Who is this choice relevant to?

Parents specifically looking for sourdough

You want to be able to tell from the label or product page whether a croissant contains sourdough. A name such as ‘artisan’ isn’t enough to confirm this.

Parents planning everyday breakfasts for toddlers

You’re considering a croissant as an occasional alternative, but don’t want to lose sight of your usual bread choices. For children aged 1 to 3, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends wholemeal and brown bread as preferred types of bread.

Parents packing breakfast to take with them

Before packing, you need to know which allergens the croissant contains and what rules the nursery or school follows. For a packaged product, read the label; for an unwrapped croissant, ask for the allergen information.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Everyday breakfast staple Compare the croissant’s nutritional information with your usual bread choice, including fibre and salt per 100 g or per serving. For everyday toddler breakfasts, I want to know whether a croissant would replace our usual bread choice. For around 40% of consumers, this everyday breakfast staple is the top priority.
Sourdough as an ingredient Look for a clear reference to sourdough or sourdough starter on the packaging or product page. I’m specifically looking for sourdough and don’t want to rely on an artisan-sounding name. For around 30% of consumers, confirmed sourdough comes first.
Allergens and taking food with you Check the allergen information before buying, and ask what rules the nursery or school follows. If I’m packing a croissant, I want to know which allergens it contains and whether it’s allowed under the rules. For around 30% of consumers, checking this is their main concern.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘artisan’ means sourdough

    A croissant may be described as freshly baked or luxurious, but those words don’t tell you whether sourdough has been used.

    Check the ingredients or product description. If the croissant shape isn’t important, you could also look for a product explicitly described as sourdough bread or sourdough crispbread; these are different types of product.

  • Seeing a croissant as a regular replacement for bread

    For children aged 1 to 3, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends wholemeal and brown bread as preferred types of bread. A sourdough claim doesn’t tell you how much fibre or salt a croissant contains.

    Have a croissant as an occasional alternative, and compare the nutritional information for the product you choose with that of your usual bread.

  • Relying on the product name alone for allergen information

    A croissant’s name doesn’t give you a complete list of its ingredients or allergens. What’s more, if it’s unwrapped, you won’t have a label to check again at home.

    For a packaged product, read the label. For an unwrapped product, ask about allergens before buying. Also check the rules at your child’s nursery or school.

  • Assuming every croissant is made with iodised baker’s salt

    You can’t tell which salt has been used in a product just from the word ‘croissant’.

    If the type of salt used matters to you, check the ingredients of the croissant you’re buying.

Shops and brands to explore

Albert Heijn

Its croissant range includes fresh, bake-at-home and frozen options.

  • The category page helps you compare product types and pack sizes.
  • To check for sourdough, look at the information for the specific croissant, not just the category.

Jumbo

The online category includes several types of croissants, including regular and plant-based options.

  • You can view individual product listings when comparing options.
  • A croissant category on its own doesn’t confirm whether a product contains sourdough.

ALDI

ALDI lists a fresh butter croissant.

  • The butter description makes clear what type of croissant it is.
  • Butter doesn’t indicate that a product contains sourdough; check the ingredients for that.

PLUS

Alongside its wider range of bread and baked goods, PLUS lists sourdough bread and sourdough crispbread.

  • These products are alternatives to consider if sourdough matters more to you than having a croissant.
  • Sourdough bread and crispbread aren’t sourdough croissants; also consider whether your child will enjoy the texture.

Lidl

Lidl offers oven-fresh bread, with the range varying by store according to the retailer.

  • Ingredient and allergen information is available for oven-fresh products.
  • If you’re specifically looking for sourdough, check the product at the store you’re visiting.

Dirk

Dirk lists butter croissants and also sells Wasa sourdough crispbread.

  • The crispbread is clearly listed as a separate sourdough option.
  • That sourdough description doesn’t automatically apply to the croissants.

Croissants on Joybuy

These butter croissants are an option if you’re considering a croissant as an occasional alternative. For your toddler’s breakfast, check the packaging you choose for sourdough, allergen and nutritional information.

Pack of g'woon Butter Croissants, 4 pieces, 180 g

g'woon Butter Croissants, 4 pieces (180 g)

For anyone considering croissants as an occasional alternative for a toddler’s breakfast. The pack contains 4 croissants, weighing 180 g in total.

Check the packaging for sourdough and allergen information. Compare salt and other nutritional values only once you’ve confirmed whether the information is given per 100 g or per serving.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is a croissant suitable as an everyday breakfast for a toddler?

It’s best to offer a croissant as an occasional alternative rather than a regular replacement for bread. For children aged 1 to 3, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends wholemeal and brown bread as preferred types of bread.

Does sourdough mean a croissant is wholemeal?

No, a sourdough claim on its own doesn’t mean that a croissant is wholemeal. Check the ingredients and compare the nutritional information, including fibre and salt, for the product you want to buy.

How do I check allergens in an unwrapped croissant?

Ask for the allergen information for the unwrapped croissant before buying it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information must also be available for non-prepacked foods. If you’re packing the croissant for your child, also check the rules at their nursery or school.

Should I cut a croissant into smaller pieces for my toddler?

Cut it into smaller pieces if you’re not sure whether your child can chew a bite safely. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends matching the size of food pieces to your child’s chewing ability and staying with them while they eat.

Can I assume a croissant contains iodised baker’s salt?

No, you can’t tell which type of salt has been used from the product name. If you want to know which salt is listed, check the ingredients of the croissant you’re choosing.