Hosts who want to be able to point out the Fairtrade label
You want to see whether Fairtrade or Fairtrade cocoa is mentioned on the packaging of your chosen snack, rather than infer it from the brand or type of product.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Hosts with guests who have allergies
You’re putting together a platter for several guests and need to check the ingredients and any possible traces listed on the label for each product.
Kano pastry fans who also want Fairtrade cocoa
You want to keep the almond bake on the table, but are happy to serve chocolate as well, with a Fairtrade label on that individual product.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether kano pastries are a must for your game night. If the Fairtrade label is the deciding factor, check it on the exact chocolate product you want to serve alongside them or instead.
Kano pastries with separate Fairtrade chocolate
When: choose this combination if you want to keep the almond bake and also serve chocolate with an explicit Fairtrade label.
Trade-off: you’ll be serving two different products, so you’ll need to check the ingredients and allergens for each one separately.
Fairtrade chocolate only
When: choose a bar with an explicit Fairtrade label if that matters more to you than serving kano pastries.
Trade-off: a chocolate bar won’t have the taste and texture of filled almond pastries; you’ll also need to check chocolate for allergens.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade label | Look for the label on the packaging of the exact product; don’t assume a brand claim also applies to kano pastries. | I want to be able to point out which snack is labelled as containing Fairtrade cocoa. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Allergens | For each product, read both the ingredients and the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements. | If a guest has an allergy, I need to know which snacks are suitable for them. This check is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Taste and sharing | Choose between filled almond pastries and chocolate, or decide whether you’d like to serve both. | I want to serve something that suits the group’s tastes and is easy to share. This is the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Quantity and leftovers | Compare the pack size with the number of guests, especially if you’re choosing two types of snack. | For a small group, I don’t want to open more than I need. Around 14% of consumers prioritise getting the quantity right. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a brand’s Fairtrade claim applies to every kano pastry
In 2022, Fairtrade Nederland reported that Verkade chocolate bars and biscuits contain Fairtrade cocoa. This does not confirm the label for a different, separate product: the product information provided for AH Roomboter kano pastries does not include a Fairtrade label.
Check the packaging or product page for the exact snack you want to serve, and don’t present kano pastries as Fairtrade unless they carry that label.
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Relying on ‘vegan’ or ‘dark’ instead of checking allergens
A vegan bar may still carry a warning about possible traces. For example, Albert Heijn states that AH Biologisch Reep extra puur may contain milk, cereals containing gluten and nuts.
Check which ingredients are relevant to your guests, and read both the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements on the current packaging before serving.
Brands to consider
Verkade
Worth considering if you’re thinking of serving chocolate with an explicit Fairtrade cocoa label alongside kano pastries. PLUS displays this label for the Verkade Melk bar reviewed.
- In 2022, Fairtrade Nederland reported that the cocoa in Verkade chocolate bars and biscuits is Fairtrade.
- The milk chocolate reviewed contains milk and soya, and may contain hazelnuts; check the packaging of the variant you choose.
Albert Heijn
Worth considering if you want to pair AH Roomboter kano pastries with the separate AH Biologisch Reep extra puur, which Albert Heijn labels as Fairtrade.
- According to Albert Heijn, the extra-dark bar reviewed is also labelled organic and vegan.
- The Fairtrade label on the bar does not automatically apply to the kano pastries. Check both products for allergens, including warnings about possible traces.
PLUS
Worth considering if you’re looking for chocolate whose product information explicitly mentions Fairtrade cocoa, such as the PLUS Tablet 70% cacao reviewed.
- PLUS labels the tablet reviewed as containing Fairtrade cocoa and as vegan.
- According to PLUS, the tablet contains soya and may contain milk, lactose and various nuts; check the label on the pack you choose.
Fairtrade chocolate at Joybuy
These bars are options if you want to serve chocolate labelled Fairtrade alongside kano pastries or instead of them. They are chocolate bars, not kano pastries, so always check the current packaging for your guests.
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Tony's Chocolonely Milk Pecan Caramel – 180 g
A chocolate bar for anyone who wants to serve Fairtrade chocolate alongside kano pastries or instead of them; the product description states that it is Fairtrade. This variant combines milk chocolate with pecans and caramel. It contains milk, soya, pecans and cereals containing gluten. If allergens matter to your guests, check the current packaging.
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Tony's Chocolonely Pure 70% – 180 g
A dark chocolate bar for anyone who wants to serve Fairtrade chocolate without choosing kano pastries; the product description states that it is Fairtrade. If the exact cocoa percentage matters to you, check it on the packaging. The allergen information lists soya and possible traces of milk, nuts and cereals containing gluten, among other things.
Frequently asked questions
Are AH Roomboter kano pastries Fairtrade?
The AH Roomboter kano pastries product page described here does not include a Fairtrade label, so don’t assume they are Fairtrade when making your choice. Albert Heijn describes them as butter biscuits with 41% almond paste and 1% almond; check the current packaging if the Fairtrade label is essential to your purchase.
Can I serve Fairtrade chocolate alongside kano pastries?
Yes. That way, you can keep the almond bake and also choose a separate bar with an explicit Fairtrade label. PLUS displays this label for Verkade Melk and PLUS Tablet 70% cacao; Albert Heijn does so for AH Biologisch Reep extra puur. Also check which ingredients are suitable for your guests.
Is vegan dark chocolate suitable for someone with a milk or nut allergy?
Not without checking the packaging: ‘vegan’ doesn’t mean a bar is free from possible traces. For the AH Biologisch Reep extra puur reviewed, Albert Heijn lists possible traces of milk, cereals containing gluten and nuts.
What should I check on the packaging before game night?
Check the Fairtrade label on the exact product, and read the current ingredients, allergens and warnings about possible traces. Also check the pack size if you’re planning to serve kano pastries and chocolate together.