Who is this choice for?

If you’re looking for a chocolate coating

You mainly want a biscuit with a recognisable layer of chocolate for your late-night snack. If the boat shape matters less, other types of biscuit are worth considering too, such as the chocolate biscuits described by Verkade and Albert Heijn.

If you love the classic boat-shaped pastry

You’re looking for a filled pastry in a boat shape, with an almond paste filling. Albert Heijn and Jumbo’s boat-shaped pastries match that description; check separately whether they have a chocolate coating.

If you check nutrition information and labels

You want to compare the amount per item with the nutritional value per 100 g, or check the ingredients and warnings on the packaging if you have an allergy.

What should you look for?

Classic boat-shaped pastry

Ideal if: you’re looking for a filled pastry with almond paste in a boat shape.

Bear in mind: don’t assume it has a chocolate coating unless this is explicitly stated.

Chocolate biscuit

Ideal if: you care more about a layer of chocolate than the boat shape.

Bear in mind: a spritz biscuit or chocolate biscuit won’t automatically have the almond paste filling of a boat-shaped pastry.

What to consider What to check before you buy Who it matters to
Chocolate coating Check whether the description explicitly mentions a layer of chocolate or a dipped biscuit; also check whether the product is a boat-shaped pastry. I mainly want chocolate on my biscuit and am happy with a different shape. For around 30% of consumers, the chocolate coating is the top priority.
Boat shape and almond paste Check the product type and filling; if you’re comparing classic boat-shaped pastries, you may also want to compare the stated almond paste content. If I choose a boat-shaped pastry, I want a filled pastry, not just something sweet. The classic boat-shaped pastry is also the top choice for around 30% of consumers.
Amount per snack Compare the nutritional value per 100 g, then check the weight of the portion you plan to have. Late at night, I want to know how much I’ll actually eat from a pack. A clearly defined portion is the first consideration for around 20% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Check the current ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any may-contain warnings on the packaging. If I have an allergy, I need to know whether this particular product is suitable for me. For around 20% of consumers, checking the label is the top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming every boat-shaped pastry is covered in chocolate

    Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe their boat-shaped pastries as filled pastries with almond paste. The chocolate products described by Verkade and Albert Heijn are different types of biscuit.

    If you specifically want a chocolate-coated boat-shaped pastry, check for both the boat shape and chocolate coating in the product description and on the packaging.

  • Comparing nutritional values per item only

    The weight of an individual item or portion can vary between products. Albert Heijn lists a 45 g portion for its boat-shaped pastry, while Jumbo lists a 55 g portion for its version.

    First compare products per 100 g, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends, then consider how much you want to eat.

  • Relying on familiar packaging if you have an allergy

    Ingredients and warnings can differ between biscuits and varieties. That’s why information from a previous product doesn’t replace the label on the pack you’re buying.

    Always check the current ingredients, highlighted allergens and any may-contain warnings on that packaging.

  • Assuming a product listing guarantees it’s in stock

    A product page may show the ingredients without confirming that the item is currently available online or in a shop. Jumbo stated that Aviateur Gevulde Kano’s was no longer part of its online range.

    Check current availability with the shop you plan to order from.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

The own-brand range includes a classic butter boat-shaped pastry with almond paste.

  • Albert Heijn states that this variety contains 41% almond paste and has a 45 g portion.
  • The product description doesn’t mention a chocolate coating. Check the current packaging for ingredients and nutritional information.

Jumbo

The own-brand range offers a butter boat-shaped pastry with almond paste as a classic filled treat.

  • Jumbo states that this variety contains 38% almond paste and has a 55 g portion.
  • The product description doesn’t confirm a chocolate coating; if you have an allergy, check the packaging for your chosen variety too.

Heerlijck Banket

ALDI’s own brand is worth considering if you’re looking for a classic pastry in a boat shape.

  • ALDI lists a 330 g pack of these boat-shaped pastries.
  • The description doesn’t confirm a chocolate coating. Check current availability in store when you buy.

Aviateur

A brand of filled boat-shaped pastries for anyone who wants the almond paste filling to take centre stage.

  • Jumbo stated that Aviateur Gevulde Kano’s contained 46% almond paste filling and weighed 47 g each.
  • Jumbo said this variety was no longer part of its online range, so don’t assume it’s currently available.

Verkade

An alternative if chocolate on a biscuit matters more to you than a boat-shaped pastry with almond paste.

  • Verkade says Nobo Sprits Melk has a milk chocolate layer; Albert Heijn describes Nizza Kokos Melkchocolade as coconut biscuits dipped in milk chocolate.
  • These spritz and coconut biscuits aren’t boat-shaped pastries. Check the ingredients and allergens for the variety you choose.

Chocolate snacks at Joybuy

These biscuits and wafer snacks are for anyone considering something other than a classic boat-shaped pastry for a late-night craving. Only assume a product has a chocolate coating if its description explicitly says so; check the packaging if a chocolate coating is essential.

Sarelle hazelnut wafer with milk chocolate coating, 33 g

Sarelle hazelnut wafer with milk chocolate coating, 33 g

An option if you’re mainly looking for a chocolate-coated snack and are happy to skip the boat shape. The name describes a 33 g hazelnut wafer; it isn’t a boat-shaped pastry with almond paste.

If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and warnings on the current packaging.

View at Joybuy
Glico Pocky Cookie Bar Chocolate Flavor, 47 g IN

Glico Pocky Cookie Bar Chocolate Flavor, 47 g IN

A biscuit alternative if chocolate matters more to you than a boat-shaped pastry with almond paste. The product name states that it’s chocolate-flavoured and comes in a 47 g pack; check the packaging if you specifically want a chocolate coating.

View at Joybuy
LU Scholiertje milk chocolate biscuits, 150 g

LU Scholiertje milk chocolate biscuits, 150 g

For anyone considering milk chocolate biscuits instead of a filled boat-shaped pastry. The product name states that it comes in a 150 g pack; decide how many biscuits you want and check the label for the nutritional value per portion.

View at Joybuy
Kahve Dunyasi Gofrik Pistachio Paste Milk Chocolate, 10 × 12,5 g

Kahve Dunyasi Gofrik Pistachio Paste Milk Chocolate, 10 × 12,5 g

Another option if you’re looking for a milk chocolate snack and don’t need a boat-shaped pastry. The product name mentions pistachio paste and ten 12,5 g pieces; check the current packaging for the exact ingredients, nutritional value and allergens.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are classic boat-shaped pastries covered in chocolate too?

Don’t assume so: the descriptions of boat-shaped pastries from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and ALDI don’t confirm a chocolate coating. Verkade does mention a milk chocolate layer on Nobo Sprits Melk, but that’s a spritz biscuit, not a boat-shaped pastry. If a product promises both, check the exact description and packaging.

How should I compare a boat-shaped pastry with a chocolate biscuit for a late-night snack?

First compare the nutritional value per 100 g, then consider how much you actually want to eat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing products per 100 g because portion sizes can vary by manufacturer; the label can then help you assess a portion.

What should I look out for if I have an allergy?

For your chosen boat-shaped pastry or chocolate biscuit, check the current ingredients, highlighted allergens and any may-contain warnings on the packaging. Ingredients vary by product, so a previous purchase or the product type alone isn’t a reliable substitute.

How should I store an opened pack of boat-shaped pastries?

Follow the storage instructions for the variety you buy. Albert Heijn says its butter boat-shaped pastries should be kept in a cool, dry place and stored in a sealed tin after opening; instructions may differ for other products.