A standard Jumbo butter kano biscuit is not a gluten-free option: according to Jumbo, it contains wheat flour and the label lists wheat and gluten. A pre-packed filled biscuit labelled gluten-free is a closer match to a kano than an unfilled biscuit, thanks to its filling. Baking a kano-style biscuit yourself is an option if the shape matters too, but you’ll need to check all the ingredients, the preparation process and the allergen information available at the stall.
They’re looking for a product clearly labelled gluten-free and want to be able to check the current packaging and allergen information. How an unpackaged product is handled at the stall also matters when making a choice.
They need to decide whether a filled biscuit will do, or whether the canoe shape is essential. When selling unpackaged food, they must be able to tell customers about any allergens present before purchase, as the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains.
They’re looking for a sweet alternative that’s ready to serve. A biscuit labelled gluten-free without almond paste may suit them, but it won’t have the same filling as a kano.
First, decide whether the product needs to be gluten-free and whether the almond paste filling is important. Then choose between a pre-packed product and baking it yourself, bearing in mind the allergen information and working practices at the stall.
A good fit if: you want to offer a ready-made biscuit with a filling and can show customers the current packaging. For example, Jumbo lists a 60 g gluten-free filled biscuit.
Bear in mind: a filled biscuit doesn’t have the characteristic oval canoe shape. According to Jumbo, this particular version also contains almonds, egg, lupin, milk and soya, and may contain sesame.
A good fit if: both the canoe shape and almond paste are important, and you can use suitable ingredients labelled gluten-free.
Bear in mind: the ingredients alone don’t determine how the finished product is served. The preparation process and information about any allergens present need separate attention.
A good fit if: a sweet biscuit alternative is enough and almond paste filling isn’t essential. Verkade labels its Oaties gluten-free.
Bear in mind: an oat biscuit without almond paste won’t replace the filling in a kano. Check the current packaging and other allergen information too.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Suitability for a gluten-free diet | Check that the current packaging says ‘gluten-free’. For an unpackaged product, also ask how contact with gluten-containing products is prevented. | If I have coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the filling or appearance to decide whether a biscuit is suitable. Around 39% of consumers put verifiable gluten-free suitability first. |
| Filling and shape | Check whether the biscuit contains almond paste and decide whether the oval canoe shape is needed too. | I’m looking for the almond paste filling you’d expect in a kano, so an unfilled biscuit won’t meet my needs. For around 23% of consumers, this kano-style option is the first thing they look for. |
| Allergen information | Check all the listed allergens, not just gluten. When buying unpackaged food, ask for information about the product on offer before you buy. | At a busy stall, I want to find out which allergens are in the biscuit I’ve chosen before I order. Around 23% of consumers prioritise clear allergen information. |
| Ready to serve | Check the current range and the physical packaging before choosing a pre-packed biscuit for the stall. | If I don’t need the almond paste filling, I’d rather choose a biscuit that can be served without any baking of my own. Around 15% of consumers put convenience first. |
The biscuit layer matters too. Jumbo says its standard butter kano biscuits contain wheat flour and lists wheat and gluten as allergens; the filling doesn’t change that.
For a gluten-free order, check the whole product, including the dough, ingredients and allergen information.
Jumbo lists almonds, egg, lupin, milk and soya for its gluten-free filled biscuit, and warns that the product may contain sesame.
Let customers check the full allergen information on the current packaging before they choose.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, customers must be given information about allergens present in unpackaged foods. A general reassurance doesn’t tell them which allergens are in a particular biscuit.
Keep a record of the ingredients used in each recipe and make the information available at the stall before purchase.
Ingredients and allergen information can change. An online listing also doesn’t tell you whether the item will be available the next time you shop.
Check the current range when buying stock and read the physical packaging before selling the product.
Jumbo lists both standard butter kano biscuits and a separate gluten-free filled biscuit.
Albert Heijn lists a filled biscuit in its AH Gluten-Free range, as well as gluten-free baking products.
Consenza offers a range of gluten-free products, including biscuits and baking options.
Verkade labels its Oaties as gluten-free oat biscuits.
Not unless it has an appropriate gluten-free product label. Jumbo says its standard butter kano biscuits contain wheat flour and lists wheat and gluten, so don’t offer that particular biscuit as a gluten-free option.
No, the ‘gluten-free’ label doesn’t mean that. Jumbo lists almonds, egg, lupin, milk and soya for its gluten-free filled biscuit; according to Jumbo, the product may also contain sesame. Check the current packaging of the biscuit you’re offering.
The stall must be able to tell customers about any allergens present before they buy. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes this information requirement for unpackaged foods. Keep details of the ingredients and allergens in the biscuits you’re actually selling available at the point of sale.
Only if a sweet biscuit without an almond paste filling is enough. Verkade labels Oaties as gluten-free oat biscuits, while Heel Holland Bakt describes a kano as a crisp biscuit filled with almond paste. Choose a filled biscuit if that filling is what matters.
