If you’re choosing a snack for someone with coeliac disease, don’t rely on the name or shape of a kano pastry. Check that the specific pack says ‘gluten-free’ and look for any warnings about cereals containing gluten. A gluten-free filled biscuit or mini cake could suit someone looking for a pastry-style treat; a gluten-free wafer or oat biscuit is another option if crunch matters more than an almond paste filling. Keep the snack separate from the usual football nibbles and leave the packaging handy so the label can be checked.
They need a snack whose specific packaging says ‘gluten-free’ and carries no relevant warning about cereals containing gluten. If there are ordinary biscuits on the table, it’s also important to serve the snack separately. The Dutch Coeliac Society highlights the risk of cross-contamination from crumbs and shared utensils.
They’re mainly looking for a sweet treat with some of the filling or crunch of a kano pastry. A filled biscuit, cake or wafer might fit the bill, but it won’t necessarily have the same shape, ingredients or texture.
They’re serving both regular and gluten-free snacks and want to keep packaging, serving dishes and utensils separate. A clearly marked, separate serving area makes it easier for guests to check the right label for themselves.
If you’re choosing for someone with coeliac disease, check the specific packaging first; only then consider the filling, crunch and ease of serving. The Dutch Coeliac Society says a warning such as ‘may contain cereals containing gluten’ indicates a genuine risk that matters when making this choice.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free label | Check that the pack you’re buying says ‘gluten-free’. If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, don’t choose a pack with a warning about cereals containing gluten or a statement that the product is unsuitable for people with coeliac disease. | When I’m taking something for someone with coeliac disease, I want to check the packaging myself before the snack goes on the table. This check comes first for around 50% of consumers. |
| Filling and texture | Decide whether you’d prefer a filled biscuit or mini cake, or a crunchy wafer or oat biscuit. Check the ingredients and any other relevant allergens too. | I’m looking for something reminiscent of a kano pastry, even if it doesn’t have the same shape. A similar treat is the main priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Serving separately | Check whether you can keep the snack wrapped until serving, and use a separate dish and clean utensils. | When regular biscuits are served alongside the gluten-free snack, I want to keep crumbs and shared utensils away from it. This is the main practical concern for around 20% of consumers. |
A standard recipe for kano pastries also uses flour in the dough, as shown by Heel Holland Bakt. So the filling or oval shape tells you nothing about whether a particular pastry is gluten-free.
If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, choose a separately packaged alternative and check that it says ‘gluten-free’ and carries no relevant warnings.
The Dutch Coeliac Society says that hands, crumbs and shared utensils can transfer gluten to a gluten-free snack.
Keep the packaging sealed for as long as possible, and use clean hands, a separate dish and dedicated utensils when serving.
Gluten-free doesn’t mean a snack is free from other allergens. For example, the Consenza Crispy wafers listed by Albert Heijn contain milk, soya and egg, and may contain hazelnuts or other nuts.
Before serving, read all the allergen information on the current packaging if any other allergens are relevant to your guest.
Ingredients and allergen information can change. A product page you looked at previously may not describe the pack you’re holding now.
Check the label again every time you buy, using the packaging of the product you’re actually going to serve.
A brand name is no substitute for checking the individual pack. These product ranges mainly show the types of sweet alternatives you can compare.
Albert Heijn’s AH Glutenvrij range includes a filled biscuit and other sweet snacks. A filled biscuit is worth considering if you’re looking for something more like a pastry.
Jumbo lists gluten-free mini cakes and a gluten-free filled biscuit alongside other sweet snacks. Both product types are worth considering if you’d rather serve something pastry-like than a thin biscuit.
Consenza Crispy wafers are a crunchy alternative if you’re not specifically looking for a soft, filled biscuit. The product information at Albert Heijn lists three individually wrapped wafers per pack.
Verkade describes Oaties as gluten-free oat biscuits. They’re a good fit if you’re after a crunchy biscuit, but not if you’re looking for the almond paste filling of a kano pastry.
No. Almond paste doesn’t make the pastry gluten-free. A standard recipe from Heel Holland Bakt uses flour, so if you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, choose only a specific pack that says ‘gluten-free’ and has no relevant cross-contamination warning.
Yes, under certain conditions. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, a product containing a cereal with gluten can also carry the ‘gluten-free’ label if it complies with EU Regulation 828/2014. So ‘gluten-free’ doesn’t automatically mean ‘wheat-free’. Check both statements on the current label if wheat is also relevant.
Keep the snack separate until it’s time to serve, and use clean hands, a separate dish and dedicated utensils. The Dutch Coeliac Society points out that cross-contamination with gluten can also happen through crumbs and shared serving areas.
Check the packaging of that specific snack for any allergens relevant to your guest. For example, the product information at Albert Heijn lists milk, soya and egg in Consenza Crispy wafers, with a warning that they may contain hazelnuts or other nuts. Don’t assume that a gluten-free label tells you anything about these other allergens.
