Camper who wants a quick snack
You want to take a filled biscuit that’s ready to eat. Kano biscuits fit the bill, but check the allergens and pack them so they don’t get squashed in your luggage.
Which biscuit is right for you?
Biscuit buyer stocking up on dry snacks
You’re looking for a plain biscuit to eat on its own or use in a simple camping dessert. Store digestives in a cool, dry place, as stated on the label. McVitie's Digestives Original contains wheat and cereals containing gluten.
Snack buyer with dietary requirements
First, check whether a product meets a requirement such as being gluten-free or lactose-free. Plain digestives, filled kano biscuits and special varieties have different ingredients and allergens, so always compare the current labels.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with any ingredients you need to avoid. Then choose between a filled biscuit and a plain one, and consider how you’ll keep the pack dry and sealed at the campsite.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statements on the current packaging. Check dietary claims for each variety. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I can’t rely on the name ‘digestive’ or ‘kano’; around 31% of consumers put this check first. |
| Transport and storage | Check the storage advice and use-by date, and think about how you’ll seal an opened pack and protect it from being squashed. | I need my snacks to last through the journey and several days in the tent without getting damp or damaged. Around 31% of consumers give this top priority. |
| Biscuit shape and flavour | Decide whether you want a filled biscuit with almond paste or a plain one, and compare any chocolate coatings on different varieties. | For a snack between activities, I want to choose between a filled kano biscuit and a digestive. Around 23% of consumers put this preference first. |
| Pack size | Compare the weight and check whether you can reseal and finish the contents after opening. | If I’m camping alone, I don’t want to be left with a large, opened pack; around 15% of consumers put getting the right amount first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming every digestive suits the same dietary requirement
McVitie's Digestives Original contains wheat and cereals containing gluten. According to Albert Heijn, AH Digestive 0% suiker contains polyols, while Schär Digestive Landtaler, which is sold as gluten-free, contains soya and may contain egg and lupin.
Work out which ingredients you need to avoid, then read the label for the exact variety you’re taking with you.
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Taking a pack without planning how to store it
The storage advice for the kano biscuits and digestives reviewed is to keep them in a cool, dry place. Albert Heijn recommends keeping AH Roomboter kano's in a sealed tin after opening.
Choose a pack you can seal, and make sure filled biscuits are protected among your camping gear.
Brands compared
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists both its own-brand kano biscuits and digestive varieties, including AH Digestive 0% suiker.
- AH Roomboter kano's: a 270 g pack with 41% almond paste filling, according to Albert Heijn.
- AH Digestive 0% suiker contains wheat and polyols. The product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
McVitie's
McVitie's Digestives Original is a plain wheat biscuit sold in a 400 g pack.
- A good option if you’re looking for a plain digestive rather than a kano biscuit filled with almond paste.
- The Original contains wheat and cereals containing gluten, and may contain milk.
Aviateur
PLUS sells Aviateur Kano's as individually wrapped filled biscuits.
- PLUS lists a 46% almond paste filling.
- Check the allergen information carefully: this variety lists wheat, soya, milk and almonds, among other ingredients; it may contain traces of egg.
Schär
Albert Heijn sells Schär Digestive Landtaler as a gluten-free, wheat-free and lactose-free digestive, with four biscuits in each pack.
- The individually wrapped portions may suit you if you don’t want to open the whole pack at once.
- The listed ingredients include soya; the product may also contain egg and lupin.
Verkade
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Verkade Verk Digestive Puur is a wheat biscuit with 30% dark chocolate.
- A different flavour option if you’re looking for a digestive with chocolate.
- The Albert Heijn product page we consulted listed this variety as no longer available. Check availability at your chosen shop before counting on it.
Digestives at Joybuy
These three products are plain digestive biscuits for anyone who wants to take this style of biscuit to a festival campsite. Choose between the Original and varieties with milk or dark chocolate; this selection doesn’t include an alternative to filled kano biscuits.
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McVitie's Digestives Original 400 g
For anyone looking for a plain digestive without a chocolate coating to enjoy as a camping snack.
400 g pack. Contains wheat and cereals containing gluten, and may contain milk. Store in a cool, dry place and seal the pack tightly after opening.
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McVitie's Digestives Milk Chocolate 266 g
For anyone who fancies a milk chocolate digestive at the campsite.
266 g pack. Contains milk, soya, wheat and cereals containing gluten. Store in a cool, dry place and seal the pack tightly after opening.
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McVitie's Digestives with Dark Chocolate 266 g
For anyone who wants to take a dark chocolate digestive along.
266 g pack. Contains gluten from wheat, milk and soya. Store in a cool, dry place and seal the pack tightly after opening.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swap kano biscuits and digestives as festival snacks?
No, they’re different types of biscuit: the kano biscuits reviewed are filled with almond paste, while McVitie's Digestives Original is a plain wheat biscuit. Choose the type you’d like to eat, then check the ingredients and storage advice for each product.
How should I store kano biscuits and digestives at the festival campsite?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging and keep the biscuits reviewed in a cool, dry place. Seal an opened pack; for AH Roomboter kano's, Albert Heijn recommends using a sealed tin. Don’t put heavy luggage on top of filled biscuits.
Is AH Digestive 0% suiker suitable if I need to avoid wheat?
No, according to Albert Heijn, this variety contains wheat. Check the other ingredients too: the biscuit contains polyols and carries a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.