Choose a kano pastry if a classic biscuit filled with almond paste is what you’re after, but don’t present it as Fairtrade chocolate without product-specific evidence: the product pages for the Albert Heijn and Jumbo kano pastries we looked at make no mention of chocolate or a Fairtrade claim. If Fairtrade cocoa is a must for your work meeting, choose a chocolate product with an appropriate claim and check the packaging to see exactly what it applies to. Also check the allergens and number of portions against the needs of those attending.
If you want to serve Fairtrade cocoa or chocolate, the claim must apply to the product you choose. Fairtrade Nederland advises checking the explanation on the back of the packaging when a certification mark has an arrow: for products with multiple ingredients, it’s particularly important to check exactly what the claim covers.
When you’re catering for a mixed group, you’ll want to check which ingredients and warnings are relevant to those attending before serving. The product information for the Albert Heijn and Jumbo kano pastries we looked at lists several allergens. Always check the packaging of the product you’re actually serving.
If you’re mainly after a butter biscuit filled with almond paste, a kano pastry fits the bill. However, the product pages for the Albert Heijn and Jumbo versions we looked at don’t provide evidence to describe them as Fairtrade chocolate.
Choose this: when a familiar butter biscuit matters more than chocolate.
The trade-off: the Albert Heijn and Jumbo kano pastries we looked at have no chocolate or Fairtrade claim on their product pages.
Choose this: when a verifiable claim about Fairtrade cocoa matters more than the kano shape; Jumbo lists such a claim for specific Verkade bars.
The trade-off: a chocolate bar is a different kind of treat and may need to be divided up. Check what the claim on the packaging you choose applies to, too.
If you’d like Fairtrade chocolate for a work meeting, it helps to decide on the product type and claim first, then check allergens and portions.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade claim | Read the product-specific claim and, if the certification mark has an arrow, the explanation on the back of the packaging. Distinguish between a claim about cocoa and one about the product. | I want to be able to explain why the chocolate we’re serving meets our Fairtrade requirements. For around 36% of consumers, a verifiable cocoa or chocolate claim comes first. |
| Allergens | Check the current packaging for both listed allergens and warnings about possible traces, and keep that information available when serving. | If attendees have different allergies, I want to check what each product contains before it goes on the table. Allergens are the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Portions and sharing | Compare the number of attendees with the portions listed on the packaging, and decide whether you’ll serve whole biscuits or divide up a bar. | I want to have enough to go round without having to divide up a bar during the meeting. Around 21% of consumers prioritise planning portions. |
| Classic kano pastry | Check that you really want a kano pastry filled with almond paste; don’t use a standard kano pastry as a substitute for Fairtrade chocolate if a suitable product claim is required. | For our team, a familiar butter biscuit matters more than chocolate. Around 14% of consumers give this product preference top priority. |
Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe the kano pastries we looked at as butter biscuits filled with almond paste. Their product pages make no mention of chocolate or a Fairtrade claim.
Decide which product type you need. If Fairtrade chocolate is a requirement, check the current packaging for a product-specific claim.
According to Fairtrade Nederland, labels on products with multiple ingredients may need further explanation. A claim about cocoa does not, by itself, say anything about the other ingredients.
Read the back of the packaging, and when announcing the treat, use only the claim that is actually explained there.
The Albert Heijn and Jumbo kano pastries we looked at list several relevant allergens. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked foods appears on the label.
Ask in advance which allergens are relevant to those attending, and keep the packaging or accurate product information with the treats.
Albert Heijn lists six portions for its pack of butter kano pastries; Jumbo lists five for its butter kano pastries. A chocolate bar may need to be divided differently.
Match the portions to the number of people attending, but first choose the product type that meets your Fairtrade requirements.
The AH Roomboter kano pastries we looked at are butter biscuits filled with almond paste.
The Jumbo Kano’s met Roomboter we looked at are biscuits filled with almond paste.
Specific Verkade chocolate bars are worth considering if a claim about Fairtrade cocoa matters more than a kano pastry.
Aviateur is a reference for the classic filled kano pastry, not for Fairtrade chocolate.
This bar is a chocolate option for a work meeting, not an alternative if you’re looking for a kano pastry. Before buying, check the packaging for the exact Fairtrade claim, allergens and how you plan to divide up the bar.
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A chocolate bar to consider if chocolate, rather than the kano shape, is right for your work meeting.
The bar weighs 180 g. Check the current packaging to see what any Fairtrade claim applies to, and check the ingredients and allergens before sharing it.
No. A claim about Fairtrade cocoa doesn’t automatically apply to the other ingredients. Fairtrade Nederland distinguishes between labels and advises checking the explanation on the back of the packaging when a certification mark has an arrow.
Not based on the product pages we looked at: Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe these kano pastries as butter biscuits filled with almond paste, and make no mention of chocolate or a Fairtrade claim. If such a claim is essential, check the packaging of the product you buy.
Check the current packaging for ingredients and warnings that are relevant to those attending. The product information for the Albert Heijn and Jumbo kano pastries we looked at lists, among other things, milk, egg, cereals containing gluten, soya and almonds or other nuts; the details vary by product.
Keep the packaging by the plate, or make sure the correct ingredient and allergen information is easy to access. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this information appears on the label of prepacked foods. Keep different products separate.
