Who is this choice relevant to?

Families who want to check the wholemeal base

For anyone looking for a currant or raisin bun for a school lunch who wants to check the grain base in the product description and ingredients list.

Households with rules about allergens

For anyone who needs to check which allergens a bun contains before packing it, and whether a relevant ‘may contain’ statement or school rule applies.

Families who prepare lunches in advance

For anyone who wants to factor in storage instructions and whether the buns can be frozen at home when shopping for school days.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check whether the bun is wholemeal. Then check the current packaging for anything else that matters to the pupil and their school lunch.

What to look for What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal base and fibre Read the product description and ingredients, and compare fibre per 100 g. Albert Heijn lists 6.1 g of fibre per 100 g for its Extra lang lekker raisin and currant buns. I want to know whether the bun really has a wholemeal base, rather than judging by the currants or raisins. This check is the deciding factor for around 36% of consumers.
Allergens and school rules Read the current ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements, and check what rules apply to lunches at school. If allergens are a concern, I want to compare the packaging with the rules that apply to the pupil. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Storage and taking them along Check the storage instructions and whether the packaging says they can be frozen at home. Albert Heijn recommends freezing its wholemeal variety on the day of purchase. I like to prepare lunches in advance and want to know how to store the buns according to the packaging. This is the main consideration for around 21% of consumers.
Sweetness and portion size Compare sugars per 100 g and the portion size. The Albert Heijn variety mentioned lists 25 g of sugars per 100 g and a 75 g portion. When packing lunch, I want to tailor the portion to the rest of the meal. Around 14% of consumers put this consideration first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming every currant or raisin bun is wholemeal

    The name doesn’t tell you which grain base has been used. Jumbo describes its standard Rozijnen Krentenbollen as white wheat buns and lists 2.8 g of fibre per 100 g; Albert Heijn lists 6.1 g per 100 g for the wholemeal variety mentioned above.

    Check the product description and ingredients, and compare fibre on the same basis: per 100 g.

  • Overlooking allergens in a wholemeal bun

    The Albert Heijn currant buns mentioned above contain, among other things, wheat, rye and milk. A wholemeal base doesn’t make a product suitable for every set of allergen requirements.

    Read the allergen statement on the packaging you buy, including any ‘may contain’ statement, and take school rules into account.

  • Assuming a product listing guarantees stock

    Lidl describes its Mini wholemeal raisin buns as an in-store product. A listing for a particular variety doesn’t, by itself, mean it will be available when you visit.

    Check availability at your chosen shop and read the label on the pack there.

  • Looking only at ‘wholemeal’ when putting lunch together

    According to the label, the wholemeal currant buns from Albert Heijn mentioned above contain 25 g of sugars per 100 g; the stated portion is 75 g. So the grain base alone doesn’t tell you what’s in a portion.

    Check the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion, and adjust the amount you pack to suit the rest of the lunch.

Brands and product ranges to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn describes its Extra lang lekker raisin and currant buns as wholemeal wheat and rye buns, containing 30% raisins and 5% currants.

  • The product label lists ingredients, allergens, portion size and 6.1 g of fibre per 100 g, among other information.
  • The buns contain, among other things, gluten-containing cereals and milk. Check the current packaging if you need to follow allergen requirements.

Lidl

Lidl lists a 360 g pack of Mini wholemeal raisin buns.

  • The product name states ‘wholemeal’, and the buns are mini-sized.
  • Before choosing this variety, check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the physical packaging.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes its standard Rozijnen Krentenbollen as white wheat buns with raisins and currants.

  • For this standard variety, Jumbo provides ingredients, allergen information and nutritional values.
  • With 2.8 g of fibre per 100 g and a white wheat base, this variety isn’t the same choice as a wholemeal currant bun.

A wholemeal alternative without currants

If you’re also considering bread without currants or raisins for a school lunch, you could look at this Bolletje variety. Before choosing it as an alternative, check the product format and wholemeal base on the packaging.

Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g pack

Bolletje Rye Bread Bun 500 g

An option if bread without currants or raisins is also on the table. The product name states that it comes in a 500 g pack. Check the packaging to see whether it contains buns or sliced rye bread, whether the ingredients are wholemeal and which allergens are listed.

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Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a currant bun is wholemeal?

Read the product description and ingredients list, then compare fibre per 100 g. Albert Heijn describes the Extra lang lekker variety mentioned above as wholemeal wheat and rye buns; Jumbo describes its standard Rozijnen Krentenbollen as white wheat buns.

Does a wholemeal currant bun contain gluten?

The wholemeal currant buns from Albert Heijn mentioned above contain gluten-containing cereals, including wheat and rye. Don’t rely on the product category: if you need to follow allergen requirements, always read the statement on the current packaging.

Should I read the label again if I buy the same buns?

Yes, especially when ingredients or allergens affect your choice. Albert Heijn says that product information can change, so check the packaging of the product you’re actually taking home.

How can I tell whether a currant bun contains iodised salt?

Check the ingredients list on the pack in question. The Albert Heijn variety mentioned above lists iodised salt, but that doesn’t mean every currant bun contains it.