Who is this choice relevant to?

Commuters who want to check for Fairtrade

You want to know, when having coffee on the go, whether the certification mark is on the currant bun itself and, for a composite product, which ingredients it applies to.

Commuters looking for something easy to take along

You’re looking for a currant bun to enjoy with a coffee during your commute. The pack size, storage advice and availability along your route can help you decide.

Commuters comparing nutritional information

If you regularly have a currant bun with your coffee, you’ll want to compare the fibre, sugars, salt and allergens on the packaging.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether Fairtrade certification of the currant bun itself is essential, or whether you’re mainly looking for a bun that’s practical to take on the go. Then compare the nutritional information and allergens of the options you’re considering.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important to?
Fairtrade certification on the currant bun Check the certification mark on the exact packaging. If there’s an arrow next to the logo, read the information on the back to see which ingredients and sourcing methods it relates to. I don’t want to assume my currant bun is Fairtrade just because the shop also sells Fairtrade coffee. For around 44% of consumers, verifiable Fairtrade information about the bun comes first.
Taking it with you and storage Check the number of buns and the storage instructions; see whether the option is available where you do your shopping. If I leave early, I want to be able to take a currant bun with me without any preparation and store the rest according to the label. Around 33% of consumers put this convenience first.
Nutritional information and allergens Compare fibre, sugars and salt per 100 g and per portion. Also read the allergen declaration for the option you choose. If I often have a currant bun with my coffee, I want to know what’s in that portion and which ingredients to avoid. For around 23% of consumers, this labelling is the main consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a shop’s Fairtrade range means its currant buns carry a certification mark

    A supermarket selling Fairtrade coffee or other certified products says nothing about whether its currant buns are certified.

    Check the certification mark on the packaging of the currant bun you’re actually choosing.

  • Skipping the explanation next to a Fairtrade logo with an arrow

    According to Fairtrade International, the arrow next to the logo points to further information on the back of the packaging about ingredients and sourcing methods.

    Read this explanation before deciding what the Fairtrade claim applies to.

  • Assuming currants and raisins mean a high fibre content

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives a general value of 2 g of fibre and 15.9 g of sugars for a 50 g currant bun. The nutritional value of the bun you buy may differ.

    Compare the nutritional information for the specific products, including if you’re considering a wholemeal option.

  • Buying a familiar option without checking the allergen label again

    Declared allergens vary by product; wheat and milk are among those listed for the Jumbo and PLUS options described here.

    When you buy one, check the current ingredients and allergen declaration on the packaging you’ve chosen.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers a range of currant buns and raisin buns.

  • There are different pack sizes and options to compare.
  • A Fairtrade product elsewhere in the range says nothing about a specific currant bun; check the packaging of that bun.

Jumbo

Jumbo sells raisin currant buns in a pack of 6 and also offers products with Fairtrade labelling in other categories.

  • For the currant buns, you can check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information per portion.
  • Don’t infer the Fairtrade status of the currant buns from that of Jumbo coffee or cocoa; check the bun’s packaging.

PLUS

PLUS sells currant buns in different pack sizes, including a pack of 6.

  • Information on ingredients, allergens, nutritional value and storage is available for PLUS currant buns, 6 per bag. PLUS says you can freeze this option at home on the day you buy it.
  • Check the packaging of the option you choose separately for a Fairtrade certification mark.

ALDI

ALDI sells raisin currant buns in a pack of 6.

  • The product type and pack size are clear, which is useful if you’re planning several coffee breaks.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and any certification information on the packaging of the option you choose.

Lidl

Lidl lists currant buns in a bag of 6 as an in-store product.

  • The pack of 6 makes the number of buns clear in advance.
  • In store, check the nutritional information, allergens and any Fairtrade labelling on the packaging.

Joybuy products for coffee on the go

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a Fairtrade logo mean the whole currant bun is Fairtrade?

Not necessarily: it depends on the type of certification mark. Fairtrade International says that, if there’s an arrow next to the logo, you should read the back for information about the ingredients concerned and sourcing methods. According to Milieu Centraal, a logo on a white background indicates a certified ingredient, not the whole product.

Is a currant bun from a shop that sells Fairtrade products also Fairtrade?

No, you can’t tell that from the shop’s other products. Check whether the packaging of the specific currant bun carries a Fairtrade certification mark and read which ingredients the claim applies to.

Can I freeze currant buns for several days of commuting?

For PLUS currant buns, 6 per bag, PLUS says you can freeze them at home on the day you buy them and should use them within one month. For another option, follow the storage advice on its own packaging.

Which allergens should I check in a currant bun?

Always check the allergen declaration on the specific packaging. Jumbo lists gluten, milk and wheat among the allergens in its raisin currant buns; rye and lactose are also listed for the PLUS option described here. Ingredients may vary between options.