Only choose a croissant based on its sourdough credentials if the information for that specific product confirms it is made with sourdough; sourdough bread in the same range tells you nothing about the croissant dough. For a single serving, how it is sold matters too: check whether you’re buying one croissant or a multipack, and whether it needs to be defrosted or baked.
A crisp crust or a range that includes sourdough bread isn’t enough for you. Albert Heijn explains that a sourdough starter contains natural yeasts and lactic acid bacteria. Check whether the information for the croissant itself confirms it is made with sourdough.
You want to know whether you can buy one croissant and eat it straight away. Even when it’s sold individually, check the preparation instructions: the product information for a single PLUS croissant says it needs to be defrosted and baked.
You want to be able to read or request the information before buying, even if the croissant is unwrapped. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says shops must also provide consumers with allergen information for unwrapped products.
First decide whether sourdough is essential for you. Then compare the number of croissants, how they need to be prepared and the ingredient information for the product you actually want to buy.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough in the croissant | Look for a sourdough claim on the packaging or product page for this croissant, or ask the baker what dough is used. | If sourdough is why you’re choosing this croissant, don’t rely on other bread from the same supplier as proof. Around 42% of consumers put a product-specific sourdough claim first. |
| Portion and preparation | Check the number of croissants and whether they need to be defrosted or baked. | For a single serving, you may not want leftovers or the need to use the oven. For around 33% of consumers, the combination of portion size and convenience matters most. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the up-to-date ingredient and allergen information. If the product is unwrapped, ask for it. | If you need to check particular ingredients or allergens, you’ll need the information before you choose. For around 25% of consumers, this is the first thing they prioritise. |
A shop selling sourdough bread or a baker talking about fermentation doesn’t confirm how an individual croissant’s dough was made.
Check the information for the croissant itself or ask what dough is used.
Dirk lists both a single 65 g croissant and bake-at-home croissants in packs of six. With the latter, you’ll need to factor in the preparation and what you’ll do with the remaining croissants.
Compare the number of croissants and how they’re prepared with your plans for the rest of the pack.
You can’t tell from the type of product alone what salt has been used in a croissant. Brood.net Professionals explains that using iodised baker’s salt is not a legal requirement.
If this ingredient matters to you, read the latest ingredient information or ask for the product specification.
Even without packaging, you need information about any allergens present to assess the product.
Read the information by the shelf or ask a member of staff before buying, as the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority advises for unwrapped products.
Albert Heijn explains what a sourdough starter is. This can help you assess a sourdough claim for an individual croissant.
Jumbo has an online bread and bakery category where you can look for a specific croissant product.
Lidl provides information about ingredients and allergens in its fresh-from-the-oven bread range.
PLUS lists a small butter croissant sold individually.
Dirk lists a 65 g butter croissant and bake-at-home croissants in packs of six.
This multipack may suit you if you want one croissant per serving and plan to check the sourdough claim for the specific product.
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For anyone who wants one croissant per serving and plans to save the rest for later. Before deciding, check the current packaging for the ‘WHEAT SOURDOUGH’ claim, allergen information and preparation instructions.
No. The sourdough claim must apply to the croissant you’re buying. If necessary, ask what dough is used for that product.
No, being sold individually doesn’t tell you how it needs to be prepared. For example, the product information for a single PLUS croissant says it needs to be defrosted and baked, so check the instructions before choosing one to eat straight away.
Read the information available by the shelf or ask a member of staff before buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says consumers must also be informed about any allergens present in unwrapped foods.
No, don’t assume this based on the type of product alone. Brood.net Professionals says using iodised baker’s salt is not a legal requirement. If it matters to you, check the ingredient information for the croissant.
