Who might find this choice relevant?

People planning a drinks spread who want to serve something sweet separately

You’re considering adding a currant bun to your savoury nibbles. The main question is whether you want to make room for a separate sweet option.

Shoppers who want to see sourdough in the ingredients

You want to check whether a currant bun or currant loaf contains sourdough, and whether baker’s yeast has also been used.

Shoppers checking nutrition information and allergens

You might compare fibre, sugars and salt, or need to know which allergens are listed. You’ll also need to check whether iodised baker’s salt is used for each product.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide what place you want a sweet bun to have alongside your drinks. If you’d like to serve one, you can then compare the recipe and the label information that matters to you.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Sweet or savoury Decide whether you want to serve a separate sweet bun alongside the savoury nibbles, or stick to savoury nibbles only. When I’m putting out savoury nibbles for guests, I don’t want a currant bun to end up among them unexpectedly. This serving choice comes first for around 44% of consumers.
Sourdough and baker’s yeast Check the ingredients list separately for sourdough or sourdough starter, and for baker’s yeast. I want to know whether the bun actually contains sourdough and whether baker’s yeast has also been used. This is the first consideration for around 33% of consumers.
Nutrition information and allergens Compare fibre per 100 g or per portion and read the allergen information; if needed, also check whether iodised baker’s salt has been used. When ingredients or nutritional values affect my choice, I want to be able to check them for the exact product. Around 23% of consumers prioritise this label information.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming sourdough means there’s no baker’s yeast

    A product can contain both. Albert Heijn lists both sourdough and baker’s yeast for AH Krent rogge; the product information for Bakkerij Miche Zuurdesem Krentenbol also lists both.

    Read the full ingredients list if the presence of baker’s yeast matters to your choice.

  • Confusing sourdough with wholemeal

    The sourdough label doesn’t tell you what flour has been used or how much fibre the product contains. These things vary from one recipe to another.

    Check the ingredients and compare fibre on the same basis, for example per 100 g.

  • Assuming every loaf contains iodised baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. So even with an artisan currant bun, you can’t tell which type of salt has been used from the product name alone.

    For packaged bread, read the ingredients list. For unpackaged bread, ask which salt has been used.

  • Putting a currant bun among the savoury nibbles

    A bun with currants or raisins plays a different role in terms of flavour from the savoury parts of a drinks spread.

    Serve it separately if you want to add something sweet; leave it out if you want to offer savoury nibbles only.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

The Albert Heijn product ranges described here include both currant buns and a currant loaf containing sourdough.

  • The product information for AH Krent rogge lists sourdough, baker’s yeast, iodised salt and allergens.
  • AH Extra Lang Lekker Rozijnen Krentenbollen is a wholemeal option, but the ingredients described don’t appear to include sourdough. Check the current packaging when you buy it.

Jumbo

The Jumbo Rozijnen Krentenbollen described here are standard raisin and currant buns, sold in a pack of six.

  • The product information lists ingredients, allergens and nutritional values.
  • Sourdough doesn’t appear in the ingredients described. Check the packaging if sourdough is a requirement for you.

Bakkerij Miche

The sourdough currant bun described here is a frozen product that needs to be baked before serving.

  • The product information at Chef Centraal lists a sourdough starter, currants and raisins.
  • The same product information also lists baker’s yeast and wheat, and warns that it may contain traces of nuts and seeds. Follow the storage instructions for this frozen product.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are sourdough currant buns always made without baker’s yeast?

No. The product information for AH Krent rogge and Bakkerij Miche Zuurdesem Krentenbol lists baker’s yeast as well as sourdough. Check the ingredients list for the product you want to buy.

Do bakers in the Netherlands have to use iodised baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread doesn’t have to be baked with baker’s salt. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list; for an unpackaged currant bun, ask which salt has been used.

Is a standard sourdough currant bun suitable for someone with coeliac disease?

Don’t assume so: the currant buns and currant loaf described here contain wheat and/or rye. For a specific product, check its gluten-free labelling and allergen information.

How can you check allergens in an unpackaged currant bun?

Ask for the allergen information for that specific product before buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that sellers must also be able to provide information about the regulated allergens in unpackaged food.

Can you refreeze Bakkerij Miche Zuurdesem Krentenbol after it has thawed?

No. According to the product information at Chef Centraal, this variety must not be refrozen after thawing. The stated storage temperature for the frozen product is −18 °C or colder.