Who is this relevant to?

Travellers for whom Fairtrade is essential

You want to see what the Fairtrade claim applies to on the packaging of the currant bun you’ve chosen, rather than relying on a supermarket’s general policy.

Travellers looking for something simple to take with them

You’re looking for a currant bun you can pack before setting off and eat on the way. The number of buns, their shelf life and what to do with the packaging all help determine whether they’re right for your journey.

Travellers who compare labels

You check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information per 100 g or per serving, as these can vary from one product to another.

What should you look for when choosing?

If Fairtrade is essential for you, start by checking for a claim that applies to the specific product. Then compare the packaging and label for your train journey.

What to consider What should you check? Who might prioritise this?
Fairtrade claim Look for a Fairtrade mark or explicit claim on the exact currant bun, and check whether it applies to the product or a particular ingredient. I want to be able to establish what the Fairtrade claim on my currant bun applies to. For around 36% of consumers, this is the most important requirement.
Taking it on the train Check the number of buns, their shelf life and the storage instructions. Take the packaging with you so you can dispose of it afterwards. When I eat on the way, I want to be able to take the buns easily and dispose of the packaging afterwards. Around 29% of consumers put convenience while travelling first.
Nutritional information and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information, and compare fibre, sugars and salt per 100 g or per serving on the same basis. When I’m keeping an eye on what I eat, I want to know what’s in the bun and which allergens are listed on the label. For around 21% of consumers, this is the top priority.
Quantity per pack Choose a number of buns that suits your journey, and check the packaging for instructions on storing any you don’t use. I don’t want to open more buns than I can eat during the journey. The right quantity is the main consideration for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking a shop’s Fairtrade policy for a claim about a product

    According to its own information, PLUS sells Fairtrade own-brand products. That alone says nothing about whether a particular currant bun is certified.

    Look for a Fairtrade claim that applies to the specific product, and check whether it covers the bun or a particular ingredient.

  • Assuming the allergens from the name ‘currant bun’

    Ingredients and possible traces vary between products. Product information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS lists allergens that may be relevant to your choice.

    Before eating, read the label on the exact pack, including any ‘may contain’ statements.

  • Assuming every currant bun is high in fibre

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives a figure of 2 g of fibre for a 50 g currant bun. This isn’t the nutritional value for every individual variety.

    If fibre content is an important factor for you, compare the amount per serving on the packaging, including when weighing up a currant bun against wholemeal or brown bread.

  • Taking a large pack without a plan for the leftovers

    If you buy a pack of six, you may have buns left over if you only eat a few during your journey.

    Choose a quantity that suits your travelling party, and follow the pack’s storage instructions for any buns left over.

    Leftovers that aren’t used in time can lead to food waste.

Brands and shops to consider

A shop that sells Fairtrade products doesn’t automatically offer Fairtrade-certified currant buns. Check the packaging of the specific product you choose.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH Raisin Currant Buns in a pack of six.

  • The product information includes ingredients, nutritional values, allergens and a serving size.
  • If you’re choosing a Fairtrade product, look for a claim that applies to this exact variety. Also check the current label when you buy it.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists Raisin Currant Buns in a pack of six.

  • For this product, Jumbo lists details including ingredients, allergens, nutritional information and storage advice.
  • A Fairtrade category at Jumbo isn’t a certification mark for this individual currant bun.

PLUS

PLUS lists Currant Buns in bags of six and also describes its own-brand Fairtrade range.

  • The ingredients listed for the currant buns include wheat and rye; check the full packaging for allergen information.
  • PLUS’s Fairtrade range doesn’t confirm the Fairtrade status of these currant buns.

ALDI

ALDI lists Raisin Currant Buns in a pack of six.

  • The stated number of buns can help you choose a pack for your journey.
  • Check the packaging of the variety you’ve chosen for ingredients, allergens and any Fairtrade claims.

Lidl

Lidl shows currant buns and mini raisin currant buns as separate product varieties.

  • You can compare the regular or smaller variety based on how many buns you want to take with you.
  • For ingredients, allergens and any Fairtrade claim, read the label on the exact variety.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are currant buns Fairtrade if the supermarket sells Fairtrade products?

No. A supermarket’s Fairtrade range doesn’t prove anything about an individual currant bun. PLUS, for example, describes its Fairtrade own-brand products. Always check the claim on the packaging of the exact currant bun, and see what it applies to.

Can I eat a currant bun on an NS train?

The NS house rules referred to don’t ban eating a currant bun. However, NS asks passengers to keep the train clean and put rubbish in the bin.

Which allergens should I check in a currant bun?

Check the allergen information on the exact packaging, including any warning about traces. Product information for the varieties discussed from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS lists ingredients including wheat and milk products. Other ingredients and warnings may vary between varieties.

How do I compare the fibre content of currant buns?

Compare the nutritional information for the same quantity or for servings of the same size. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives a figure of 2 g of fibre for a 50 g currant bun, but the label for the variety you’re buying is the best guide to its fibre content.