Who is this choice for?

Cyclists with a strict sugar-free requirement

What matters to you is the total amount of sugars, not just those added during preparation. Check the value per 100 g before choosing a currant bun for a bike ride.

Cyclists planning a long, intense ride

You’ll want to know how many carbohydrates you’ll get in a portion and whether a bun is practical to eat on the go. When you eat and what you drink also play a part.

Cyclists who eat currant buns for breakfast

You’re more likely to compare products based on added sugars, fibre and whether they’re labelled wholemeal. That’s a different consideration from looking for a sugar-free product.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide whether sugar-free is a strict requirement or whether you’re choosing a currant bun for a particular mealtime around your ride. Then compare products per 100 g and check what’s in your own portion.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Strictly sugar-free Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says a product labelled sugar-free must contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. If I only want a sugar-free product, a low amount of added sugar isn’t enough: sugars from currants and raisins count too. This strict requirement is said to be a priority for around 33% of consumers.
Carbohydrates for a long ride Compare carbohydrates per 100 g and per portion; check whether the portion and packaging are suitable for eating on the go. For a long, intense ride, I want to estimate how many carbohydrates I’m taking with me without relying solely on the product name. This need is said to be the most important one for around 27% of consumers.
Timing and portion size Check the size of the bun and the nutritional information per portion, including fibre and fat. Just before setting off, I don’t want to choose a portion that leaves me feeling uncomfortable; what works for breakfast may not be practical on the go. Around 20% of consumers are said to focus mainly on this.
Everyday choice Compare total and added sugars, fibre and any wholemeal claims per 100 g. If I mainly eat a currant bun for breakfast or as a snack, I want to compare the nutritional information without mistaking ‘less added sugar’ for ‘sugar-free’. This is said to be the main consideration for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes when comparing

  • Assuming ‘no added sugars’ means ‘sugar-free’

    According to PLUS, its currant buns contain 1.59 g of added sugars but 25.2 g of total sugars per 100 g. The two figures therefore answer different questions.

    If sugar-free is a strict requirement, check the total sugars per 100 g first. Then use the added-sugars information to compare products further.

  • Fueling every bike ride in the same way

    On a long, intense ride, your carbohydrate needs while cycling may differ from those on a short or leisurely ride. A currant bun is only practical if you can eat it at the time you’ve planned.

    Choose your portion and when you eat it to suit your ride, and try solid food during a regular training session first.

  • Comparing only the values per bun

    Buns can vary in weight. So a value per bun, without knowing its weight, tells you little about the difference between two products.

    Compare nutritional values per 100 g first, then check the amount you actually plan to eat.

  • Guessing ingredients or allergens from the product name

    The name ‘currant bun’ doesn’t tell you which ingredients or allergens are in a particular variety, or what type of salt has been used.

    When buying, read the current ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging. Check there too for any mention of iodised salt.

Brands to compare

These brands offer options for comparing specific currant and raisin buns; the nutritional values of one variety don’t automatically apply to other products from the same brand.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn sells currant and raisin buns.

  • For its AH Raisin Currant Buns, Albert Heijn lists 25 g of total sugars and 2.2 g of added sugars per 100 g.
  • With 25 g of sugars per 100 g, this listed variety doesn’t meet the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s threshold for a sugar-free product.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s range information includes regular raisin currant buns.

  • For its regular variety, Jumbo lists 54.1 g of carbohydrates, 24.0 g of sugars and 2.8 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Based on its sugar content, the regular variety isn’t a sugar-free choice; check the packaging again if you’re considering a different variety.

PLUS

PLUS offers currant and raisin buns in different sizes.

  • For its standard currant buns, PLUS lists 25.2 g of total sugars and 1.59 g of added sugars per 100 g.
  • This standard variety isn’t sugar-free; check the nutritional information separately if you’re considering a different size.

Lidl

Lidl describes its currant buns as a product sold in a pack of six.

  • Lidl’s product description makes clear what type of bun it is and how it’s packaged.
  • If you need a strictly sugar-free option, check the sugar value per 100 g on the current packaging.

ALDI

ALDI describes a pack containing six raisin currant buns.

  • ALDI’s product description refers to wheat buns with raisins and currants.
  • Check the nutritional information and ingredients on the packaging before deciding whether this variety meets your sugar requirements.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can a product be called sugar-free?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a product labelled sugar-free must contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. So for a currant bun, compare the total sugars per 100 g, not just the added sugars.

Does ‘no added sugars’ also mean sugar-free?

No. Sugars naturally present in ingredients such as raisins and currants count towards the total sugar value. If sugar-free is a deciding factor for you, check the nutritional information per 100 g.

Can I eat a regular currant bun while cycling?

A regular currant bun may be an option if you want to eat carbohydrates during a long, intense ride and find a bun practical to eat on the go. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says carbohydrate intake during endurance exercise lasting 1 to 2.5 hours may be helpful; compare the carbohydrates per portion and try eating while cycling beforehand to see if it works for you.

When should I eat before a bike ride?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends having a meal with a drink around two to three hours before exercise. If you eat something shortly before setting off, consider the portion size and what feels comfortable for you just before exercising.

Does a currant bun always contain iodine?

You can’t tell from the name currant bun. Check the current ingredients list for the specific product to see whether iodised salt is mentioned.