Parents whose children have dietary requirements
If a child has an allergy or specific dietary requirement, check the current packaging and agree what can be brought in with the nursery before sending anything along.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Parents who want to plan portions
A pack with a known number of buns makes it easier to plan lunches and snacks. The stated portion size is product information, though, not a set amount for every child.
Parents who follow the nursery’s food policy
If the nursery expects wholemeal bread for a particular meal or snack, check that the bun you choose is labelled accordingly. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists wholemeal bread as one of the options for a snack for toddlers.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, ask what the nursery allows for lunch or a snack. Then check the packaging for allergens, size and storage instructions.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and nursery policies | Read the allergen information on the packaging and check with the nursery before sending in food. | If my child has an allergy-related requirement, I want to know whether the bun meets it before I send one in. Around 34% of consumers prioritise allergens and nursery policies. |
| Portions and planning | Compare the number of buns and the stated portion size with the meals and snacks you have planned. | For a day at nursery, I want to know how much food to send in without treating a pack’s stated portion as a standard portion for a child. Around 33% of consumers prioritise portion planning. |
| Wholemeal requirements | Check whether the bun is labelled as wholemeal if the nursery’s food policy requires it. | If the nursery expects wholemeal bread, I don’t want to assume that a small bun meets the requirement. For around 20% of consumers, following the food policy is the main concern. |
| Storage | Check the use-by date and the instructions for storing or freezing the buns. | If I don’t need all the buns for the next day at nursery, I want to know how to store the rest. Storage planning is the main concern for around 13% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘mini’ means gluten-free
The mini varieties from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS discussed here contain wheat or cereals containing gluten, as well as milk. The products also list other allergens that may be present.
Check the allergen information on the pack you buy. If your child has an allergy, discuss your choice with the nursery and follow the arrangements you have agreed.
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Choosing based on size alone
A small bun isn’t automatically wholemeal. That matters if the nursery requires wholemeal bread for lunch; for a snack, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists wholemeal bread as one of the options for toddlers.
Ask which meal or snack the bun is for, and check that the product you choose has the required wholemeal label.
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Relying only on an old product page
Ingredients and allergen information can change, so details that were online previously may not match the packaging of the product you buy.
Use online information to compare options, but check the packaging and use-by date on the pack before sending it in.
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Buying nine buns without a storage plan
If you’ve only planned a few days at nursery, you may have buns left over. Freezing instructions for one variety won’t necessarily apply to another.
Count the meals and snacks you’ve planned, and follow the storage instructions on the relevant pack for any leftover buns.
Brands with relevant mini varieties
Albert Heijn
AH Extra lang lekker mini rozijnenbollen are sold in packs of nine, with a stated portion size of 40 g.
- Albert Heijn states that this variety keeps for at least three days after delivery and can be frozen on the day of purchase.
- This is a white wheat variety containing milk, rye and wheat, among other ingredients. Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
Jumbo
Jumbo Mini Roomboter Rozijnenbollen are sold in packs of nine; the nutritional information also includes values per 40 g.
- The information per 40 g lets you check the nutritional values for that amount.
- According to Jumbo, this white wheat variety contains gluten, milk, rye and wheat. The allergen information also lists other allergens that may be present.
PLUS
PLUS Mini krenten rozijnen bollen are sold in a pack of nine.
- The number of buns is stated, making it easier to plan for several meals and snacks.
- According to PLUS, this variety contains wheat, rye, cereals containing gluten, milk and lactose. Other allergens that may be present are also listed.
Joybuy products for this topic
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Should I check with the nursery before sending in a mini currant bun?
Yes. Ask what the nursery’s policies are for lunch, snacks and food brought in from home. Discuss any allergy or individual dietary requirement with the nursery separately; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends asking about the nursery’s food policy.
Are the mini buns discussed here gluten-free?
No. The mini varieties from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS discussed here list wheat or cereals containing gluten. Always check the current allergen information on the packaging of the product you buy.
Can I freeze mini buns for several days at nursery?
Albert Heijn says that AH Extra lang lekker mini rozijnenbollen can be frozen on the day of purchase and should be used within one month. Whenever you buy a pack, follow the instructions on the packaging for the variety you have chosen.
Is one mini bun automatically a suitable portion for a child?
No. A stated portion size isn’t a set amount for every child. Albert Heijn and Jumbo state a portion size of 40 g for the varieties discussed here. When planning, also consider whether the bun is for lunch or a snack, and what else the nursery will be serving.