Who is this choice relevant to?

Fibre-conscious snack shoppers

You’re looking for a currant or raisin bun for a mid-morning break that is demonstrably wholemeal, and want to be able to compare its fibre content on the label.

Shoppers who compare labels

You don’t want to rely on the product name alone. You also want to compare fibre, sugars and salt per 100 g with those in other buns.

Shoppers for whom allergens are a priority

You check the ingredients and any cross-contamination warnings before choosing a bun.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the product description: if you specifically want a wholemeal currant or raisin bun, an ordinary white version or a wholemeal bun without dried fruit won’t meet that exact requirement. Then use the nutritional information and packaging details to compare products.

What to look for What to check when buying Who should pay particular attention?
Clearly labelled wholemeal Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product description and check the ingredients; a dark colour or the word ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that it’s wholemeal. I want a currant or raisin bun with a clearly wholemeal base, rather than an ordinary white bun. This is the priority for around 42% of consumers.
Size and quantity Check the number of buns, the pack weight and the storage instructions if you want to have snacks ready to go. For a morning break on the go, I want a bun that’s easy to take with me and suits the portions I need. Around 25% of consumers prioritise portion convenience.
Nutritional information Compare fibre, of which sugars, and salt per 100 g; read the ingredients list if you want to identify sources of added sugar. If I take a bun with me regularly, I want to compare products without different portion sizes distorting the picture. This comparison is a priority for around 17% of consumers.
Allergens Read the current allergen information and any warnings about possible cross-contamination. If I have a food allergy, I want to know which ingredients and warnings are listed on the packaging before size or flavour comes into it. Checking allergens is the top priority for around 16% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘brown’ or ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’

    Those words alone don’t confirm that a currant bun is wholemeal. For example, PLUS sells wholemeal multigrain buns as well as separate currant buns described as white wheat raisin and currant buns.

    If you want a wholemeal option, first look for ‘wholemeal’ in the description of the bread product, then compare the nutritional information.

  • Relying on one wholemeal ingredient

    Albert Heijn’s mini raisin buns contain, among other ingredients, wholemeal rye flour and wholemeal wheat malt flour, but are described as white wheat buns. An ingredient further down the list doesn’t change the product description.

    Check how the bun as a whole is described, not just one ingredient.

  • Comparing sugars per bun when portions differ

    A smaller bun may contain less sugar per bun, but that doesn’t make it clear how the recipes compare.

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises comparing products per 100 g. Then check the weight of a bun if you want to work out your portion size.

  • Using an old label to check allergens

    The information on an earlier pack may not match the product you’re buying now.

    When you buy the product, check the current ingredients, allergen information and any cross-contamination warnings.

Brands and shops to consider

Lidl

Lidl lists Mini Wholemeal Raisin Buns as a shop product in a 360 g pack.

  • The product name includes both ‘wholemeal’ and ‘raisin buns’.
  • Check the nutritional information, ingredients and allergens on the packaging before comparing them with other buns.

PLUS

PLUS sells currant buns and a separate product called wholemeal multigrain buns.

  • According to PLUS’s product information, its wholemeal multigrain buns contain 45% wholemeal wheat flour and 7.8 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • These multigrain buns aren’t currant buns; PLUS currant buns are described as white wheat raisin and currant buns.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists mini raisin buns in a pack of nine.

  • The product information includes ingredients, nutritional values, allergens and storage advice.
  • The buns are described as white wheat buns, so they aren’t the explicitly wholemeal option you’re looking for here.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists ordinary raisin and currant buns with nutritional information per 100 g.

  • The published values give you a basis for comparing fibre, sugars and salt with those in other buns.
  • This standard version is described as a white wheat raisin and currant bun, not a wholemeal currant bun.

ALDI

ALDI lists raisin and currant buns, as well as separate wholemeal buns.

  • The wholemeal buns offer another option if the dried fruit doesn’t need to be in the bun itself.
  • The raisin and currant buns and wholemeal buns mentioned are separate products; don’t assume the raisin and currant buns are wholemeal.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a currant bun is wholemeal?

Look for ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging or in the product description for the currant bun itself. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour; the words ‘brown’ or ‘multigrain’ alone don’t confirm this.

Should I compare sugars and fibre per bun or per 100 g?

First compare different buns per 100 g, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, then check the weight of the portion you plan to eat. ‘Of which sugars’ includes both naturally occurring and added sugars; the ingredients list can help you identify sources of added sugar.

Can I choose a wholemeal currant bun if I need to avoid gluten?

Don’t assume that a wholemeal currant bun is gluten-free: check the current packaging for cereals containing gluten and any cross-contamination warnings. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens must be listed on the label.

Does every Dutch currant bun contain iodine from baker’s salt?

No, you can’t assume this of every currant bun. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, iodine compounds may be present in bread and other bakery products through the addition of baker’s salt containing up to 65 mg of iodine per kg of salt. Check the ingredients list on the bun you buy.