Hosts specifically looking for sourdough
You’re hosting a coffee morning and want the croissants themselves to be made with sourdough. A description such as ‘made with butter’ or ‘artisan’ isn’t enough for you.
Who is this choice for?
Planning when to serve
You want to know whether you can serve the croissants straight away or whether you’ll need to bake or prepare them before your guests arrive.
Shoppers checking allergens
You’re buying for guests who need to know about ingredients and possible cross-contamination. You therefore need information about the exact product, including when buying individual croissants.
What should you look for?
First decide whether sourdough is essential or whether convenience at serving time matters more. Then check the information that’s relevant to your guests for every croissant you plan to serve.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed sourdough | Look for sourdough or starter in the product information for the specific croissant. | If I’m specifically looking for a croissant made with sourdough, I don’t want to rely on how the product looks or on sourdough bread from the same range. For around 45% of consumers, the sourdough element is the top priority. |
| Serving time | Check whether the croissant is sold fresh, ready to bake or frozen, and follow the preparation instructions. | I want to serve the croissants with the coffee on time, so I need to know whether I’ll need to use the oven. For around 33% of consumers, convenience when serving is the main concern. |
| Allergen information | Check the ingredients, allergens and any cross-contamination warnings for the product you choose. | My guests need to know which croissant I can serve. If I’m buying loose croissants, I’ll ask for up-to-date information if needed. Around 22% of consumers put these product checks first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming sourdough bread means the croissants are sourdough too
A shop selling sourdough bread doesn’t tell you what its croissants are made with.
Read the name and ingredients information for the croissant you actually plan to buy.
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Assuming butter or freshness means sourdough
These terms don’t tell you whether sourdough was used to make the croissant dough.
Only assume a croissant is sourdough if the description applies to that specific product.
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Leaving allergen checks until after you’ve done the shopping
For guests with allergies, information about the exact product and possible cross-contamination can be crucial. Jumbo notes that cross-contamination cannot be ruled out for some products.
Check the current packaging or ask in store about allergen information for loose croissants before buying.
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Assuming the croissants contain iodised baker’s salt
You can’t tell what type of salt a product contains just from knowing it’s a croissant.
If the type of salt matters to you, check the ingredients list for that croissant.
Brands to consider
These ranges can help you choose a type of product. For any specific croissant, check separately whether it contains sourdough and what preparation and allergen information applies.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists fresh, ready-to-bake and frozen croissants in its online range.
- You can compare different product types side by side.
- Albert Heijn’s information about sourdough bread doesn’t confirm that any of its croissants are made with sourdough.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists croissants including butter, ready-to-bake and frozen varieties.
- The product type and packaging are useful to consider when planning a coffee morning.
- Check each product for a sourdough description and allergen information. Jumbo also warns of possible cross-contamination in some products.
Lidl
Lidl lists a butter croissant that, according to its product page, is available in store only.
- The product page refers to ingredient and allergen information.
- The description ‘butter’ doesn’t confirm that sourdough has been used.
ALDI
ALDI lists croissants in its range of products to bake at home.
- Baking at home can work well if you plan when to serve them and follow the preparation instructions.
- Check separately whether the croissant you choose is described as sourdough.
PLUS
PLUS lists sourdough bread in its bread and bakery range.
- Sourdough bread is a separate option if sourdough matters more to you than having a croissant.
- Sourdough bread in the range tells you nothing about the ingredients in a croissant from PLUS.
Dirk
Dirk lists fresh butter croissants and features sourdough separately in its bread category.
- A fresh croissant is a different choice from sourdough bread.
- A sourdough description for bread doesn’t confirm that sourdough is used in the croissant.
Croissants for different serving plans
These Joybuy croissants come in different pack sizes for a coffee morning. If you’re looking for sourdough, check the ingredients for the variety you choose. Before serving, also check the preparation and allergen information.
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g'woon Butter Croissants, 4 pack, 180 g
A pack of four croissants for when you’re having several guests. Check the packaging for the ingredients in this variety, how to serve it and the relevant allergen information.
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Bakery Village Danish Croissant, 85 g
An 85 g croissant for anyone who wants to choose individual portions. Before serving it to guests, check the up-to-date ingredients and allergen information. Don’t assume it contains sourdough unless this is stated for the specific product.
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SCHOOF Croissants, 4 pack
A pack of four croissants to plan for a coffee morning. If you want to bake them just before serving, check the preparation instructions for this variety. Also check the latest allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify a sourdough croissant?
Look for an explicit reference to sourdough or starter on the croissant’s own product information. Albert Heijn describes a starter in its explanation of sourdough bread, but that doesn’t mean a butter or fresh croissant is automatically made with sourdough.
Where should I look if iodised baker’s salt matters to me?
Check the ingredients list for the specific croissant to see what type of salt it contains. The word ‘croissant’ alone won’t tell you whether it contains iodised baker’s salt.
How can I check allergens in croissants for guests?
Check the latest information for the exact product and, if needed, ask in store about allergens in loose croissants. Jumbo says cross-contamination cannot be ruled out for some products, so take any related warnings into account when choosing.
When should I choose croissants to bake at home?
Choose a ready-to-bake variety if you want to plan the baking around serving time and have the time and oven space. Check the instructions on the packaging before your coffee morning, as these will tell you how to prepare them.