Who is this choice relevant to?

Office buyers with a Fairtrade requirement

You’re looking for a verifiable Fairtrade cocoa or chocolate label for a shared treat. The name ‘kano’ alone doesn’t tell you that.

Organisers of a traditional coffee break

You want to share kano cakes filled with almond paste, and are mainly considering the pack size, portions and how to store any leftovers.

Teams that need allergen information

You want to be able to check the allergens in your chosen kano cakes before filling a shared tin, and keep the product information with the biscuits.

What should you look for?

First decide whether you specifically want kano cakes or whether verifiable Fairtrade cocoa or chocolate matters more. Then check the packaging and allergen information for the products you’re actually putting in the tin.

Butter kano cakes with almond paste

A good fit if: you want a traditional biscuit to enjoy with coffee and Fairtrade chocolate isn’t a firm requirement.

The trade-off: the listed ingredients for the kano cakes from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS that we looked at contain no cocoa or chocolate.

A chocolate product with a Fairtrade label

A good fit if: Fairtrade cocoa or chocolate matters more than the shape of a kano cake.

The trade-off: a chocolate product is a different kind of treat. Fairtrade sets conditions for using its mark, so check the label on the product you choose.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade cocoa or chocolate Check the current packaging of the specific product for a Fairtrade mark or an explicit label, and make sure it applies to the cocoa or chocolate. If Fairtrade cocoa is my top priority for an office treat, I don’t want to rely on the product name. Around 50% of consumers prioritise this verifiable Fairtrade choice.
Quantity to share Compare the net weight and the stated number of portions or pieces. Also check the storage advice in case the tin isn’t emptied straight away. For a coffee break, I want enough biscuits to share without being left with an awkward amount. Around 30% of consumers prioritise a shareable quantity.
Allergen information Read the label on the version you choose, and keep the ingredients and allergen information handy when the biscuits are taken out of their packaging. With a shared tin, I want to be able to check which allergens the biscuits contain before colleagues help themselves. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a kano cake is a Fairtrade chocolate biscuit

    The published ingredients for the butter kano cakes from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS that we looked at mention no cocoa or chocolate. So the shape of the biscuit doesn’t answer the question of whether it’s Fairtrade chocolate.

    If Fairtrade cocoa or chocolate is a requirement, let the label on the specific product determine your choice.

  • Throwing away the packaging when filling the tin

    This also means losing easy access to the ingredients and allergen information. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information for prepacked foods is shown on the label.

    Keep the packaging with the biscuits or make the information available on a clearly labelled card. Check separately for a suitable alternative for any colleagues who need one.

  • Mistaking another certification for a Fairtrade cocoa claim

    PLUS mentions RSPO in relation to the palm oil in its kano cakes. This doesn’t mean the biscuits contain Fairtrade cocoa or chocolate.

    Decide which label matters for your purchase, then check for it on the exact product.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

AH butter kano cakes are filled with almond paste, making them a classic choice for your biscuit tin.

  • Albert Heijn lists 270 g, six 45 g portions and 41% almond paste on its product page.
  • The listed ingredients mention no cocoa or chocolate, so don’t choose these kano cakes as proof of a Fairtrade chocolate claim.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s butter kano cakes are a classic biscuit to enjoy with coffee, filled with almond paste.

  • Jumbo lists 275 g, five portions and 38% almond paste for this pack.
  • The published ingredients mention no cocoa or chocolate, so they don’t support choosing these as Fairtrade chocolate.

PLUS

PLUS butter kano cakes weigh 275 g and are filled with almond paste, with an almond decoration.

  • PLUS lists the ingredients and allergens, so you can check the pack you choose.
  • The ingredients mention no cocoa or chocolate. The RSPO reference for palm oil isn’t a Fairtrade cocoa claim.

Heerlijck Banket (ALDI)

ALDI describes Heerlijck Banket Kano’s, 330 g, as pastries to enjoy with coffee.

  • The stated pack weight helps you plan for a shared coffee break.
  • Before relying on these kano cakes to meet a specific requirement, check the packaging for ingredients, allergens and any Fairtrade label.

Sondey (Lidl)

Lidl describes Sondey Kano’s, 325 g, as butter biscuits filled with almond paste.

  • The product type and pack weight make it easy to compare the kind and quantity of biscuits.
  • Check the packaging of the specific product for its ingredients, allergens and any Fairtrade label.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are ordinary kano cakes automatically a Fairtrade chocolate option?

No. The published ingredient lists for the butter kano cakes from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS that we looked at mention no cocoa or chocolate. So check the label on the specific product you want to buy for a Fairtrade claim.

How can I check a Fairtrade claim for an office treat?

Check the current packaging and see which ingredient or product the Fairtrade label applies to. Fairtrade sets conditions for using its mark; a brand name or a label on another product isn’t a substitute for the label on the pack you’ve chosen.

Can I keep kano cakes in a biscuit tin after opening?

Yes, as long as you follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve bought. For its butter kano cakes, Albert Heijn advises storing them in a sealed tin in a cool, dry place after opening. Check the best-before date on your pack too.

How can I keep allergen information available with a shared tin?

Keep the label from your chosen kano cakes by the tin, or place the allergen information next to it where it’s easy to see. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information is shown on the label of prepacked foods. Always check the specific version before taking the biscuits out of their packaging.