If you need a strictly sugar-free option, don’t assume an ordinary currant bun will fit the bill: under EU Regulation 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim is only permitted when a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g, while the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 15.9 g of sugars for an average 50 g currant bun. If ordinary currant buns are suitable for you, compare the price per bun for similar-sized products and check the nutrition information and allergens. If you need to stick to the strict limit, look for another breakfast option whose label meets it.
The label determines whether a product is suitable for you at all. The EU sets a limit for products making the ‘sugar-free’ claim, and the sugar content listed by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre for an average currant bun is nowhere near that limit. So don’t rely on a product simply having no added sugar.
If sugar-free isn’t a strict requirement, compare packs by price per bun. For different-sized buns, check the weight too, and look at the ingredients and allergens in the variant you choose.
Whether you’re having breakfast at home or on the go, consider how many buns are in each pack, the size of each bun and the storage instructions. Compare sugars per 100 g, then use the portion size to work out what one bun means for your choice.
First decide whether ‘sugar-free’ is an absolute requirement. Comparing price, portions and storage only makes sense if ordinary currant buns are also an option for you.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly sugar-free | Check for the ‘sugar-free’ claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. The EU limit for this claim is no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. | If I really want a sugar-free product, ‘no added sugar’ alone isn’t enough to make me choose a currant bun. Around 50% of consumers put this strict product requirement first. |
| Price per portion | Compare the price per bun and the number of buns. If the buns are different sizes, use their weight as a point of comparison too. | If ordinary currant buns are suitable for me, I want to know how much a similar-sized bun costs per eating occasion. This matters most to around 30% of consumers. |
| Portions and storage | Check the portion size, ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g, allergens and storage instructions for the pack you choose. | If I’m buying several breakfast portions, I want to be able to store them and work out in advance what one bun means for my choice. Planning comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
Currants and raisins contain sugars too. Under EU Regulation 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim can only be used when a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 15.9 g of sugars for an average 50 g currant bun.
If you have a strict requirement, check both the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. Choose another breakfast option if the currant bun doesn’t meet your requirement.
A bag with a different number or size of buns doesn’t give you a direct per-portion comparison. A large bun and a standard bun aren’t automatically equivalent portions.
Compare the price per bun for similar-sized products, and check the weight if the buns are different sizes. Check the price when you buy.
For the PLUS variants described, wheat, rye and milk are among the allergens to check. The ingredients in the pack you buy are what matter.
If you have an allergy or intolerance, read the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact variant before buying.
For its pack of eight currant buns, PLUS says you can freeze them at home on the day of purchase and should use them within one month.
Only choose the larger pack if this storage method suits your plans. For other variants, follow the instructions on the pack.
Check the details of each brand’s specific pack: the number of buns, nutrition information and storage instructions can vary between variants.
PLUS sells regular currant buns as well as a longer-life variant in a pack of eight.
ALDI sells a pack of six raisin currant buns.
Albert Heijn offers several raisin currant buns, including variants in larger packs.
Jumbo sells a pack of six white wheat buns with raisins and currants.
Lidl lists currant buns in its fresh oven-baked bread section.
Under EU Regulation 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim is only permitted if a food contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. For a currant bun, check the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g on the pack you choose.
Don’t assume it can: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 15.9 g of sugars for an average 50 g currant bun. Check the label of the specific variant, and choose another breakfast option if it doesn’t meet your requirement.
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says the use of baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. If this matters to you, check the label or ask the baker.
For its pack of eight, PLUS says you can freeze the currant buns at home on the day of purchase and should use them within one month. For other packs, follow their own storage instructions.
