Who is this choice relevant to?

Consumers looking for Fairtrade cocoa

You want to choose chocolate with a Fairtrade claim for your weekend breakfast. Check the specific chocolate product, rather than relying only on a shop’s general cocoa policy.

Families buying currant buns for the weekend

You work out how many buns you need for your breakfasts and check how to store or freeze any leftovers according to the pack instructions.

Consumers comparing nutritional information and allergens

For example, you compare white and wholemeal currant buns, check the fibre per 100 g and read the allergen information on the pack you’ve chosen.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide whether you want Fairtrade cocoa in the bun itself or in a separate chocolate spread. Then choose your currant buns based on the label and how many you’ll need for the weekend.

What to consider What should you check? Who is it important to?
Fairtrade cocoa Check whether the bun contains cocoa or chocolate, and look for a Fairtrade claim on the chocolate product you’ve chosen or its packaging. If I want Fairtrade cocoa, it needs to be clear which chocolate the claim applies to. For around 33% of consumers, choosing a specific product with the claim is the priority.
Nutritional information and allergens Compare fibre and salt per 100 g, and read the ingredients and allergen information on the current label. When choosing between white and wholemeal, or if I need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to check the specific pack. Around 27% of consumers give this top priority.
Storing them for the weekend Check the best-before date and the storage and freezing instructions for the product you’ve chosen. I want to be able to enjoy the buns later in the weekend without overlooking the storage instructions. This is the most important consideration for around 20% of consumers.
Pack size Check how many buns are in the pack and make sure it’s enough for the breakfasts you have planned. If only a few people are eating, I don’t want to end up with too many buns left over. The right quantity matters most to around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a shop-wide cocoa policy is a certification for the buns

    A policy covering own-brand cocoa doesn’t mean that a currant bun contains cocoa or carries a Fairtrade claim itself. The ingredient lists for the Albert Heijn and PLUS currant buns examined don’t include cocoa.

    Check the bun’s ingredients first. If you choose a chocolate spread, look for the Fairtrade cocoa claim on that product.

  • Assuming all currant buns contain the same amount of salt

    The Albert Heijn varieties examined list iodised salt, but that ingredient information doesn’t automatically apply to another pack of currant buns.

    If the type of salt used matters to you, check the current ingredients list of the product you’re buying.

  • Choosing a bigger pack without checking how many you need

    The number of buns in a pack varies. Any leftovers need to be used within the product’s storage period and in line with its specific instructions.

    Factor in the breakfasts you have planned and check before buying whether you can freeze any leftovers, and how to do so.

  • Relying on a certification or the word ‘wholemeal’ for allergen information

    A Fairtrade claim or the description ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t replace allergen information. The Albert Heijn and PLUS varieties examined list ingredients including wheat and milk.

    For the pack you’ve chosen, read both the listed ingredients and any warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.

Brands to consider

The product ranges listed below offer different options for breakfast. Always check the Fairtrade claim and other label information for the specific product you choose.

Albert Heijn

Worth considering if you want to compare white and wholemeal raisin and currant buns.

  • The wholemeal variety examined lists 6,1 g of fibre per 100 g; the white variety examined lists 2,9 g per 100 g.
  • Albert Heijn says that cocoa in its own-brand products is certified by Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade. Neither of these two currant bun varieties lists cocoa in its ingredients, so that policy doesn’t make the buns a Fairtrade cocoa option.

PLUS

Worth considering if you want to buy a pack of currant buns for the weekend and pair it with a separate chocolate spread of your choice.

  • The pack examined contains 6 currant buns. PLUS says you can freeze them on the day of purchase and should use them within one month.
  • PLUS says the cocoa in its own-brand products is Fairtrade-certified. The ingredients list for the currant buns examined doesn’t mention cocoa, so check the Fairtrade claim on the separate chocolate product you choose.

ALDI

Worth considering if you’re looking at a pack of 6 raisin and currant buns.

  • ALDI also sells separate Fairtrade products, including chocolate.
  • The fact that Fairtrade chocolate is available in the range doesn’t mean the currant buns carry a Fairtrade claim. Check both products separately.

Lidl

Worth considering if you want to pair currant buns with a separate chocolate product.

  • Lidl describes its Way To Go chocolate as a partnership with Fairtrade.
  • This information about chocolate doesn’t automatically apply to Lidl currant buns. Check the packaging of the chocolate product you’ve chosen to see which Fairtrade claim it carries.

Jumbo

Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate Fairtrade product to enjoy with currant buns at breakfast.

  • Jumbo has a list of Fairtrade products that you can check if you’re looking for a separate chocolate option.
  • A product on that list tells you nothing about the Fairtrade status of a currant bun. Check the packaging of both products you choose.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are currant buns automatically Fairtrade if the shop uses Fairtrade cocoa?

No. A statement about cocoa across a shop’s range isn’t a Fairtrade claim for an individual currant bun. The Albert Heijn and PLUS currant buns examined don’t list cocoa in their ingredients. If you want Fairtrade cocoa, check the claim on the chocolate product itself.

How can I tell if my currant buns contain iodised salt?

Read the ingredients list on the pack you’ve chosen and look for a mention of iodised salt or baker’s salt. The ingredients list for another currant bun won’t tell you what’s in this one.

Which allergens should I check for in currant buns?

Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current label for the product you’ve chosen. The Albert Heijn and PLUS varieties examined list ingredients including wheat and milk; warnings about the possible presence of other allergens may vary by product.

Can I freeze currant buns for a later weekend?

You can if the packaging for your currant buns gives freezing instructions. The PLUS product page examined says to freeze them on the day of purchase and use them within one month. For another pack, follow its own storage and freezing instructions.