If you’re serving croissants as a little extra at dinner
You’re looking for individual croissants with seeds for an informal family dinner, without making them the main feature of the table. Albert Heijn and Lidl both list a multi-seed croissant.
Who is this for?
If you want to bake the bread just before serving
You’re planning when to serve it for several people, taking preparation time and oven space into account. Jumbo and ALDI list bake-at-home products, but check separately whether the croissant you choose also contains seeds.
If you’re buying for people with allergies
When buying individual croissants, you’ll want to know which allergens they contain before you buy. Ask the bakery department for the allergen information and check what’s relevant to the people at your table.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you specifically want a multi-seed croissant or would consider a different type of bread too. Then think about when you’ll serve it and what information you need for everyone at the table.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds or a different type of bread | Check whether it’s a multi-seed croissant or a multigrain roll. Compare the ingredients and nutritional information on the label if they’ll affect your choice. | If I want to serve small croissants with seeds, I’m looking for something different from a roll that takes up more space at dinner. For around 44% of consumers, the seeds are the main consideration. |
| Preparation and quantity | Check whether the product is ready to serve or needs baking, how many pieces you’re buying and what preparation is required. | I want to serve the bread warm just before eating, so I need to set aside time and oven space; around 33% of consumers prioritise when it’s served. |
| Allergens | Read the label or ask for allergen information before buying loose products, paying particular attention to any allergens relevant to your guests. | When I’m buying for several people, I want to check what’s in an individual croissant before I take it home. For around 23% of consumers, allergen information is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming visible seeds tell you enough about allergens
You can’t tell from the outside of a croissant which allergens the whole product contains. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the requirements for providing allergen information for non-prepacked foods.
Ask for allergen information before buying loose croissants, and check the ingredients that matter to the people at your table.
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Using ‘multi-seed’ to compare nutritional value
The name doesn’t tell you how a croissant’s nutritional value compares with that of a multigrain roll.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g or per portion if factors such as fibre, sugars, fat or salt are relevant to your choice.
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Assuming bake-at-home croissants contain seeds too
A range of bake-at-home croissants doesn’t necessarily include a multi-seed variety.
Check the product name and packaging. If seeded croissants are a must, don’t substitute another bake-at-home variety without taking the difference into account.
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Assuming every croissant contains iodised baker’s salt
According to NBC (brood.net), there is no general legal requirement to use iodised baker’s salt.
Don’t assume anything based on the type of product when choosing a specific croissant; check the packaging or ask the seller about the ingredients.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists an AH Multi-seed croissant as a product available in store only.
- A multi-seed croissant specifically listed in its croissant range.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for your chosen product in store.
Lidl
Lidl Netherlands lists a Multi-seed croissant as a separate product.
- The product name makes it easy to look for this particular variety.
- When buying, check the ingredients, allergen information and availability at your local store.
ALDI Supermarkten
ALDI Supermarkets lists croissants and rolls in its bakery and bake-at-home range.
- Worth a look if you want to bake your bread shortly before serving.
- Check the specific product if a seeded croissant is a must for you.
Multigrain bread as an alternative
These Joybuy products are multigrain baguettes and rolls for anyone who’d like to serve a different type of bread instead of croissants at a family dinner. They won’t have the flaky layers of a croissant.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 x 135 g
A baguette for when you’d like to serve a different type of bread instead of croissants at dinner.
Four 135 g baguettes. Allow time and oven space for defrosting and baking; check the allergen information for everyone who’ll be eating.
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g'woon Multigrain Rolls, 4 pieces
Multigrain rolls if you’re looking for an alternative to individual croissants for a family dinner.
Four pieces. Check the allergen information before buying them for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ask about allergens in loose croissants?
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, sellers must provide information about relevant allergens in non-prepacked foods. Ask before you buy, especially if you’re buying for someone with an allergy.
Is a multi-seed croissant automatically more nutritious?
No, you can’t tell that from the name ‘multi-seed’. Compare the ingredients and nutritional information for the specific products if you’re weighing up a multi-seed croissant against a multigrain roll.
When should I choose bake-at-home croissants for a family dinner?
Bake-at-home croissants are a good choice if you want to decide when to serve them and have enough time and oven space. Check the packaging separately if the croissants also need to contain seeds.
Does every Dutch croissant contain iodised baker’s salt?
You can’t assume that: according to NBC (brood.net), there’s no general legal requirement to use iodised baker’s salt. Check the packaging or ask the seller about the ingredients of a specific croissant.