Shoppers looking for sugar-free products
If you want a product that is genuinely sugar-free, don’t rely on the name ‘currant bun’ or a claim about added sugars. Check the total sugars per 100 g before choosing something for Christmas dinner.
Who are these choices relevant to?
Hosts keeping an eye on added sugars
If you’d like to serve currant buns but limit added sugars, both the ingredients list and the nutrition information matter. Check how much sugar is in each bun you serve, too.
Shoppers considering fibre and portions
If fibre content, size and the number of buns are your priorities, compare these separately from the sugar content. A wholemeal currant bun isn’t automatically sugar-free.
What should you look for when choosing?
Before Christmas dinner, decide whether sugar-free is a must or whether you mainly want to limit added sugars. You can then take size and fibre into account.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar-free | Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. The Netherlands Bakery Centre states that a product must contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g to be labelled ‘sugar-free’. | If only a sugar-free product will do, I wouldn’t rely on a recipe name or a claim about added sugars. For around 46% of consumers, choosing a sugar-free product is the top priority. |
| Added sugars | Check the ingredients list for things such as sugar, dextrose and glucose syrup; also compare total sugars per 100 g. | I’d still like to serve a currant bun, but I’m mainly looking at which sweetening ingredients have been added alongside the raisins and currants. This is the main consideration for around 36% of consumers. |
| Fibre and size | Compare fibre and sugars per 100 g, as well as the size of the bun you’re serving. | For a dinner with several courses, I’d rather choose a suitable bun size and look at the fibre separately. Around 18% of consumers give this practical choice priority. |
Common mistakes
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Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’
According to the Netherlands Bakery Centre, these labels refer to different things. A product containing raisins or currants can still contain sugars from the fruit, even if no sugars have been added.
If sugar-free is your requirement, check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g rather than relying solely on the claim on the front of the pack.
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Assuming a wholemeal currant bun is automatically low in sugar
Albert Heijn lists 6.1 g of fibre and 25 g of sugars per 100 g for its AH Extra lang lekker rozijnen krentenbollen. The fibre content therefore doesn’t tell you how much sugar the bun contains.
Compare fibre and sugars as separate values on the packaging.
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Counting only the number of buns in the pack
A mini, standard or larger currant bun doesn’t represent the same portion. And for guests who need to consider ingredients or allergens, the name of the bun alone isn’t enough.
Check the size and the current ingredients and allergen information for the product you’re serving.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn provides nutrition information for both a standard currant bun and an Extra lang lekker raisin and currant bun, so you can compare the varieties separately.
- According to Albert Heijn, both varieties mentioned contain 25 g of sugars per 100 g. The standard variety lists 2.9 g of fibre, while Extra lang lekker lists 6.1 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The higher fibre content doesn’t make the Extra lang lekker variety sugar-free. Check the current packaging when you buy it.
Jumbo
Jumbo Rozijnen Krentenbollen are a useful point of comparison if you want to compare a standard currant bun with another variety.
- Jumbo lists 24.0 g of sugars, 2.8 g of fibre and 1.02 g of salt per 100 g for this product.
- The ingredients list includes dextrose, among other ingredients, so this product isn’t suitable if you’re looking for a sugar-free option.
PLUS
PLUS offers standard, mini and giant currant and raisin buns: different sizes to suit the number of guests and the portions you have in mind.
- PLUS lists packs containing six standard, nine mini and four giant buns.
- Check sugars, fibre and ingredients for the pack you choose; the size alone won’t tell you about these.
Lidl
Lidl offers mini raisin and currant buns as well as raisin and currant loaf. These are different formats for anyone looking to serve small buns or a loaf.
- The mini raisin and currant buns offer a different serving size from the raisin and currant loaf.
- Check the current labels before choosing either product based on its sugar content or ingredients.
Related products on Joybuy
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are raisin and currant buns always unsuitable for a sugar-free diet?
You can’t tell from the name alone; check the total sugars per 100 g. The Netherlands Bakery Centre states that a product must contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g to be labelled ‘sugar-free’. According to their product information, Jumbo Rozijnen Krentenbollen and the Albert Heijn varieties mentioned contain 24 to 25 g of sugars per 100 g, well above that threshold.
What’s the difference between sugar-free and no added sugars?
Sugar-free refers to the total amount of sugars, while no added sugars refers to what has been added to the product. The Netherlands Bakery Centre explains that the latter label means no sugars or other ingredients used for their sweetening properties may have been added. Sugars that occur naturally in fruit may still be present.
How should I compare portions for Christmas dinner?
First compare the values per 100 g, then check how much a bun weighs when served. This helps you avoid mistaking a smaller portion for a lower sugar content per 100 g. If you’re serving mini buns, also consider how many you’ll serve per person.
Can I buy currant buns in advance and freeze them?
It depends on the pack you choose. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the AH currant buns mentioned can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within a month. For other products, follow the instructions on the packaging.