Are Pret A Manger Frozen Croissants as Good as Fresh? An Honest Review

There's something almost magical about walking past a Pret A Manger on a crisp morning, the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked croissants wafting through the door. It's the kind of smell that makes you late for work and absolutely fine with it.

So when Pret announced they were bringing that experience home with frozen bake-at-home croissants, I was intrigued but sceptical. Could a croissant from the freezer aisle of Tesco really compete with one pulled fresh from a Pret oven? I spent three weeks testing, comparing, and eating far too many croissants to bring you the definitive answer.

The Pret Frozen Croissant Range: What's Available?

Before we dive into the taste test, let's establish what's actually on offer. Pret launched their frozen croissant range in March 2021, initially as a Tesco exclusive. The range has since expanded and is now available at Sainsbury's too. Here's what you can find:

Classic All Butter Croissants

The flagship product - 6 frozen all-butter croissants ready to bake at home. These are the ones most directly comparable to what you'd get in-store.

Price: Around £3.75-£4.10 for 6 (approximately 62-68p each)

Chocolate Filled Croissants

For those who prefer their pain au chocolat, these chocolate-filled croissants offer an indulgent twist.

Price: Around £4.50 for 6 (approximately 75p each)

Almond Croissants

Rich almond paste folded into flaky croissant pastry, topped with flaked almonds.

Price: Around £4.00-£4.50 for 4 (approximately £1 each)

Vegan Croissants

Made with shea butter instead of dairy, these cater to plant-based diets.

Price: Around £3.50-£4.00 for 6

Savoury Options

Pret later expanded the range with Ham & Cheese and Mozzarella & Tomato variants, available in packs of 2.

The Butter Content Question: Here's Where It Gets Interesting

If there's one thing that separates a mediocre croissant from a great one, it's butter. Proper French-style croissants should contain at least 25% butter - it's what creates those flaky layers and that rich, indulgent taste.

Here's where I found something surprising in my research. The fresh All Butter Croissant you buy in a Pret shop contains 29% butter. The frozen version sold in supermarkets? 24% butter.

That's a 5 percentage point difference - not insignificant when it comes to pastry.

I reached out to several food scientists and pastry chefs to understand why this might be. The consensus? Frozen products often need slight recipe adjustments to survive the freezing and thawing process whilst maintaining structural integrity. A slightly lower butter content can actually help the croissant hold its shape better during home baking.

Does the 5% Difference Matter in Practice?

Yes and no. Side by side, the fresh Pret croissant has a slightly richer, more buttery taste. But the frozen version still contains significantly more butter than many supermarket own-brand offerings, which often hover around 18-20%.

Quick comparison:

• Pret Fresh (in-store): 29% butter
• Pret Frozen (supermarket): 24% butter
• Typical supermarket own-brand: 18-22% butter
• Premium artisan brands: 25-30% butter

The Taste Test: Fresh vs Frozen

I conducted this test over several weekends, buying fresh croissants from my local Pret on the same mornings I baked the frozen ones. My unofficial testing panel included my perpetually hungry partner, my neighbour who spent a year living in Paris, and my colleague who claims she can't start her day without "proper breakfast pastry."

Appearance

Fresh Pret Croissant: Golden brown, glossy finish, visible laminated layers, slightly larger than the frozen version.

Frozen (home-baked): Golden brown with decent colour development, good layer visibility, slightly more uniform in shape.

The frozen croissants come out looking genuinely impressive. If you didn't know they started frozen, you'd assume they came from a decent bakery. My Parisian neighbour gave them a reluctant nod of approval on appearance alone - high praise from someone who once told me British baguettes "make her sad."

Texture

Fresh Pret: Shatteringly crisp exterior that gives way to soft, slightly stretchy interior layers. Audible crack when you break it open.

Frozen (home-baked): Crisp exterior (though slightly less dramatic than fresh), soft interior with good layer separation. The crunch-to-softness ratio is genuinely excellent.

This is where the frozen croissants really impressed me. When baked correctly, they achieve that essential contrast between crisp outside and pillowy inside. The layers aren't quite as dramatically separated as the fresh version, but they're noticeably better than most ready-to-eat supermarket croissants.

Taste

Fresh Pret: Rich, buttery, with a slight sweetness and that distinctive yeasty depth. There's a complexity to the flavour that comes from that higher butter content.

Frozen (home-baked): Buttery and satisfying, though slightly less complex. Still tastes like a proper croissant rather than generic pastry.

Here's my honest assessment: the frozen croissants are about 85% as good as the fresh ones taste-wise. That might sound like damning with faint praise, but consider this - Pret's fresh croissants are genuinely good, often ranked among the best high-street options in taste tests. Achieving 85% of that at home, straight from your own oven, is actually impressive.

