Who is this choice important for?

Parents catering for allergies

If several children will be eating, you’ll want to know which allergens are in the exact croissant before you buy. For an unwrapped croissant, ask the seller for this information; the product name alone won’t tell you.

Parents specifically looking for sourdough

If the method of preparation matters to you, ask which raising agents the baker uses. Brood.net explains that sourdough and yeast can also be used together, so seeing sourdough on an ingredients list doesn’t give you the full answer.

Organisers who want to serve small portions

When catering for a group, you’ll want to plan the number of items and how to prepare them. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small portions for treats; with bake-at-home croissants, you’ll also need to factor in the preparation instructions.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check that every child can eat the croissant you’ve chosen. Then decide how important the sourdough method is, and which portions and preparation will work best for the party.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Allergens and dietary requirements Read the allergen information for the exact variety and, for unwrapped croissants, ask about the ingredients and possible cross-contamination. If a child needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know before ordering whether this particular croissant is suitable. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers.
Sourdough as a raising agent Ask whether the dough is leavened with sourdough, yeast or both, and read the full ingredients list. I’m looking for the method used to make the croissant, not just the word ‘sourdough’ on the packaging. This is the main priority for around 29% of consumers.
Portions and preparation Check the number of items, their size and any instructions for defrosting or baking. With several children at the table, I want to serve small portions without the preparation holding up the party. This takes priority for around 21% of consumers.
Quantity and leftovers Choose a pack size that suits the number of people eating, and read the storage instructions. I want to have enough croissants ready, but don’t want to be left with lots going spare. This is the main consideration for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming sourdough as an ingredient means the dough was leavened with sourdough alone

    Jumbo lists both sourdough and yeast in the butter croissant it reviewed. This doesn’t mean the dough was leavened with sourdough alone.

    If the sourdough method is an important part of your choice, ask the baker which raising agents were used.

  • Confusing plant-based or gluten-free with allergen-free

    According to Jumbo’s product information, the plant-based croissant it reviewed may contain milk. The Consenza croissants sold by PLUS contain egg and soya, according to their product information, and may also contain other allergens.

    Check the allergen declaration for the exact variety. For an unwrapped croissant, ask for allergen information before buying.

  • Assuming every croissant contains baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell whether an artisan croissant contains it just from its name.

    Read the ingredients list or ask the baker which salt was used if this matters to you.

  • Comparing pack sizes alone

    A pack with enough croissants is only practical if defrosting or baking them also fits your plans. Preparation instructions vary by product.

    Count the guests and check the portions, oven space, preparation time and storage instructions before buying.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists several types of croissant online, including fresh and bake-at-home options.

  • Different pack sizes and preparation methods make it easier to compare portions.
  • Check the ingredients for each product if you’re specifically looking for a croissant made with sourdough.

Jumbo

For the bake-at-home croissants reviewed, Jumbo lists the ingredients and allergens.

  • The ingredients list for the butter croissant reviewed includes both sourdough and yeast.
  • According to Jumbo, the plant-based variety reviewed may contain milk; check the label on the pack you buy.

Lidl

Lidl has a fresh-from-the-oven range, which may vary from store to store.

  • You can check the current selection of individual bakery items in store.
  • If you have specific allergy requirements, ask for information about the product you want to buy.

ALDI

ALDI lists a fresh butter croissant sold individually.

  • Buying individual croissants lets you match the quantity to the size of your group.
  • Ask about allergens and raising agents before buying if these affect your choice.

PLUS

PLUS lists croissants with product information about their ingredients and preparation, as well as a separate gluten-free option.

  • The small butter croissant reviewed comes with preparation instructions that can help you plan for the party.
  • The gluten-free Consenza option isn’t automatically suitable for people with other allergies; check the exact label.

Dirk

Dirk lists both individual croissants and multi-packs.

  • You can choose a pack size to suit the number of guests.
  • Check the information for the product you choose, including its ingredients, allergens and raising agents.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a croissant containing sourdough made with sourdough alone?

No. Sourdough on the ingredients list doesn’t rule out the use of yeast. Jumbo lists both in the butter croissant it reviewed. If you specifically want a croissant made with sourdough alone, ask which raising agents were used.

How do I check the allergens in an unwrapped croissant?

Before buying, ask the seller for the allergen information for that exact croissant. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, consumers must be given allergen information for unpackaged products in a way other than on packaging.

Is a gluten-free croissant also suitable for people with other allergies?

Not automatically: a gluten-free label doesn’t tell you anything about all the other allergens. According to the product information, the Consenza croissants sold by PLUS contain egg and soya. Check the full allergen declaration on the exact pack.

How can I serve croissant portions practically at a children’s party?

Choose a quantity and portion size that suit your group, and only plan to bake croissants if you have time to prepare them. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small portions for treats; always check the instructions for the product you choose for the cooking time and temperature.

Does every sourdough croissant contain iodine from baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. To find out whether a specific croissant contains it, check the ingredients list or ask the baker.