Who is this choice important for?

People looking for strictly sugar-free options

For you, the ‘sugar-free’ claim is non-negotiable. A standard currant bun, or a smaller portion of one, doesn’t meet that requirement.

People planning a sugar-conscious drinks party

You’re considering a standard currant bun as a sharing snack and comparing portion sizes and the amount of sugars in each bun.

People checking labels and allergens

You want to check the ingredients and allergens listed for your chosen variety before buying, rather than relying on the product name.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether sugar-free is a non-negotiable requirement. Portion size and other ingredients are useful points of comparison only if a standard currant bun is an option for you.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Truly sugar-free Check the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. If sugar-free is a must for me, I don’t want to rely on the sweet taste or portion size. Around 38% of consumers would make this their top priority.
Added sugar Check the ingredients list for added sweeteners, and look at the total sugars in the nutrition table too. I want to know which sweeteners have been added to a standard currant bun, even if I’m not looking for a strictly sugar-free option. For around 31% of consumers, this would be the main question.
Portion size for a sharing platter Compare the weight per bun and the sugars per portion. Sharing a bun doesn’t change its nutritional value per 100 g. For a platter of small bites, I want to work out how much currant bun to serve per person. This would be the first consideration for around 16% of consumers.
Allergens and recipe Check the current packaging for ingredients, allergens, possible traces and the stated salt content. If ingredients or allergens affect my choice, I want to check the exact variety before serving it. This would be the priority for around 15% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Calling a standard currant bun ‘sugar-free’

    No visible sugar coating tells you nothing about the total amount of sugars. For the standard varieties listed, Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS state 24.0 g, 25 g and 25.7 g of sugars per 100 g respectively.

    When looking for a product labelled ‘sugar-free’, use the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g as your check.

  • Assuming half a bun is sugar-free

    Cutting a bun in half changes how much you serve, not the sugar content of the product. Jumbo states that a whole 65 g bun contains 15.6 g of sugars.

    Serve a smaller portion only if a standard currant bun suits your needs; don’t present it as a sugar-free option.

  • Relying on the product name alone

    The listed varieties from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS mention ingredients or allergens that may affect your choice. The name ‘currant bun’ alone also doesn’t tell you whether iodised salt has been used.

    Read the packaging for the exact variety you’re buying, including the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about traces.

  • Buying currant buns too far in advance

    According to the Voedingscentrum, currant buns keep for 2 to 4 days in a kitchen cupboard and for 1 to 3 months in the freezer.

    Time your purchase and storage around your drinks party, and follow the instructions on the packaging.

Brands and supermarket own-label options

Jumbo

Jumbo provides nutrition information for raisin and currant buns in a pack of 6.

  • The listed variety contains 24.0 g of sugars per 100 g and 15.6 g per 65 g bun.
  • Based on this sugar value, this standard variety doesn’t meet the EU requirement for the ‘sugar-free’ claim.

Albert Heijn

The product information for AH raisin and currant buns lists the ingredients, nutritional values and iodised salt.

  • The listed sugar value is 25 g per 100 g.
  • This variety is therefore not sugar-free. Check its current availability in the range too, before relying on it for a drinks party.

PLUS

PLUS provides nutrition information for its Korenlanders Giant Currant and Raisin Buns.

  • The listed giant variety contains 25.7 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • This variety isn’t sugar-free either. Check the packaging for your chosen variety for allergen information.

ALDI

ALDI lists raisin and currant buns in a pack of 6 in its range.

  • The product type and pack size are clearly specified.
  • Check the packaging for sugars, ingredients and allergens before choosing this variety.

Lidl

Lidl describes currant buns in a pack of 6.

  • The pack size helps you plan how many portions you’ll need.
  • Use the nutrition information on the current packaging to check the sugars and allergens.

Bolletje

Bolletje sells products including crackers and crispbakes, which are different categories from currant buns.

  • You can consider these categories separately if you’re thinking about a different kind of party snack.
  • A cracker or crispbread isn’t a currant bun and isn’t automatically sugar-free. Check the label of each variety you choose.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a standard currant bun sugar-free?

The standard currant buns listed from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS aren’t: they contain 24.0 g, 25 g and 25.7 g of sugars per 100 g respectively. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

Does half a currant bun count as sugar-free?

No. You’re serving a smaller amount of the same product, while the sugar value per 100 g stays the same. For your sharing platter, compare the nutrition information per bun with the portion you plan to serve.

Do all currant buns contain iodised salt?

You can’t tell from the product name. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt for the variety mentioned; for other varieties, check their own ingredients lists.

How long can I keep currant buns for a drinks party?

The Voedingscentrum says currant buns keep for 2 to 4 days in a kitchen cupboard and for 1 to 3 months in the freezer. Also check the storage instructions and date on the packaging you buy.

Can I rely on the name ‘currant bun’ if I have a gluten or milk allergy?

No, the name doesn’t tell you which allergens the exact variety contains. The listed varieties from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS mention cereals containing gluten or wheat, and milk or milk products. Before serving, check the current packaging, including any warnings about possible traces.