For New Year’s Eve, choose a currant bun explicitly described as a sourdough product if that’s a deciding factor for you. If you’re buying individual buns, check the allergen information too. For a larger gathering, a frozen bake-at-home option could work well, provided you have enough freezer space and time to defrost it. A packaged supermarket option is handy to buy in advance, but don’t assume it’s sourdough unless this is clearly stated for the exact product.
Want to serve individual currant buns on New Year’s Eve, and is sourdough an important part of your choice? Check the exact product name or ingredients. For example, Made by Ellen describes its currant bun as ‘100% sourdough’, while Bakkerij Miche lists sourdough starter in its product information.
When catering for several guests, consider the number of buns, how much freezer space you have and when you’ll be serving them. A bake-at-home product calls for a different plan from packaged buns that you buy earlier and freeze at home.
If ingredients or allergens matter to you, assess the exact product rather than relying on the shop or the name ‘currant bun’. Check the current label on packaged buns, and ask for allergen information before buying loose buns.
First decide whether an explicit sourdough label is essential. Then choose a format that suits the number of guests and when you want to serve the buns.
A good fit if: you want to serve individual buns and are looking for an explicit sourdough label, as with Made by Ellen’s currant bun.
Bear in mind: collection options around New Year’s Eve, and ask about allergens before buying an unpackaged bun.
A good fit if: you want to bake buns for a larger group; the Bakkerij Miche product reviewed is sold in packs of 40.
Bear in mind: freezer space, allowing the buns to defrost fully and having enough oven space. According to supplier Chef Centraal, this product must not be refrozen after defrosting.
A good fit if: you want to buy a pack in advance and can match the number of buns to your guests.
Bear in mind: the ingredients in the exact product. The Jumbo, PLUS and Albert Heijn products reviewed list baker’s yeast; their product information does not confirm a sourdough version.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough label | Check the product name and ingredients for the exact bun to see whether it explicitly mentions sourdough or sourdough starter. | If I’m choosing a sourdough currant bun for the festive table, I want to be able to base that choice on the product information. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Group size and serving time | Compare the number of buns with your guest list, and read the instructions for freezing, defrosting or baking. | When I’m hosting several guests, I want to have enough buns ready without having to change my oven schedule at the last minute. This is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current label; ask about allergen information before buying unpackaged buns. | If I need to account for allergens, I need to know what’s in the exact bun before I buy it. Around 21% of consumers give this check top priority. |
| Convenience of packaged buns | Check the pack size and storage advice for the option you’ve chosen. | If I want to pick up the buns easily in advance, I’m mainly looking for a suitable pack that I can store until the celebration. Convenience is the biggest consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
The name ‘currant bun’ and the way it’s presented don’t tell you which raising agent is used in the exact product. The supermarket products from Jumbo, PLUS and Albert Heijn that we reviewed list baker’s yeast.
Look for an explicit mention in the product name or ingredients, such as ‘100% sourdough’ for Made by Ellen or sourdough starter for the Bakkerij Miche product reviewed.
The number of buns isn’t the only thing to consider: a frozen product also needs to fit in your freezer and be ready for the oven in time.
First, count your guests and decide when you’ll be serving the buns. Then choose a pack size and check the storage or baking instructions to make sure they suit your plans.
Ingredients and potential allergens vary by product. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for unpackaged food must also be available before purchase.
Ask the baker for allergen information about the exact bun if it isn’t displayed; check the current label on pre-packed buns.
The mention of ‘iodised salt’ in the ingredients for one Albert Heijn product reviewed does not tell you anything about currant buns from other suppliers.
Check the ingredients list for the product you’re actually buying, rather than assuming which salt has been used based on the product category.
The differences below relate to the specific products or product ranges mentioned, not a supplier’s entire range.
An individual currant bun with the explicit product name ‘Currant bun, 100% sourdough’.
A frozen currant bun made with sourdough starter, sold in a pack of 40.
A pack of six packaged raisin and currant buns.
A packaged version of currant buns in a bag of eight.
A packaged raisin and currant bun version reviewed, with a specified ingredients list.
No. Check the exact product name and ingredients: Made by Ellen calls its product ‘100% sourdough’, while the Bakkerij Miche product reviewed lists sourdough starter. The Jumbo, PLUS and Albert Heijn currant buns reviewed list baker’s yeast.
For an unopened pack, follow the use-by date and storage instructions on the label. For an opened pack of currant buns, Voedingscentrum recommends two to four days in a kitchen cupboard and one to three months in the freezer. For a specific frozen or bake-at-home product, also check the supplier’s instructions.
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for unpackaged food must be available before purchase, for example in writing or verbally. Ask for information about the exact bun you want to buy.
You can’t tell from the name ‘currant bun’. The Albert Heijn version reviewed lists iodised salt, but check the ingredients list for any other version.
For the Bakkerij Miche product reviewed, supplier Chef Centraal recommends defrosting it fully first, then baking it for five to seven minutes at 180 °C. The same supplier says you can also bake it straight from frozen, but it will take longer; follow the instructions for your exact product.
