Who is the sugar claim important to?

Parents with a strict sugar limit

If a treat really needs to be sugar-free, ‘less sweet’ isn’t enough. The Dutch Nutrition Centre lists 15.9 g of sugars for a 50 g currant bun, so check the value per 100 g for the product you plan to hand out.

Organisers looking to avoid added sugars

At an Easter egg hunt, sugars from raisins and currants may be acceptable, while added sugars are not. If so, check the exact claim, the ingredients list and the information about naturally occurring sugars.

People handing out treats who are mindful of portions and allergens

When handing out treats to children, the size of the bun and the allergens listed on the current packaging matter too. Jumbo lists wheat and milk, among other allergens, for its Raisin and Currant Buns; don’t assume other varieties have the same ingredients.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether ‘sugar-free’ is a strict requirement or whether you simply want to avoid added sugars. Only then is it worth comparing portion sizes and how easy the buns are to hand out.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Strictly sugar-free Check the sugars per 100 g. Under EU Regulation 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim is permitted only for products containing no more than 0.5 g per 100 g. If the treat really needs to be sugar-free, I don’t want to rely on a product name or a less sweet taste; for around 44% of consumers, this strict requirement would come first.
No added sugars Read the exact claim, the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ line. Sugars from raisins and currants may still be present. I want to avoid added sugars, but naturally occurring sugars from dried fruit aren’t a concern for me; for around 33% of consumers, this would be the main priority.
Portions and allergens Check the portion size, ingredients and allergens on the packaging of the product you’re actually buying. When handing them out, I want to know which bun each child will get and what allergens it contains; for around 23% of consumers, this practical check would matter most.

Common mistakes

  • Treating ‘sugar-free’ and ‘no added sugars’ as the same thing

    A currant bun with no added sugars may still contain sugars from raisins and currants. Under EU Regulation 1924/2006, ‘sugar-free’ has a separate limit of no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

    Decide in advance which claim you need, then check both the ingredients and the nutritional information for the product you choose.

  • Calling an ordinary currant bun sugar-free without checking

    The Dutch Nutrition Centre lists 15.9 g of sugars for a 50 g currant bun. This figure doesn’t apply to every variety, but it does mean an ordinary currant bun shouldn’t automatically be considered suitable when sugar-free is a strict requirement.

    Use the value per 100 g on the specific pack to check whether the product meets that requirement.

  • Relying on an old product page for allergen information

    Recipes and product information can change. The allergens in one currant bun, such as the wheat and milk listed for Jumbo’s variety, don’t automatically apply to another bun.

    Before handing them out, read the packaging of the product you’ve bought and agree any necessary allergy arrangements with parents in advance.

Relevant brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn has an online category for currant buns and muesli buns, including an AH variety and an ‘Extra long-lasting freshness’ variety.

  • You can tell the varieties apart by name before comparing their labels.
  • Albert Heijn warns that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change; use the current packaging to guide your choice.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists Raisin and Currant Buns online in a pack of six.

  • The product information lists ingredients including raisins, currants and dextrose.
  • Don’t assume this variety has ‘no added sugars’ based on its product name; check the allergens on the packaging too.

PLUS

PLUS lists currant buns in packs of six and mini currant and raisin buns in packs of nine, among other products.

  • The mini size can make portioning easier.
  • A smaller bun doesn’t necessarily contain fewer sugars per 100 g; compare the packaging for the variety you choose.

ALDI

ALDI describes its Raisin and Currant Buns as wheat buns with raisins and currants, sold in packs of six.

  • The product name makes it clear which type of bun you’re comparing.
  • Check the ingredients and nutritional information on the specific pack to verify any sugar claim.

Lidl

Lidl lists currant buns with currants in bags of six.

  • Knowing how many buns are in a pack helps you plan how to hand them out.
  • Check the sugars per 100 g on each pack before considering these buns sugar-free.

Bolletje

Bolletje offers breakfast and snack products, among other things.

  • The product range gives you a starting point for identifying a specific item.
  • Don’t assume anything about a currant bun based on the brand name; check the label of the specific product for any sugar claim.

Joybuy products for this choice

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can a currant bun be called ‘sugar-free’?

Under EU Regulation 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim can be used when a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Check this value for the currant bun you want to buy; a search term or product title isn’t enough.

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as sugar-free?

No. A currant bun with no added sugars may still contain sugars that occur naturally in its ingredients. For a bun with raisins or currants, also check the information about naturally occurring sugars and the ‘of which sugars’ line in the nutritional information.

Can I hand out an ordinary currant bun as a sugar-free treat?

Don’t assume so without checking the label: the Dutch Nutrition Centre lists 15.9 g of sugars for a 50 g currant bun. This figure doesn’t apply to every brand or variety; check the specific bun’s sugars per 100 g.

When should I check allergens for the Easter egg hunt?

Check the allergens on the packaging of the buns you’ll actually hand out. Jumbo lists wheat and milk, among other allergens, for its Raisin and Currant Buns, while Albert Heijn notes that product information can change; agree any necessary allergy arrangements with parents in advance.