Who is this relevant to?

People with a strict sugar-free requirement

For you, the total amount of sugars matters, not just the added sugar. The Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS varieties discussed here exceed the European threshold for the claim ‘sugar-free’.

People keeping an eye on added sugars

You want to serve currant buns around New Year’s Eve and are happy with the sugars from raisins and currants, but you also want to know how much sugar has been added. To check, compare the ingredients and nutritional information per 100 g and per portion.

People comparing fibre

You accept that the currant buns discussed here aren’t sugar-free, and are comparing wholemeal flour and fibre within this category. Check both on the packaging of the variety you choose.

What should you look for when choosing?

If sugar-free is a must, start by checking ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. Only if you’re willing to relax that requirement do added sugars, fibre and practical considerations such as allergens and storage become factors that help you choose.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Strictly sugar-free Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. For the European ‘sugar-free’ claim, solid foods must contain no more than 0.5 g per 100 g. If I’m looking for a genuinely sugar-free product, I can’t rely on a low amount of added sugar. This would be the top priority for around 44% of consumers.
Added and total sugars Compare both sugar figures and check the amount of raisins and currants in the ingredients list. Check the portion size too. I want to serve the familiar currant bun, but distinguish between added sugar and sugar from dried fruit. This would be the main consideration for around 33% of consumers.
Fibre and breakfast supplies Check fibre per 100 g, the allergen information and, if you’re buying in advance, the storage instructions on the packaging. For breakfast, I prefer to shop in advance and choose a variety whose fibre, allergen and storage information suits my plans. Around 23% of consumers would put this first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming low added sugar means sugar-free

    Raisins and currants also contribute to the total sugars. For the raisin and currant buns discussed here, Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g of added sugars, but 25 g of total sugars per 100 g.

    If you have a strict sugar-free requirement, assess ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g against the European threshold of no more than 0.5 g per 100 g.

  • Looking only at wholemeal flour or fibre

    A higher fibre content doesn’t change the amount of sugars. The Albert Heijn variety discussed here lists both 6.1 g of fibre and 25 g of sugars per 100 g.

    If you’re choosing between varieties that aren’t sugar-free, compare fibre and total sugars side by side.

  • Checking allergens only after buying

    The products discussed here include, among other things, cereals containing gluten and milk. Information about possible traces may vary between varieties.

    Read the allergen information on the exact packaging before serving the currant buns.

  • Assuming every currant bun contains iodised salt

    The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the conditions under which iodine compounds may be present in bakery products through bakers’ salt. This doesn’t mean that every currant bun contains iodised salt.

    If iodine is relevant to your choice, check the ingredients list on the packaging you choose for iodised salt.

Brands compared

Albert Heijn

The AH Extra long-lasting raisin and currant buns discussed here provide nutritional information for both sugars and fibre.

  • Albert Heijn lists 6.1 g of fibre per 100 g for this variety.
  • At 25 g of sugars per 100 g, this variety doesn’t meet the ‘sugar-free’ threshold. Check the listed allergens too.

Jumbo

The Jumbo Raisin Currant Buns discussed here come in a pack of six. Jumbo lists nutritional values per 100 g and per 65 g portion.

  • The portion values make it easier to compare one bun with values per 100 g.
  • Jumbo lists 24.0 g of sugars and 2.8 g of fibre per 100 g; this variety isn’t sugar-free.

PLUS

The extra-large currant and raisin buns and longer-lasting currant buns discussed here have separate product details and storage instructions.

  • PLUS says the longer-lasting variety can be frozen at home on the day of purchase.
  • According to PLUS, the extra-large variety discussed here contains 25.7 g of sugars per 100 g, so it isn’t sugar-free.

Lidl

Lidl describes currant buns in a pack of six.

  • The product type and pack size are listed.
  • Compare the sugars, fibre and allergens on the packaging of the variety you choose.

ALDI

ALDI describes raisin and currant buns in a pack of six.

  • The product description distinguishes the raisin and currant bun from other types of rolls.
  • Before comparing this variety with other currant buns, check the total sugars, ingredients and allergens on the packaging.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can a currant bun be called ‘sugar-free’?

Under European Union Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the claim ‘sugar-free’ can only be used for a solid food if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. A low amount of added sugar isn’t enough.

Are the regular currant buns discussed here suitable for a strict sugar-free diet?

No: the Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS varieties discussed here list 24.0 to 25.7 g of sugars per 100 g. If you’re considering another variety, always check the current ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g. Don’t rely only on the amount of added sugar.

Why should I check both total and added sugars?

Total sugars also include sugars from raisins and currants, while added sugars tell you something different about the recipe. For the raisin and currant buns discussed here, Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g of added sugars and 25 g of total sugars per 100 g.

Does every Dutch currant bun contain iodised salt?

You can’t assume that every currant bun does. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes the permitted use of iodine compounds in bakery products through bakers’ salt. Check the ingredients list on the packaging to make the right choice for you.

Can I buy currant buns in advance for New Year’s Eve?

Yes, as long as you can follow the storage instructions for the variety you choose. PLUS says the longer-lasting currant buns discussed here can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within one month. Check the instructions on your packaging.