Who is this relevant to?

Parents with a strict sugar-free requirement

You want to know whether a currant bun is genuinely sugar-free. Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g: a low amount of added sugar doesn’t tell you how much sugar the product contains overall.

Parents who give their child a currant bun now and then

You understand that a standard currant bun isn’t sugar-free, but want to choose an appropriate portion and compare products for sugars, fibre and salt, among other things.

Parents considering allergies or childcare rules

You’re packing a snack for a child with a relevant allergy, or for a childcare setting with its own rules. Check the latest allergen information and ask what rules apply there.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether ‘sugar-free’ is an absolute requirement. If a standard currant bun is an option, portion size, allergens and storage instructions are the next things to consider.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this important for?
Genuinely sugar-free Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. According to the European Commission, solid foods can contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g to carry the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim. If I’m looking for a genuinely sugar-free option, I want to count the sugars from currants and raisins too. For around 36% of consumers, this strict requirement comes first.
Nutrition information and portion size Compare sugars, fibre and salt per 100 g, and check how much a bun or chosen portion weighs. If it’s a regular snack, I want to know how much my child will actually eat, rather than automatically giving them a whole bun. Around 29% of consumers prioritise their everyday snack choice and portion size.
Allergens and childcare rules Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging. Check what rules the childcare setting or school follows. If an allergy or childcare rule is a factor, the snack needs to be suitable for the situation, whatever the portion size. This is the main concern for around 21% of consumers.
Storage and portioning Check how many buns are in the pack and follow the storage or freezing instructions for the product you choose. If I only use some of the pack at a time, I want to be able to store the rest appropriately. For an estimated 14% of consumers, planning how to store the remaining buns matters most.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing low added sugar with sugar-free

    Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g of added sugars in its wholemeal raisin and currant buns, but 25 g of total sugars per 100 g. These figures answer different questions.

    If sugar-free is an absolute requirement, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g rather than looking only at the amount of added sugar.

  • Assuming a whole bun is the right portion for a toddler

    According to Jumbo, one raisin and currant bun weighs 65 g and contains 15.6 g of sugars. The serving size shown on the packaging doesn’t have to be the portion you choose to give your child.

    Decide in advance how much you want to offer for this snack and check the nutrition information per portion.

  • Assuming more fibre means less sugar

    Albert Heijn’s wholemeal raisin and currant buns list 6.1 g of fibre per 100 g, compared with 2.9 g for the white AH version. Both list 25 g of sugars per 100 g.

    Compare fibre only after you’ve decided whether the total sugar content suits your needs.

  • Assuming allergens or iodised salt based on the product name

    The name ‘currant bun’ doesn’t tell you which allergens or what type of salt a particular version contains. Ingredients and warnings can also vary between products.

    Check the current packaging when you buy, and if your child has a relevant allergy or is subject to childcare rules, make sure your choice meets their requirements.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers white and wholemeal raisin and currant buns.

  • The wholemeal version lists 6.1 g of fibre per 100 g; the white version lists 2.9 g per 100 g.
  • Both versions list 25 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the current packaging before you buy.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes a pack of six own-brand raisin and currant buns.

  • The product information lists one bun as weighing 65 g and containing 15.6 g of sugars per portion.
  • According to Jumbo, this version contains gluten, milk and wheat. Check the packaging for any other allergen information too.

PLUS

PLUS describes standard and mini currant buns, as well as a longer-lasting version.

  • The different pack formats give you options for portioning and storing the buns.
  • Compare the sugars, ingredients and allergens on the packaging of the specific version.

ALDI

ALDI describes raisin and currant buns, as well as larger raisin buns.

  • The product names distinguish between the standard and larger versions.
  • Consider the portion size and read the nutrition and allergen information for the product you choose.

Lidl

Lidl describes currant buns and mini wholemeal raisin buns.

  • The mini and wholemeal descriptions can help you find the type you’re looking for.
  • Don’t assume anything about sugar content or suitability for allergies from these descriptions; check the label.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are standard currant buns sugar-free?

The Jumbo and Albert Heijn versions described here aren’t sugar-free: they list 24.0 g and 25 g of sugars per 100 g respectively. According to the European Commission, solid foods can contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g to carry the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim. Always check the nutrition information for any other product.

Does ‘no added sugars’ also mean sugar-free?

No. ‘Sugar-free’ refers to the total amount of sugars, whereas a product with no added sugars may still contain sugars from ingredients such as raisins. So compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g.

What makes a good regular snack for a toddler?

For young children and toddlers, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends snacks from the Dutch Wheel of Five, such as fruit, vegetables and some wholemeal bread. A standard currant bun doesn’t meet a strict sugar-free requirement. If you do give your child one, check the portion size and the information on the packaging.

Should you take care with raisins and currants for toddlers?

Yes. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small portions of dried fruit and warns that children can choke on individual raisins or currants. Stay with your child while they eat.

Can you pack a currant bun for childcare if your child has an allergy?

That depends on the specific product, the allergy and the childcare setting’s rules. The Jumbo and Albert Heijn versions described here contain gluten-containing ingredients; Jumbo also lists milk. Check the latest ingredients and allergen information, and make sure your choice meets the requirements for your child.