase.
  • Its higher fibre content doesn’t make this variety sugar-free; check the information on the pack when you buy it.

Jumbo

A six-pack of white raisin and currant buns for comparing pack size and nutritional value.

  • The variety described here lists 24.0 g of sugars, 2.8 g of fibre and 1.02 g of salt per 100 g.
  • Raisins, currants and dextrose are listed among the ingredients; don’t choose this variety if your goal is to avoid sugar altogether.

PLUS

Available in six- and eight-packs, with the eight-pack variety described here including instructions for freezing at home.

  • The six-pack variety described here lists 25.2 g of sugars and 3.3 g of fibre per 100 g. PLUS recommends freezing the eight-pack variety on the day of purchase and using it within one month.
  • The nutritional values for the six-pack variety don’t automatically apply to the eight-pack; read the label on the bag you choose.

ALDI

A pack of six raisin and currant buns for anyone planning their stock one bag at a time.

  • ALDI describes a six-pack product containing raisins and currants.
  • Before buying this variety for a specific sugar-related goal, check the ingredients, nutritional values and storage instructions on the pack.

Lidl

A bag of six currant buns for in-store purchase.

  • Lidl lists six buns per bag and says the product is only available in store.
  • Check the label in store if sugars, fibre or suitability for freezing will affect your choice.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products will appear soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are the regular currant buns described here sugar-free?

No: the varieties from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS described here list 24.0 to 25.2 g of sugars per 100 g. That’s above the maximum of 0.5 g per 100 g set by EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 for the ‘sugar-free’ claim.

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as ‘sugar-free’?

No. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, ‘no added sugars’ means that no sugars or other foods used for their sweetening properties have been added. Naturally occurring sugars may still be included in the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutrition table.

How long can I freeze currant buns to stock up?

Follow the instructions on the pack you choose if they specify a period for using the product. Voedingscentrum generally recommends keeping opened currant buns in the freezer for one to three months and notes that bread can dry out; for the eight-pack variety described here, PLUS recommends freezing it on the day of purchase and using it within one month.

Does every Dutch currant bun have to contain iodised baker’s salt?

You can’t assume that every currant bun does. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that iodine compounds may be present in bread and other bakery products through the use of added baker’s salt, with a maximum of 65 mg of iodine per kg of salt. If this matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for the specific currant bun.

How do I compare bags containing different numbers of currant buns?

Compare sugars, fibre and salt per 100 g. According to Voedingscentrum, manufacturers set their own serving sizes, so values per bun or per serving are less suitable for comparing different packs side by side.