Who is this choice for?

Consumers who put Fairtrade first

You’re looking for a treat for the procession with a Fairtrade claim that applies to the product you’ve chosen. If you can’t confirm that for a canoe-shaped biscuit, a treat in a different shape is another option.

Families who need to consider allergies

You’re sharing treats with children or adults for whom the ingredients matter. Product information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS shows why you should check each pack of canoe-shaped biscuits for ingredients such as wheat, milk, soya and nuts.

Consumers who specifically want to share canoe-shaped biscuits

For you, the recognisable biscuit shape is part of sharing the occasion. Pack weight, portion sizes and storage advice can help you choose the right variant and quantity.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you need a Fairtrade claim for the specific product, or whether the canoe shape takes priority. Then check that your chosen treat suits the group’s allergies and the occasion you’re sharing it for.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Fairtrade status Look for a Fairtrade mark or a specific Fairtrade cocoa claim for the exact product on the current packaging or product page. Fairtrade International says that its marks are used for specific products. If Fairtrade status is the deciding factor, I don’t want to rely on a claim about an entire brand or range. Around 50% of consumers prioritise this product-level assurance.
Allergens Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any warnings about the possible presence of allergens on the packaging. When I’m sharing treats with a group, they need to suit the allergies of the people there. For around 30% of consumers, checking this comes first.
Canoe shape and sharing Compare the pack weight, number of portions and storage advice for the variant you choose. I want to take recognisable canoe-shaped biscuits and know in advance how many I can hand out. This practical consideration comes first for around 20% of consumers.

A Fairtrade claim for a brand’s chocolate or biscuits doesn’t automatically confirm the same status for a canoe-shaped biscuit from that brand or another manufacturer. So, if you’re choosing mainly for the traditional shape, you’ll still need to check the Fairtrade status separately.

Common pitfalls

  • Mistaking a brand promise for a product claim

    Fairtrade International links the use of its marks to specific products. So a claim for a different biscuit or for a supermarket doesn’t mean the canoe-shaped biscuit you’ve chosen has the same status.

    Check the label or current product page for the exact variant you want to buy. If you can’t confirm a relevant claim there, don’t present the canoe-shaped biscuit as a Fairtrade treat.

  • Assuming all canoe-shaped biscuits are suitable for everyone

    The ingredient lists for the canoe-shaped biscuits reviewed vary. Jumbo lists almonds, eggs, gluten, milk, soya and wheat among the allergens in its Kano's met Roomboter.

    Before sharing, ask which allergies you need to take into account and read the label on the pack you’ve bought. If necessary, provide a separate alternative that’s clearly labelled.

  • Relying solely on an online product description

    A recipe or packaging can change. That means you should recheck an earlier product description whenever ingredients, allergens or a Fairtrade claim are important to your decision.

    Use the product page to compare options in advance, then check the packaging, best-before date and storage instructions when you buy.

  • Confusing the national procession with local events

    An announced national procession doesn’t determine when the event will take place in your town. This matters when you’re planning how many treats to buy and when to hand them out.

    Check the date and route of your local procession before buying your treats.

Brands to consider

These product ranges can help you compare canoe-shaped biscuits with a chocolate alternative. A brand name alone doesn’t confirm the Fairtrade status of a specific canoe-shaped biscuit.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn describes its 270 g AH Roomboter kano's as butter biscuits containing 41% almond paste and 1% almonds.

  • The product information gives you a starting point for checking ingredients and portion sizes for sharing.
  • If you’re choosing for Fairtrade, check that the current packaging for these canoe-shaped biscuits carries a relevant claim.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists its Kano's met Roomboter in a 275 g pack, with five 55 g portions.

  • The stated number of portions helps you plan how many treats to share.
  • For this variant, Jumbo lists almonds, eggs, gluten, milk, soya and wheat among the allergens. Check the label on the pack you’ve bought.

Lidl / Sondey

Lidl describes Sondey Kano's as butter biscuits with almond paste in a 325 g pack, available in store.

  • The product description tells you what type of biscuit it is and how much the pack weighs.
  • In store, read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging and check there for any Fairtrade claim.

ALDI / Heerlijck Banket

ALDI describes Heerlijck Banket Kano's as pastries shaped like canoes in a 330 g pack.

  • The description and pack weight are useful if the canoe shape matters for the occasion.
  • Check the packaging for the ingredients, allergens and any Fairtrade status for this variant.

Verkade

Verkade is included here as a brand to consider for chocolate and biscuits as an alternative to canoe-shaped biscuits. In 2022, Fairtrade Nederland reported that all the cocoa in Verkade chocolate bars and biscuits was Fairtrade.

  • Chocolate or chocolate biscuits may suit you if a Fairtrade cocoa claim matters more than the canoe shape.
  • Check the current claim and allergen information for the product you choose; the statement about bars and biscuits doesn’t confirm anything about a canoe-shaped biscuit.

Chocolate alternatives at Joybuy

This chocolate bar is an alternative for anyone who doesn’t mind choosing something other than a canoe-shaped biscuit for the procession. Before choosing it as a Fairtrade treat, check the current packaging for a Fairtrade claim for this exact bar.

Tony's Chocolonely milk chocolate bar with pecan and caramel, 180 g

Tony's Chocolonely milk chocolate bar with pecan and caramel, 180 g

An alternative for anyone who’d rather share chocolate than a canoe-shaped biscuit at the procession. The product name lists 180 g, pecan and caramel; before sharing, check the current label for the Fairtrade claim and allergen information.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is a brand’s Fairtrade promise enough to choose a canoe-shaped biscuit as Fairtrade?

No. Check the claim for the canoe-shaped biscuit itself. Fairtrade International says that the use of its marks is linked to specific products, so you can’t apply a claim for another product to it.

Which allergens should I check when sharing canoe-shaped biscuits?

Read the allergen information on the packaging for the canoe-shaped biscuits you’ve chosen. The variants reviewed include ingredients such as wheat or gluten, milk, eggs, soya and almonds or other nuts, but the declarations vary by product. Also check for warnings about the possible presence of allergens if they’re relevant to anyone in your group.

How should I store canoe-shaped biscuits until it’s time to share them?

Follow the storage advice on the pack you’ve bought and check the best-before date. Albert Heijn and Jumbo provide storage advice for their canoe-shaped biscuits; also check whether there are any extra instructions after opening.

When is the national Sinterklaas procession in 2026?

According to Sinterklaas.nl, the national procession will take place in Grave on Saturday 14 November 2026. If you’re planning to share treats at a local event, check the date and route in your town separately.