Who is this relevant to?

Anyone looking for a strictly sugar-free snack

If sugar-free is a must for you, don’t rely on the name or size of a currant bun. The varieties reviewed from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS all list sugars in their nutritional information.

Sporty shoppers comparing added sugars

You’re looking for a bread-based snack to take with you, but you distinguish between added sugars and total sugars. Check both figures for the same product, and look at the ingredients too.

Anyone keeping an eye on portion size and fibre

You want to take a currant bun with you for the morning or around your workout. A smaller size may suit your preferred portion; compare the fibre and sugar figures on the label before weighing up different varieties.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by asking yourself whether sugar-free is a must. If it isn’t, compare nutritional information on a like-for-like basis, then decide what portion you want to take with you.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important for?
Strictly sugar-free Check total sugars per 100 g and per bun. Assess any claim on the label of the specific product. If you’re looking exclusively for a sugar-free snack, you won’t want to rely on a standard currant bun that still contains sugars; this is the top priority for around 30% of consumers.
Added sugars and fibre Compare total and added sugars, as well as fibre, per 100 g; also check the ingredients list. I mainly want to limit added sugars and take fibre into account, without calling a currant bun sugar-free as a result. This is the main consideration for around 40% of consumers.
Portion size and portability Check the amount per bun, the number of buns in the pack and the storage instructions. For when I’m out and about, I want a portion that’s easy to carry and store; around 30% of consumers prioritise this when choosing.

The difference between total and added sugars matters when it comes to currant buns. For the raisin currant bun reviewed, Albert Heijn lists 25 g of total sugars and 2.2 g of added sugars per 100 g. For its Krentenbollen Lekker Lang Lekker, PLUS lists 25.5 g and 1.61 g per 100 g respectively. So a lower figure for added sugars doesn’t tell you whether a product is sugar-free.

Always compare the same quantity too. According to PLUS, the mini currant and raisin buns reviewed contain 25.4 g of sugars per 100 g. A smaller bun changes the portion you eat, but the word ‘mini’ doesn’t in itself tell you anything about the sugar content per 100 g. If you’re putting one in your gym bag, also check the storage instructions and allergen information on the packaging.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing low added sugar with sugar-free

    The Albert Heijn and PLUS currant buns reviewed list considerably more total sugars than added sugars. According to the European Union, a nutrition claim can only be used if the product meets the official definition and conditions.

    Check both sugar figures per 100 g, and verify any claim on the packaging of the product you buy.

  • Assuming a mini or wholemeal bun is a lower-sugar choice

    PLUS lists 25.4 g of sugars per 100 g for its mini currant and raisin buns. Size and the word ‘wholemeal’ don’t, on their own, tell you how much sugar a product contains.

    Compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then use the stated portion size to work out how much you’ll get from each bun you eat.

  • Skipping the label on a product you know and trust

    The Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS currant buns reviewed list wheat or gluten and milk among their allergens. Ingredients and recipes can change.

    When you buy, check the current ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack.

Brands compared

The product details below apply to the specific varieties mentioned, not a brand’s entire range.

Albert Heijn

The AH Rozijnen krentenbollen reviewed are a useful example for comparing total and added sugars.

  • Albert Heijn lists 25 g of sugars, 2.2 g of added sugars and 2.9 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • This variety isn’t sugar-free; if you’re considering an alternative, check the current packaging and nutritional information.

Jumbo

The Jumbo Rozijnen Krentenbollen reviewed are sold in packs of six.

  • Jumbo lists 24.0 g of sugars and 2.8 g of fibre per 100 g; a 65 g bun contains 15.6 g of sugars.
  • The ingredients include raisins, currants and dextrose. This variety isn’t suitable if you’re looking for a strictly sugar-free option.

PLUS

PLUS provides product information for currant and raisin buns in different sizes, including a mini variety.

  • For Krentenbollen Lekker Lang Lekker, PLUS lists 25.5 g of sugars and 3.3 g of fibre per 100 g; the mini variety reviewed lists 25.4 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • A smaller size doesn’t automatically mean less sugar per 100 g. Check the allergens for the variety you choose too.

ALDI

ALDI Netherlands lists raisin currant buns in a pack of six.

  • The stated number of buns can help you plan portions.
  • If you’re choosing based on sugars, fibre or allergens, check the nutritional information and ingredients on the packaging.

Lidl

Lidl Netherlands lists currant buns in packs of six, as well as a separate product containing mini wholemeal raisin buns.

  • The product names make it clear that the standard currant buns are different from the separate raisin bun variety.
  • Don’t infer the sugar content from ‘mini’ or ‘wholemeal’; check the nutritional information for the specific product.

Products at Joybuy

Matching products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are standard currant buns sugar-free?

The standard currant buns reviewed aren’t: Jumbo lists 24.0 g of sugars per 100 g, Albert Heijn lists 25 g, and the PLUS varieties reviewed contain 25.4 to 25.7 g. For any other variety, check the current label rather than treating the product name as proof.

Is low added sugar the same as sugar-free?

No. For the raisin currant bun reviewed, Albert Heijn lists 2.2 g of added sugars alongside 25 g of total sugars per 100 g. Compare the two figures separately when choosing products.

What should I check before putting a currant bun in my gym bag?

Check the portion size, sugars per bun and per 100 g, ingredients, allergens and storage instructions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 15.9 g of sugars and 2 g of fibre for a 50 g currant bun; use the figures for the product you’ll actually be taking with you when making your choice.

Can I choose a currant bun if I have a gluten or milk allergy?

Don’t assume it’s suitable without checking the specific label. The Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS varieties reviewed list wheat or gluten and milk; also check the current packaging for any warnings about traces.

Does every Dutch currant bun contain iodised baker’s salt?

You can’t assume this is the case for every currant bun. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes the conditions under which iodine may be present in bakery products via baker’s salt. If this matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for the specific product.