Who is this choice relevant to?

If you specifically want sourdough

You want a brunch croissant whose ingredients or product description confirm that it contains sourdough, rather than relying on an artisan presentation.

If you’re planning when to serve

You want to know whether the croissants are ready to serve or need to be finished off in the oven at home. A croissant that fits your schedule doesn’t have to be made with sourdough.

If you want to check the ingredients

Check the information for the specific product if allergens or the type of salt used matter to your choice.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sourdough in the croissant Look for sourdough or starter in the croissant’s ingredients. Don’t count a sourdough claim for a different bakery product. If I’m choosing sourdough specifically, I want the claim to refer to the croissant itself. This certainty comes first for around 37% of consumers.
Serving time Check whether the croissant is ready to serve or needs to be finished off in the oven, and read the preparation instructions if needed. I want to serve the croissants in time for brunch without misjudging how much preparation they need. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers.
Ingredients and salt Read the product information about ingredients and allergens; check the type of salt separately if iodine matters to you. Before putting anything on the table, I want to know which ingredients and allergens apply to this product. This information matters most to around 27% of consumers.
Number of croissants and convenience Compare the number of croissants in each pack and the preparation required with your brunch plans. I want to have enough croissants ready without more preparation than I’d planned. This is the main consideration for around 9% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming sourdough bread proves the croissant is sourdough

    A shop may sell sourdough bread and croissants without making the croissants with sourdough.

    Let the croissant’s own ingredients list or product description guide your choice.

  • Assuming every croissant uses the same type of salt

    According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So the salt information for another bakery product doesn’t tell you exactly what’s in your croissant.

    Check the ingredients, or ask which type of salt was used in an individual croissant if it matters to you.

  • Looking only at the packaging

    Loose croissants, multi-packs and bake-at-home options each call for different brunch planning.

    Check the number of croissants, the product format and any baking instructions before deciding how many to buy.

  • Treating a range overview as a guarantee

    Lidl says its fresh bread range may vary by store. So a product shown in a general overview may not be available at your local shop.

    Check availability at your chosen shop shortly before brunch, and have an alternative in mind.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

The croissant range includes fresh, bake-at-home and frozen products.

  • These product formats give you different options for planning when to serve them.
  • Check the packaging or product page for a sourdough claim for the croissant you choose.

Jumbo

The croissant range includes, among other options, butter, bake-at-home and frozen varieties.

  • The product format helps you work out how much preparation to allow for brunch.
  • Check the ingredients and current availability of each croissant.

Lidl

The fresh-from-the-oven bakery section is worth considering if you want to buy croissants close to serving time.

  • Visiting the store lets you see what’s available at that time.
  • Lidl says its fresh bread range may vary by store. If you want a sourdough croissant, ask about the specific product.

ALDI

The bakery range includes butter croissants and products to bake at home.

  • Checking the product format helps you plan the preparation.
  • Don’t assume that an individual croissant contains sourdough just because it’s in the bakery range.

PLUS

The bakery range also includes sourdough bread.

  • PLUS provides ingredient information for individual sourdough products, so you can check them for yourself.
  • A sourdough claim for bread doesn’t automatically apply to a croissant.

Dirk

The croissant range includes, among other options, individual butter and savoury croissants.

  • Buying individual products lets you choose the number you need for brunch.
  • If sourdough is a must, ask for the specific ingredients of an individual croissant.

Croissants at Joybuy

You could consider these packaged butter croissants for a brunch with several people. If a sourdough claim is essential to your choice, check the ingredients of this variety separately, and read the preparation instructions before planning when to serve them.

g'woon butter croissants, 4 pieces, 180 g

g'woon Butter Croissants, 4 pieces, 180 g

A pack of four croissants, so you can plan how many you’ll need for brunch.

Contents: 180 g. Check the packaging to see whether the croissants are ready to serve or need to be prepared first.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is a croissant that looks artisan automatically a sourdough croissant?

No. Look for sourdough or starter in the ingredients or product description for that specific croissant. Sourdough bread elsewhere in the range proves nothing about how the croissant was made.

Does every croissant in the Netherlands contain iodised baker’s salt?

No, you can’t assume that every croissant does. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients or, if you’re buying an individual croissant, ask which type of salt was used if iodine matters to you.

Where can I check the allergens in a croissant?

Use the allergen information for the croissant you’re actually buying. Read the packaging or the current shelf label, and ask for product-specific information if you’re buying one loose.

Can I tell what my local store has from its online range?

Not without checking availability at your store. Lidl, for example, says its fresh bread range may vary by store. Check what’s available again when planning your brunch.