Who might this choice be relevant to?

Sugar-conscious shopper

When picking up a few extra groceries, they’re mainly looking for a lower sugar value and are open to a different type of biscuit if they don’t need a kano pastry with almond paste.

Kano pastry fan who wants to compare

They want a biscuit with almond paste, so they compare the nutritional information for kano pastries without treating a small difference in sugars as proof that one is low in sugar.

Shopper who checks ingredients

As well as checking sugars, they check the allergens on the packaging and look for polyols such as maltitol in alternatives containing sweeteners.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether the almond paste filling is essential for you. Then compare the nutritional information per 100 g, so differences in serving size don’t affect the comparison.

Kano pastry with almond paste

A good fit if: the kano pastry with almond paste filling is exactly what you’re buying it for.

The trade-off: according to Albert Heijn and PLUS, the three kano pastries compared contain 37.6 to 39 g of sugars per 100 g.

A different type of biscuit

A good fit if: you’re willing to forgo a kano pastry with almond paste in favour of a lower sugar value.

The trade-off: Verkade San Francisco Zero is a biscuit, not a kano pastry, and Albert Heijn’s product information lists maltitols.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this important to?
Less sugar Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and check whether the alternative is still a kano pastry. If I mainly want less sugar, another type of biscuit is an option when a kano pastry doesn’t meet that need. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this.
Kano pastry with almond paste Read the product description and compare the proportion of almond paste filling; assess sugars separately. If you specifically want a kano pastry with almond paste, you won’t want to swap the filling for a plain biscuit. This matters most to around 45% of consumers.
Quick label check Read the latest nutritional information and check for allergens and any polyols. When picking up a few extra groceries, I want to be able to find out what’s in an alternative without having to search extensively. This practical check is the priority for around 22% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming the lowest sugar value among kano pastries means it’s low in sugar

    According to product information from PLUS and Albert Heijn, the three kano pastries compared are close in value, ranging from 37.6 to 39 g of sugars per 100 g. The lowest figure doesn’t change the product category.

    Decide whether the almond paste filling is essential before comparing the nutritional information for a different type of biscuit.

  • Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’

    Voedingscentrum explains that a product with no added sugars can still contain sugars and won’t necessarily be low in energy.

    Also check ‘of which sugars’ and the energy value per 100 g on the packaging.

  • Overlooking allergens and polyols

    Ingredients vary from one biscuit to another. For Verkade San Francisco Zero, Albert Heijn lists maltitols and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    If you have an allergy or sensitivity, check the latest ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings.

  • Comparing serving sizes only

    Serving sizes can vary. Voedingscentrum recommends comparing the nutritional value per 100 g when looking at different products.

    Compare products per 100 g first, then use the per-serving information to work out how much you want to eat.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

AH Butter kano pastries are made with almond paste.

  • Albert Heijn lists a 270 g pack, 41% almond paste and 39 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • Check the latest packaging when comparing nutritional information or allergens. A kano pastry with this stated sugar value isn’t a well-supported choice if you’re looking to cut down significantly on sugar.

PLUS

PLUS Butter kano pastries are filled with almond paste.

  • PLUS lists 39% almond paste filling and 38.9 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • With 38.5 g of added sugars per 100 g, this isn’t a suitable alternative if reducing sugar is your main reason for buying.

Aviateur

Aviateur Kano pastries are biscuits filled with almond paste.

  • PLUS product information lists 46% almond paste filling and 37.6 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • This is the lowest sugar value among the three kano pastries compared, but it doesn’t justify describing the pastry as low in sugar.

Verkade

San Francisco Zero is a biscuit with no added sugars and isn’t in the kano pastry category.

  • According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the biscuit contains 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • It isn’t a biscuit with almond paste filling. Albert Heijn lists maltitols and warns of a possible laxative effect if consumed in excess.

Related products on Joybuy

These crackers and biscuits are options if you’re picking up a few extra groceries and want to look beyond the kano pastry category. None of these products is a kano pastry with almond paste; compare the latest nutritional information per 100 g before choosing.

Hollandia Matzo Natural crackers, 16 pieces

Hollandia Matzo Natural crackers, 16 pieces

For anyone considering a cracker as a snack alternative who isn’t looking for a kano pastry with almond paste. Compare sugars per 100 g and check the latest allergen information on the packaging.

View on Joybuy
Panpan oat biscuits, 216 g

Panpan oat biscuits, 216 g

For anyone who would rather consider a biscuit than a cracker as an alternative to a kano pastry. Don’t rely on ‘Sugar-Free’ in the original product name: compare the sugars per 100 g listed on the latest packaging and check the information about maltitol and allergens.

View on Joybuy
Bolletje Light wholegrain crackers, 190 g

Bolletje Light wholegrain crackers, 190 g

For anyone who wants to compare a wholegrain cracker with a sweet biscuit without expecting it to be a kano pastry with almond paste. Read the latest nutritional information per 100 g and check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are the kano pastries compared a good choice if you want significantly less sugar?

No, not in this comparison. Product information from PLUS and Albert Heijn lists 37.6 g, 38.9 g and 39 g of sugars per 100 g for Aviateur, PLUS and AH respectively. The smallest difference doesn’t make a kano pastry a low-sugar alternative.

Does ‘no added sugars’ also mean sugar-free?

No. Voedingscentrum points out that a product can still contain sugars, and that the claim doesn’t mean it has a low energy value. Albert Heijn lists 1.7 g of sugars per 100 g for Verkade San Francisco Zero.

What should I look for in a biscuit containing maltitol?

Read the ingredients, allergens and warnings on the latest packaging. For Verkade San Francisco Zero, Albert Heijn lists maltitols and warns of a possible laxative effect if consumed in excess. Voedingscentrum explains that larger amounts of polyols can cause digestive problems.

How do I compare a kano pastry with a different type of biscuit in store?

Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and decide separately whether you want a kano pastry with almond paste or a different biscuit. Voedingscentrum recommends comparing products per 100 g because serving sizes can vary; then check the ingredients and allergens too.