Who is this choice relevant to?

Sharing snacks

You want to share currant buns while watching a film or series, without much preparation. The number of buns in the bag, the fruit filling and the size all make a difference.

Stocking up for several TV nights

You don’t want to eat all the buns in one evening. Check how to store the variety you’ve chosen and whether the packaging says you can freeze it.

Label-conscious snackers

You want to check the listed ingredients and allergens before buying, find out how much fibre each bun contains, and see whether the label lists baker’s salt or iodised salt.

What should you look for when choosing?

Decide whether you’re mainly after a fruity bun to share, a larger portion or buns you can save for later. Then compare the packaging and label of the variety you’re considering.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important to?
Fruit filling and size Compare the stated proportions of raisins and currants, the size and the number of buns per bag. A higher proportion of raisins doesn’t automatically mean more currants. I want a fruity bun for myself or to share; the size determines the portion I have in mind. Around 40% of consumers prioritise fruit filling and portion size.
Storage Read the storage instructions and check whether the exact variety can be frozen, including when to freeze it and how long it can be kept. I want to know what to do with any leftover buns before my next TV night. Storage convenience is the top priority for around 30% of consumers.
Label and nutritional information Check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements. Compare fibre per 100 g and see whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed. If I need to watch what I eat, I want to know what’s in the bag before sharing it. For around 30% of consumers, allergen, fibre or salt information on the label is their main consideration.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Assuming ‘premium’ is a fixed product feature

    A larger bun, a different fruit filling and a pack for several evenings each meet different needs. The word ‘premium’ doesn’t tell you which of these differences you’re getting.

    Decide what matters for your TV night, then compare the specific information on the packaging.

  • Relying on an old product page

    A variety described previously may no longer be available. This was the case on the pages consulted for an Albert Heijn currant bun variety and a Jumbo wholemeal mini variety.

    Before buying, check the current product status and the label on the bag you’re actually choosing.

  • Overlooking allergens because it’s a bread roll

    The standard varieties from Jumbo and PLUS that were checked list wheat and milk; possible traces of other allergens vary by product. A general description of currant buns is no substitute for checking the label of the specific product.

    If you have an allergy, check both the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statement on the current packaging.

  • Judging fibre or iodine from the product name

    A giant bun isn’t automatically a wholemeal bun. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt, so the type of salt isn’t the same in every currant bun either.

    Check the type of bread and the fibre value in the nutritional information, and look for baker’s salt or iodised salt in the ingredients list.

Brands and product ranges to consider

These product ranges show the differences you may find between currant buns; a brand name alone tells you little about the composition of the variety you choose.

Albert Heijn

The own-brand variety checked was a soft white raisin and currant bun.

  • For this variety, Albert Heijn listed 30% raisins, 4.2% currants and iodised salt, and advised freezing it on the day of purchase.
  • The variety checked was listed as discontinued. The product information therefore doesn’t confirm that you can buy this bag now.

Jumbo

The standard own-brand pack checked contained six white wheat buns with raisins and currants.

  • Jumbo listed 29.6% raisins and 6.1% currants, with nutritional information per 100 g and per bun.
  • This standard variety isn’t a wholemeal product. The label lists wheat and milk; check the product-specific ‘may contain’ statements too.

PLUS

The PLUS product ranges checked included a standard bag, an eight-piece variety called ‘lekker lang lekker’ and Korenlanders Reuze.

  • The packs vary in number and size. For the eight-piece variety, PLUS stated that it can be frozen at home on the day of purchase.
  • A larger size or a name that suggests a longer shelf life doesn’t, by itself, tell you anything about the fibre content or suitability for people with allergies. Check the exact variety.

ALDI

The shop products checked included a bag of raisin and currant buns, as well as larger raisin buns. The latter aren’t the same product as currant buns.

  • The product pages distinguish between a pack of six raisin and currant buns and a pack of four giant raisin buns.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the packaging of the specific product in store.

Currant buns on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a larger currant bun automatically a more luxurious choice?

No, a larger size is simply a different portion option. The PLUS Korenlanders Reuze variety checked is a white wheat bun with raisins and currants. Compare the fruit filling and nutritional information separately if they matter to you.

Can I freeze currant buns for another TV night?

You can freeze varieties whose packaging says this is suitable. Albert Heijn and PLUS advised freezing the varieties checked on the day of purchase. Follow the current storage instructions and use-by period for the bag you buy.

Are standard currant buns gluten-free?

Don’t assume they are: the standard Jumbo and PLUS currant buns checked contain wheat and gluten. When looking for gluten-free products, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises checking for the ‘gluten-free’ label or Crossed Grain trademark, as well as checking the product label.

Does every Dutch currant bun contain iodine from baker’s salt?

No, you can’t assume that every currant bun is made with baker’s salt. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use it. For a packaged bun, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt. If the bun isn’t packaged, ask the baker about the ingredients.