Hosts who want to share kano biscuits
You’re looking for a biscuit with almond paste filling that you can serve in portions. The familiar kano shape matters more to you than a stated cocoa percentage.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Dark chocolate lovers
By ‘dark’, you mean a product with a clearly stated cocoa percentage. In that case, a dark chocolate bar is a different choice from a kano biscuit with almond paste filling.
Hosts who need to check for allergens
You’re serving something to guests with a relevant allergy, so you check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging of the product you’re actually serving.
What should you look for when choosing?
Kano biscuits with almond paste filling
Choose this if: you expect your guests to want a filled biscuit served in individual portions.
Bear in mind: the kano biscuits described are pastries with almond paste filling, not a proven high-cocoa option.
Dark chocolate
Choose this if: a stated cocoa percentage matters more than the kano shape. Verkade says its Extra Puur contains at least 71% cocoa.
Bear in mind: a chocolate bar doesn’t have the almond paste filling of a kano biscuit, and ‘dark’ doesn’t rule out allergen warnings.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa or kano shape | Look for a clearly stated cocoa percentage if cocoa is your priority; read the product description if you’re expecting kano biscuits. | I want a bar with a clearly stated cocoa content, even if that means there won’t be any kano biscuits on the table. This cocoa preference is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Portions and filling | Compare the number of portions or biscuits and check what filling is listed on the packaging. | I want to be able to serve my guests familiar kano biscuits with almond paste filling. This is the main requirement for around 33% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and ‘may contain’ information on the current packaging before serving. | If a guest has a relevant allergy, choosing a suitable product comes before taste or portioning. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a kano biscuit labelled ‘dark’ is the same as dark chocolate
The kano biscuits described here are pastries with almond paste filling. A dark chocolate bar with a stated cocoa percentage is a different type of product.
Before you buy, decide whether the kano shape or a clearly stated cocoa percentage matters more to you.
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Assuming ‘dark’ means free from milk or nuts
Verkade says its Extra Puur may contain milk and hazelnuts.
If someone has an allergy, check the warnings on the exact packaging you plan to serve.
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Looking only at the pack weight
Jumbo lists five portions for its 275 g pack of kano biscuits; Albert Heijn lists six portions for its 270 g butter kano biscuits.
Compare the stated number of portions or biscuits with your guest list, not just the weight.
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Treating an online ingredients list as definitive
Ingredients and allergen information can change. That’s why the current packaging matters when you’re buying for someone with an allergy.
Read the label when you buy the product and again before serving it.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo describes its 275 g kano biscuits as butter biscuits with 38% almond paste filling and lists five portions.
- The stated number of portions makes it easier to plan a serving platter for your get-together.
- If you want a high cocoa content, check whether another option you’re considering actually states a percentage.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn describes its 270 g butter kano biscuits as containing 41% almond paste filling and providing six portions.
- The stated portion size and number of portions make it easier to plan for guests.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging; product information can change.
Aviateur
PLUS describes Aviateur Kano’s, 230 g, as biscuits with 46% almond paste filling.
- The stated proportion of filling is useful if almond paste is the deciding factor for you.
- PLUS lists wheat, soya, milk and almonds among the ingredients and says the product may contain egg; read the label if there’s a relevant allergy.
Sondey
Lidl describes Sondey Kano’s, 325 g, as butter pastries filled with almond paste.
- The product description makes it clear that this is the almond paste option.
- Check the packaging for ingredients, allergens and any cocoa information.
Heerlijck Banket
ALDI describes Heerlijck Banket Kano’s, 330 g, as pastries in a canoe shape.
- The product type and pack weight are clearly stated.
- If you’re serving guests with allergies, check the ingredients and warnings on the packaging.
Dark chocolate bars on Joybuy
These bars suit the chocolate option if you’d rather serve a bar than kano biscuits at your neighbourhood get-together. Compare the cocoa percentage for each option, and always check the current packaging if allergies are a concern.
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Lindt Excellence 78% Cacao, 100 g
For anyone who’d like to serve a chocolate bar with a stated cocoa content instead of kano biscuits with almond paste filling.
This variety contains 78% cocoa and weighs 100 g. If allergies are a concern, check the current ingredients and warnings on the packaging.
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Lindt Excellence 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate, 100 g
For anyone looking specifically for a variety with 85% cocoa.
The bar weighs 100 g and isn’t a substitute for a biscuit with almond paste filling. Before serving, read the current label if allergens are a concern.
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Lindt Excellence 90% Cocoa Supreme Dark, 100 g
For anyone looking for a bar with a stated cocoa content of 90% who doesn’t need to serve kano biscuits.
This variety weighs 100 g. Check the packaging for ingredients and allergen warnings before serving it to your guests.
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Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate, 100 g
For anyone who’d like to serve a dark chocolate bar with a stated cocoa percentage.
This variety contains 70% cocoa and weighs 100 g. The allergen information in the product description differs from that in the allergen section, so check the packaging before serving the bar to someone with an allergy.
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Tony’s Chocolonely Pure Almond Sea Salt, 180 g
For anyone who’d rather serve dark chocolate with almonds and sea salt than a kano biscuit with almond paste filling.
The bar weighs 180 g. If a high cocoa content is your main reason for choosing, compare the stated percentage. If allergies are a concern, check the current packaging too, as the ingredients list and allergen information for this product differ.
Frequently asked questions
Can I simply choose kano biscuits for a high cocoa content?
Not based on the kano biscuits described here: Jumbo, Albert Heijn, Lidl, PLUS and ALDI describe these products as biscuits with almond paste filling. If cocoa content is the deciding factor, choose a product with a clearly stated percentage on the label; a chocolate bar isn’t a kano biscuit.
Is dark chocolate suitable for guests with a milk or nut allergy?
Not automatically. Verkade says its Extra Puur may contain milk and hazelnuts. Always check the current packaging of the product you’re serving for your guest’s specific allergy.
Which allergens should I check in kano biscuits?
Check the full ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings for the kano biscuits you choose, as these vary by product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens required by law are listed in the ingredients list.
How should I store kano biscuits before the neighbourhood get-together?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging you buy. Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS say to store their kano biscuits in a cool, dry place; Albert Heijn recommends keeping them in a sealed tin after opening.
Is online allergen information enough to help me choose for my guests?
Use it to help you make your choice, but check the packaging itself before serving. For a relevant allergy in particular, the current ingredients and warnings on that exact product are what matter.