If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, don’t choose a standard kano biscuit without first checking the current packaging. Choose a snack that’s explicitly labelled gluten-free. A gluten-free filled biscuit is closer in style to a kano than an oat biscuit or mini cake, but the shape, filling and other allergens may differ.
You’d rather choose a snack clearly labelled gluten-free than a biscuit that only looks like a kano. The Dutch Coeliac Association also highlights the importance of preventing cross-contamination with gluten.
You want something ready to eat that you can take with you, such as a gluten-free filled biscuit, mini cake or oat biscuit. Think about what matters most to you: the filling, the soft texture or the occasion. These products aren’t the same as a kano.
You want to find an alternative as part of your planned visit to Albert Heijn, Jumbo or PLUS. Their gluten-free ranges give you a starting point for your search. Check availability at your store and read the packaging of the product you choose.
Start by checking the gluten-free label on the packaging. Then choose the type of biscuit or cake that suits the occasion, and check whether it’s available at the supermarket you plan to visit.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling and cross-contamination | Look for the explicit ‘gluten-free’ label on the current packaging and check any warnings about cereals containing gluten. | When I’m buying a snack for someone with coeliac disease, I want to be sure it’s labelled gluten-free and check for possible cross-contamination. This is the top priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| Type of sweet snack | Choose between a filled biscuit, a soft mini cake and a crunchy biscuit; compare the filling and portion size of the specific product. | For an autumn half-term treat, I mainly want a sweet alternative that suits the occasion, even if it isn’t a kano. Around 30% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Availability | Check what’s available at your chosen store or for your delivery slot, then check the label on the packaging you buy. | When I do my holiday shopping at one supermarket, I want to be able to pick up a suitable alternative there. This convenience matters most to around 20% of consumers. |
The name or where it’s displayed in the biscuit aisle doesn’t tell you whether a particular kano is suitable for someone with coeliac disease.
Only choose one if the current packaging explicitly says ‘gluten-free’.
Not seeing wheat listed as an ingredient isn’t the same as a gluten-free label. The Dutch Coeliac Association also highlights the importance of preventing cross-contamination.
Read all the gluten information on the packaging, including any relevant warnings.
A gluten-free label doesn’t tell you whether a product contains milk, eggs, soya or nuts, for example.
If you have other allergies, check the allergen information for the exact variant you’re buying.
A range page shows which products a supermarket offers, not what’s on the shelf when you visit. Albert Heijn also advises customers to read the packaging, as product information can change.
Check availability at your chosen store or for your delivery slot, then read the label again when you buy it.
These examples can help you look for a different type of snack. The gluten-free label and allergen information on the packaging you choose are what matter.
Verkade describes Oaties as gluten-free oat biscuits and lists varieties with and without milk chocolate.
Albert Heijn lists a filled biscuit and other sweet snacks in its AH Glutenvrij range.
Jumbo’s gluten-free range includes Lekker Vrij van Gluten Mini Cakes and biscuits.
Consenza features in Jumbo’s gluten-free range, while PLUS lists Consenza raisin and cranberry biscuits, among other products.
PLUS has a gluten-free category that includes chocolate chip cookies, among other products.
Don’t assume it is without checking. For someone with coeliac disease, choose a product whose current packaging explicitly says ‘gluten-free’. The name ‘kano’ alone doesn’t tell you whether a particular variety is gluten-free.
According to the Dutch Coeliac Association, ‘gluten-free’ means a product contains less than 20 mg of gluten per kg. Check the label and other relevant information on the packaging of the product you actually buy.
Yes, if someone also has other food allergies. ‘Gluten-free’ doesn’t mean a biscuit or cake is free from milk, eggs, soya or nuts. Check the allergen information for the specific variety.
Use ingredients that are clearly labelled gluten-free and keep them away from flour or crumbs containing gluten. The Dutch Coeliac Association highlights the risk of cross-contamination, so take care with your worktop, baking tins and utensils too.
Not necessarily. Check availability at your store or for your delivery slot, then read the label on the product you buy, as product information can change.
