Fans of a sweet weekend treat
You’re looking for a filled biscuit to enjoy during a quiet moment at Sunday breakfast, not something to replace the whole meal.
Who is this choice relevant to?
People comparing nutritional information
When looking at biscuits, you want to check fibre, sugars, salt and serving size rather than relying on the name ‘digestive’ alone.
Readers of ingredient lists
You check your chosen variety for allergens, vegan or lactose-free labelling, and the presence of polyols.
What should you look for when choosing?
Kano with almond paste
Best for: enjoying a filled biscuit as a treat alongside breakfast.
Worth noting: Albert Heijn states that AH BASIC Kano’s have a 46% almond paste filling and contain 38 g of sugars per 100 g.
Classic digestive
Best for: anyone who’d prefer an unfilled wheat biscuit instead of a kano.
Worth noting: nutritional values vary between different digestive biscuits too.
Digestive labelled 0% sugar
Best for: anyone who mainly compares the sugar content on the label.
Worth noting: Albert Heijn warns that AH Digestive 0% sugar may have a laxative effect if eaten in excess.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Filled treat | Check the filling and compare sugars per 100 g and per biscuit. | I mainly want a filled biscuit with coffee or tea at Sunday breakfast, not a biscuit to eat instead of the rest of my breakfast. This treat comes first for around 30% of consumers. |
| Nutritional value | Compare fibre, sugars, salt and energy per 100 g, then check the serving size. | If I choose a biscuit, I want to compare the nutritional information for different varieties. This is the main priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| Ingredients | Read the allergen and ‘may contain’ information. For varieties with sweeteners, check the usage warning too. | I need to know whether the biscuit I choose fits with what I do or don’t eat before taste or nutritional values come into it. Checking the ingredients comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Relying on the name ‘digestive’ alone
A digestive doesn’t automatically have the same nutritional value as another variety. Albert Heijn lists 3.2 g of fibre per 100 g for AH Digestive and 3.6 g per 100 g for Verkade Digestive Original. Sugars and salt also need to be compared product by product.
Read the nutritional information per 100 g, then check how many biscuits you count as a serving.
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Treating a kano as your whole breakfast
According to Albert Heijn, AH BASIC Kano’s are filled with almond paste and contain 38 g of sugars and 1.5 g of fibre per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists wholemeal bread, yoghurt and fruit among its breakfast choices.
If you fancy a kano, enjoy it as a treat alongside other breakfast foods rather than as the only part of your breakfast.
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Judging by the front of the pack alone
According to Albert Heijn, AH Digestive 0% sugar contains polyols. The product page warns that it may have a laxative effect if eaten in excess.
As well as the product name, read the ingredients list, nutritional information and usage warning for the variety you’re buying.
Brands and ranges compared
Verkade
Verkade Digestive Original is an example of a classic wheat digestive to compare with a kano.
- Albert Heijn lists 3.6 g of fibre and 17 g of sugars per 100 g for this variety.
- This variety contains wheat and may contain milk. Check the label and current availability.
Albert Heijn huismerk
The range includes examples of both filled kano biscuits and digestives with different ingredients and nutritional values.
- Albert Heijn labels AH Digestive as vegan and lactose-free, although the product information lists wheat.
- AH Digestive 0% sugar contains polyols and carries a warning against excessive consumption. Check current availability for each variety too.
Jumbo assortiment
Jumbo offers a range of Verkade biscuits, which can be a useful starting point when comparing different types.
- The range includes a variety of biscuits and cookies.
- When choosing between a kano and a digestive, compare the type of product and the label on the specific pack.
Digestives at Joybuy
This product selection is suited to anyone looking for a classic digestive to compare with a filled kano.
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McVities Digestive Original, 400 g
For anyone looking for a digestive instead of a filled kano. The pack contains 400 g. Check the product information to compare nutritional values and allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Is a digestive a complete breakfast on its own?
No. The name ‘digestive’ doesn’t mean it’s a complete breakfast. Compare the nutritional information for each variety; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists wholemeal bread, yoghurt and fruit among its breakfast choices.
What should I look for if I want a digestive with less sugar?
Compare the sugars per 100 g and per serving, and read the ingredients too. Albert Heijn lists 0.3 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Digestive 0% sugar. This variety contains polyols and carries a warning that it may have a laxative effect if eaten in excess.
Can I rely on the product type, kano or digestive, for allergen information?
No, check the packaging for the specific variety. According to Albert Heijn, AH BASIC Kano’s contain wheat, soya, lactose and milk protein, among other ingredients. AH Digestive is labelled lactose-free and vegan, but contains wheat.
How should I store opened kano biscuits and digestives?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the product you buy. The Albert Heijn product information reviewed recommends storing the varieties in question in a sealed pack or tin, in a cool, dark and dry place once opened.