If you want to buy organic
You want to be able to verify organic status rather than relying on words such as ‘artisan’ or ‘natural’. For a packaged product, the EU organic logo and control code can help you check.
Which option is right for you?
If you’re specifically looking for sourdough
Your choice depends on the dough used and the sourdough flavour you’re after. Check the product information or ask the baker how it’s made, separately from whether the croissant is organic.
If you compare labels
You want to check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the exact product. Pay attention to the weight of each croissant too: different sizes can’t be compared like for like per item.
What should you look for when choosing?
Organic certification, sourdough and ingredients are separate characteristics. Decide which matters most to you, then check the information for the croissant you want to buy.
Organic croissant
Right for you if: organic production is a requirement for you and you can verify certification for the specific product.
Bear in mind: an organic certification mark doesn’t confirm that the croissant is made with sourdough or has different nutritional values.
Sourdough croissant
Right for you if: you’re mainly looking for a croissant made using sourdough.
Bear in mind: a sourdough label isn’t proof of organic certification. If you’re buying a loose croissant, ask for the product information.
Regular butter croissant
Right for you if: organic certification and sourdough aren’t requirements for you.
Bear in mind: even with a regular croissant, the ingredients and nutrition table for the exact product determine what you’re buying.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Organic status | For a packaged product, look for the EU organic logo and control code; for a loose croissant, ask about that product’s certification. | If organic is a requirement for me, I want to be able to check before I choose. This would be the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Sourdough | Check the ingredients or product information; ask the baker how the dough was made. | I’m specifically looking for a croissant made with sourdough, not just one that looks artisan. This would be the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and nutritional value | Check the allergens, weight and nutritional information per 100 g and, where stated, per serving. | I want to know what’s in the specific croissant I’m buying and compare different sizes fairly. This would be the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Availability | Check the shop’s range and whether the croissant on offer meets your other requirements. | I want to be able to find a croissant that matches the characteristics I’ve already selected. For around 19% of consumers, this would be the most important practical consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Confusing sourdough with organic certification
Sourdough refers to fermentation; an organic label relates to a certified method of production. One doesn’t prove the other.
Check the organic status and sourdough information separately for the croissant you want to buy.
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Using average nutritional values for every size
The Dutch Nutrition Centre gives general nutritional values for a 45 g croissant, but the ingredients can vary by brand. Comparing them per item can therefore be misleading.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and also check the serving weight.
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Judging a loose croissant by its appearance
You can’t tell all the ingredients and allergens from the topping or product name.
Ask the baker or the fresh bakery section for the ingredients and allergen information for the specific product.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Worth considering if you want to see online what label information may be available for an organic sourdough bakery product.
- For its organic sourdough multiseed roll, Albert Heijn lists ingredients, allergens, nutritional information and organic details.
- That roll isn’t a croissant, so check the information for any croissant separately.
Lidl
A useful point of comparison if you want to check a regular butter croissant against your own requirements.
- Lidl lists a butter croissant and provides links to ingredients and allergen information.
- The product information doesn’t confirm organic status or sourdough for this croissant.
ALDI
Another point of comparison for a regular butter croissant.
- ALDI describes a fresh butter croissant sold individually.
- Don’t use that product description as proof of organic certification or a sourdough process.
Croissants for the regular option
This Joybuy selection includes a mini butter croissant to consider if you’re looking for a regular croissant. Check organic certification and sourdough separately if either is essential for you.
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G'woon Mini Butter Croissants, 200 g
An option to consider if you’re looking for mini butter croissants. Check the packaging if organic or sourdough is a requirement for you.
The product title states 200 g, while the description says 180 g; check the net weight on the packaging. Also check the current ingredients, allergens and basis for the nutritional information there.
Frequently asked questions
How can I recognise an organic packaged croissant?
Check the EU organic logo, control code and origin information on the packaging. According to the European Commission, the logo is linked to certified organic production. For a loose croissant, ask for information about the specific product.
Does sourdough mean a croissant is organic?
No. Sourdough and organic certification are different characteristics. If both matter to you, check for sourdough in the preparation method as well as organic labelling.
What information should I compare on a packaged croissant?
Compare the ingredients, highlighted allergens, quantity, nutritional information and any relevant storage or use instructions. Under European food labelling rules, this information must be provided for prepacked foods where applicable. Check the label for the exact product.
Does an organic croissant automatically have different nutritional values?
No. The organic label doesn’t specify how much salt or saturated fat your croissant contains. The Dutch Nutrition Centre gives general values for a 45 g croissant, but to choose a product, compare the nutrition tables for the croissants themselves.