Who is this choice relevant to?

Hosting guests with different tastes

You want to serve the familiar white raisin bun, while also offering something wholemeal for guests who prefer it. Serving two clearly different types of bread gives everyone a choice.

Planning ahead for New Year’s Eve

You’re shopping before the celebrations and want to take portion sizes and storage instructions into account, so you don’t open more than you need.

Checking labels for a specific dietary need

You need to know which ingredients and allergens are listed on the pack you choose, or want to check whether baker’s salt has been used. The name ‘raisin bun’ doesn’t tell you this.

What should you look for?

First decide which types of bread you want to serve and how many portions you need. Then check the storage and label information on each pack you choose.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important to?
White and wholemeal If you wish, choose white raisin buns as well as separate wholemeal buns. For the latter, check the product description and ingredients. If I want to serve something familiar to a mixed group and offer a wholemeal option too, those preferences don’t have to come together in one bun. For around 42% of consumers, this combination is the top priority.
Size and quantity Compare the number of buns in each pack and choose a size that suits the portions you want to serve. If guests are eating at different times, I want to be able to match the number of buns to the group. Around 33% of consumers prioritise portion planning.
Storage and labels Check the date and storage advice. If you have questions about allergens or baker’s salt, read the latest product information. If I’m buying in advance or need to consider ingredients, I want to know what I can store and serve to my guests. Storage and label information is a priority for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a raisin bun is wholemeal because of its colour

    Wholemeal describes the product; it isn’t a colour description. Jumbo describes its regular raisin buns as white wheat buns.

    Look for the wholemeal description and check the ingredients of the bun you’re actually buying. You can serve a separate wholemeal bun alongside white raisin buns.

  • Opening a large pack without a plan for the leftovers

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that opened raisin buns keep for 2 to 4 days in a kitchen cupboard. Freezing them for longer may affect their quality.

    Choose the number of buns to suit your guests and follow the freezing instructions on the pack you choose. PLUS says its longer-lasting version should be frozen on the day of purchase and used within one month.

  • Assuming every raisin bun is suitable for someone with an allergy

    Ingredients and allergens vary from one product to another. For example, Jumbo’s white raisin buns include wheat and milk.

    Check the allergen information on the pack you choose just before buying. For unpackaged bread, ask for the information available for that product.

  • Assuming every raisin bun contains baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt contains iodine, but not every baker uses it.

    Check the ingredients list or ask the baker which salt was used in the bread.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn has an online category for raisin and muesli buns, with a range of pack sizes.

  • The category includes packs of 4, 6, 9 and 10, among others.
  • Check the type of bread, ingredients and nutritional information for each product. A category listing doesn’t mean the products are all the same.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists a regular white raisin bun in a pack of 6.

  • The product information for this version lists 2,8 g of fibre per 100 g, along with ingredients and allergen information.
  • According to the relevant Jumbo product page, a wholemeal mini version listed previously is no longer available. Check the current range before relying on it.

PLUS

PLUS lists longer-lasting raisin buns, as well as a giant version with raisins and currants.

  • The longer-lasting pack says you can freeze the buns at home on the day of purchase and should use them within one month.
  • The regular and giant versions described are white wheat buns. Check the information for your chosen version for allergens.

Lidl

Lidl describes giant raisin buns made with butter, in a pack of 4 × 100 g.

  • The stated weight per bun makes it easier to plan portions.
  • According to Lidl’s product page, this version is only available in store. Check the pack there for full product information.

ALDI

ALDI describes wheat-based raisin buns in a pack of 6.

  • A pack of 6 gives you a clear starting point for planning portions.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack if you need that information to make your choice.

Products on Joybuy

More related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to find one product that contains both white and wholemeal raisin buns?

No. If your guests have different preferences, you can serve white raisin buns alongside separate wholemeal buns. Check the product description and ingredients for the wholemeal buns rather than judging the type of bread by its colour.

Can I freeze raisin buns before New Year’s Eve?

Yes, if the instructions for the product you choose allow it. PLUS says its longer-lasting raisin buns can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within one month.

How long do opened raisin buns keep in a kitchen cupboard?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says an opened raisin bun keeps for 2 to 4 days in a kitchen cupboard. For an unopened pack, follow the date and storage instructions on the label.

Do raisin buns always contain baker’s salt?

No, you can’t tell from the product name. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt contains iodine, but not every baker uses it. Check the ingredients list or ask the baker.

Where can I find allergen information for my guests?

For pre-packed raisin buns, check the current label. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must be shown on it. For unpackaged bread, ask about the available allergen information before buying.