Hosts catering for guests with different preferences
You want to offer guests both white and wholemeal currant buns at your get-together, without letting one preference dictate the choice for the whole group.
For a neighbourhood get-together with guests who have different preferences, you can serve white and wholemeal currant buns side by side. If fibre is the deciding factor, compare the nutritional information per 100 g: the Jumbo white currant bun reviewed contains 2.8 g of fibre per 100 g, while the Albert Heijn wholemeal version contains 6.1 g per 100 g. Check the up-to-date allergen information for both types; a mixed platter is not automatically suitable for every guest.
You want to offer guests both white and wholemeal currant buns at your get-together, without letting one preference dictate the choice for the whole group.
You look at the ingredients and the amount of fibre per 100 g, rather than judging a currant bun by its colour alone.
Before serving, you want to check each pack for the allergens it may contain. Choosing between white and wholemeal does not replace this check.
For your neighbourhood get-together, first decide whether offering a choice of white and wholemeal is important. Then check the nutritional information, allergens, size and storage instructions on each pack.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Most relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Choice of white or wholemeal | Check that the packs you choose are clearly labelled as white or wholemeal. | If guests have different preferences, I don’t want one type to make up the whole platter. This freedom of choice is the top priority for around 40% of consumers shopping for this get-together. |
| Wholemeal flour and fibre | Check which types of flour are listed in the ingredients and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information. | I’m specifically looking for a currant bun made with wholemeal flour and want to be able to compare the fibre content. This is the main consideration for around 30% of these consumers. |
| Allergens | Check the up-to-date information on allergens present or that may be present, and keep the packaging available when serving. | If a guest has an allergy, I need to know what I’m serving before putting anything on the table. This check is the deciding factor for around 20% of these consumers. |
| Size and storage | Count the buns in each bag, check their size and read the storage instructions for the version you choose. | I want to serve suitable portions and know in advance what I can do with any leftover buns. This is the top priority for around 10% of these consumers. |
The colour or name alone won’t tell you how much wholemeal flour or fibre a currant bun contains. The Albert Heijn wholemeal version reviewed contains 6.1 g of fibre per 100 g; the Jumbo white version reviewed contains 2.8 g per 100 g.
Read the ingredients and compare the fibre per 100 g on the packs you’re actually choosing.
The Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS versions reviewed list wheat or cereals containing gluten, as well as milk. Other allergens may also be listed, depending on the product.
Use a mix to cater for different preferences, not as a substitute for checking allergens. Check the current packaging or ask for allergen information if buying loose buns.
PLUS lists nine buns in its mini version reviewed and eight in the standard version reviewed. So the number of bags alone tells you little about how many buns you can serve.
Plan according to the number and size of the buns. Check the storage instructions too before buying extra packs for later.
The AH Extra-long-lasting raisin currant buns are a wholemeal version reviewed, sold in a pack of four.
The Jumbo Raisin Currant Buns reviewed are white wheat buns with raisins and currants, sold in a pack of six.
The PLUS currant and raisin buns reviewed show a choice of sizes: nine mini buns or eight standard buns per bag.
Not if you want guests to be able to choose between white and wholemeal. The Jumbo white currant bun reviewed contains 2.8 g of fibre per 100 g, while the Albert Heijn wholemeal version contains 6.1 g per 100 g. These figures apply to those specific products; they are not averages for all currant buns.
Don’t assume that the versions reviewed are suitable: the product information lists wheat or cereals containing gluten, as well as milk. Check the current packaging for each guest, including for any statement that allergens may be present. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of prepacked foods.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose. According to PLUS, the longer-lasting currant buns reviewed can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should then be used within a month; other versions may have different instructions.
Don’t assume that every currant bun contains iodised baker’s salt; check the ingredients list for the specific product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be added to bakery products through baker’s salt, up to a maximum of 65 mg of iodine per kg of salt.