The Secret Advantage of Frozen

Here's something the fresh croissants can't compete with: that just-baked warmth.

Unless you live above a Pret and can dash downstairs the moment croissants come out of the oven, you're never getting them at their absolute peak. By the time you've bought one and walked home, it's cooled. The frozen version, baked at home, means you're eating a croissant that's genuinely fresh from the oven, filling your kitchen with that bakery smell.

My partner, previously a loyal fresh-from-Pret devotee, now prefers the frozen ones specifically for this reason. There's something deeply satisfying about a croissant that's still warm enough to make butter unnecessary because the pastry itself is practically oozing.

How to Bake Pret Frozen Croissants Perfectly

The instructions on the pack are fine, but here's my optimised method after many, many trials:

Basic Instructions (Per Pack)

• Preheat oven to 190°C (Fan 170°C) / Gas Mark 5
• Place frozen croissants on a lined baking tray, spaced well apart
• Bake for 20-22 minutes from frozen
• Do NOT defrost first

My Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use Baking Parchment, Not Greaseproof Paper

They're not the same thing. Baking parchment (silicone-coated) prevents sticking far better. Or use a silicone baking mat if you have one.

2. Give Them Space

These croissants puff up significantly. Leave at least 5cm between each one.

3. Add an Egg Wash for Extra Shine

This isn't mentioned on the pack, but brushing with beaten egg before baking gives a glossier, more bakery-style finish. Use one egg beaten with a splash of milk.

4. Check at 18 Minutes

Ovens vary. Start checking at 18 minutes - you want deep golden brown, not pale gold.

5. Let Them Cool for 3-5 Minutes

Straight from the oven, the interior is still setting. Give them a few minutes. Use this time to make coffee.

6. Don't Defrost

Seriously, bake them from frozen. Defrosting leads to soggy, collapsed croissants.

The Price Comparison: Is It Worth It?

Let's talk money, because this often decides whether a product is a one-off treat or a regular purchase.

Pret Frozen Croissants (Supermarket)

• All Butter (6 pack): £3.75-£4.10 → 62-68p each
• Chocolate (6 pack): £4.50 → 75p each
• Almond (4 pack): £4.50 → £1.12 each

Fresh Pret Croissants (In-Store)

• All Butter Croissant: £1.95
• Chocolate Croissant: £2.35
• Almond Croissant: £2.75

Supermarket Own-Brand Comparisons

• Tesco Finest Frozen Croissants (4 pack): ~£2.50 → 62p each
• Sainsbury's Taste the Difference (4 pack): ~£2.75 → 69p each
• Waitrose Essential Frozen (6 pack): ~£2.00 → 33p each

The Pret frozen croissants cost roughly a third of the price of buying fresh from a Pret shop. Even accounting for electricity to run your oven for 20 minutes, you're saving significant money - especially if you're feeding a family or hosting weekend brunch.

However, they're priced at a premium compared to supermarket own-brand frozen croissants. Whether that premium is worth it depends on how much you value that step up in quality.

Where to Buy Pret Frozen Croissants

The range is now fairly widely available across UK supermarkets:

Tesco

The original and still the best stocked. Most large Tesco stores carry the full range. Use Grocefully to compare prices at Tesco and other supermarkets.

Sainsbury's

Good availability of the All Butter and Chocolate varieties. The almond and vegan options can be harder to find.

Ocado

Available for delivery, though stock can be inconsistent.

Morrisons and ASDA

Limited availability - worth checking but don't count on finding them.

How Do They Compare to Other Frozen Croissants?

I couldn't write this review without trying some alternatives. Here's how Pret stacks up:

vs. Picard

The French frozen food specialist's croissants are excellent - arguably the best widely available frozen option. They're also the most expensive and hardest to find (Ocado only for most people). Pret comes close and is far more accessible.

vs. Waitrose

Waitrose's own-brand frozen croissants are decent for the price but noticeably less buttery and complex than Pret.

vs. Supermarket Fresh-Baked

Those warm croissants in the "fresh bakery" section of supermarkets are actually frozen ones that have been proofed and baked in-store. Pret's frozen croissants, baked at home, are generally comparable or slightly better because you control the timing.

The Vegan Croissant Question

Pret's vegan croissants use shea butter instead of dairy butter. They're fine - crispy, flaky, and pleasant - but they don't quite achieve the same richness as the dairy version. This isn't Pret's fault; it's a fundamental limitation of vegan pastry.

If you're vegan or dairy-free, these are among the better options available. If you're choosing vegan for environmental reasons despite tolerating dairy, the regular croissants are significantly better.

The Verdict: Are They as Good as Fresh?

Let me give you the straight answer: No, they're not quite as good as fresh Pret croissants.

But here's the thing - they're about 85% as good, they cost about a third of the price, and you get to eat them genuinely warm from your own oven. For most situations, that trade-off works brilliantly.

When to buy frozen:

• Weekend breakfast at home
• When you want croissants but there's no Pret nearby
• Hosting brunch for friends or family
• When you want that fresh-baked smell in your kitchen
• Budget-conscious croissant cravings

When to buy fresh:

• You're already at Pret and want one now
• You're treating yourself and money isn't the concern
• You want that absolute peak croissant experience

The frozen Pret croissants have become a regular fixture in my freezer. On Sunday mornings, when the thought of getting dressed and walking to a shop feels impossible, I can have a genuinely good croissant with my coffee in 25 minutes. That convenience, combined with the quality, makes them one of the best frozen bakery products I've tried.

Final Tips and Recommendations

1. Stock up when on offer - Tesco regularly reduces these to around £3.00
2. They last months - Check the best-before date, but frozen croissants keep well
3. Don't refreeze - Once defrosted, eat them
4. Try the chocolate ones - The filling is decent Belgian chocolate
5. Skip the savoury ones - They're fine but not worth the premium

Whether you're a Pret regular looking to save money or a frozen pastry sceptic wondering if they're worth trying, these croissants deserve a place in your shopping basket. They're not a replacement for fresh bakery croissants at their best - but they're closer than you might think, and at home, in your pyjamas, with a proper coffee? That might actually be the better experience.

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Looking for more breakfast inspiration? Browse our section or explore other available in supermarkets.croissants and breakfast bakery section or explore other Pret A Manger products available in supermarkets.*

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pret frozen croissants the same as the ones in the shop?

No, there are some differences. The fresh Pret croissants contain 29% butter, whilst the frozen supermarket version contains 24%. The recipe has been adjusted slightly to survive the freezing process whilst maintaining good texture. That said, the frozen ones are still high-quality and taste authentically buttery when baked at home. Most people find them about 85% as good as the fresh versions.

Where can I buy Pret frozen croissants UK?

Pret frozen croissants are available at Tesco and Sainsbury's stores across the UK. Tesco typically has the best selection, carrying the All Butter, Chocolate, Almond, and Vegan varieties. Sainsbury's stocks the All Butter and Chocolate versions. You can also find them on Ocado. Availability can vary by store, so larger supermarkets tend to stock more of the range.

How long do you bake Pret frozen croissants?

Bake Pret frozen croissants at 190°C (Fan 170°C) or Gas Mark 5 for 20-22 minutes directly from frozen. Do not defrost them first, as this can make them soggy. Place them on a lined baking tray with space between each croissant. They're ready when golden brown on top. For the best results, let them cool for 3-5 minutes before eating.

Are Pret croissants from Tesco any good?

Yes, the Pret croissants sold at Tesco are genuinely good quality frozen croissants. They contain 24% butter, which is higher than most supermarket own-brand options. When baked correctly, they have a crisp, flaky exterior and soft interior. They're widely considered one of the best frozen croissant options available in UK supermarkets and have become the number one selling frozen croissant brand at Tesco.

Can you eat Pret frozen croissants without baking?

No, you should not eat Pret frozen croissants without baking them first. They're sold as raw frozen dough that requires baking. Eating them uncooked would be unpleasant and potentially unsafe. Always bake according to the pack instructions at 190°C for 20-22 minutes until golden brown. Never microwave them from frozen either, as this creates a soggy texture.

What is the best frozen croissant UK?

The best widely-available frozen croissants in the UK are Pret A Manger and Picard. Pret croissants offer excellent quality at a reasonable price and are easy to find in Tesco and Sainsbury's. Picard (available via Ocado) is considered premium but more expensive and harder to access. Waitrose Taste the Difference and supermarket "Finest" ranges are also decent but typically have lower butter content than Pret.

Do Pret frozen croissants need to defrost before baking?

No, Pret frozen croissants should be baked directly from frozen. The packaging specifically states "For best quality, do not defrost." Defrosting them before baking can cause the butter layers to melt prematurely, resulting in a flat, greasy, and soggy croissant. Simply place them frozen on a lined baking tray and bake at the recommended temperature for 20-22 minutes.

How many calories in a Pret frozen croissant?

A Pret All Butter Frozen Croissant (55g each) contains approximately 230-250 calories. The Chocolate Filled Croissants are higher at around 280-300 calories per croissant due to the chocolate filling. Almond croissants are typically the highest in calories at around 300-350 calories each. These values are comparable to fresh bakery croissants of similar size.