If you’re looking for a sugar-free biscuit
The ‘sugar-free’ label matters more to you than the familiar kano shape or almond paste filling. As well as checking the label, look at the nutritional information and ingredients.
Which option is right for you?
For fans of the classic kano
You’re mainly looking for a butter biscuit with almond paste to enjoy with your coffee, and don’t need it to be sugar-free. Compare the sugars per 100 g, the portion size and the allergens before choosing.
If you check labels for specific ingredients
You want to know which allergens and sweeteners a product contains. For both kanos and alternative biscuits, check the latest ingredients list and the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ information.
What should you look for?
First decide whether a sugar-free biscuit is essential for you, or whether the almond paste filling is what matters most. Then compare products on a like-for-like basis, per 100 g, and check the ingredients information.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars | Look for an explicit ‘sugar-free’ label and check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. | If I don’t want regular sugars in my biscuit with coffee, that matters more than the kano shape. For around 42% of consumers, choosing a sugar-free biscuit comes first. |
| Almond paste and flavour | Check whether the product description says it is a butter biscuit with almond paste; also check the sugars per 100 g and per portion. | I specifically want a traditional kano with almond paste to have with my coffee, and I’m happy to accept that the varieties reviewed are not sugar-free. This is the most important factor for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ information on the latest packaging, and see which sweeteners have been used. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I can’t base my choice on the amount of sugars alone. Ingredients and allergens are the first consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking a regular kano for a sugar-free biscuit
The kanos described by Albert Heijn and Jumbo list 39 g and 36.8 g of sugars per 100 g respectively. The product type ‘kano’ doesn’t in itself mean that it is sugar-free.
Check the label on the packaging as well as the ‘of which sugars’ line in the nutritional information.
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Assuming ‘no added sugars’ means ‘sugar-free’
According to the Voedingscentrum, products with no added sugars may still contain naturally occurring sugars. The label also doesn’t tell you how much energy a product provides.
Compare sugars and any other relevant nutritional values per 100 g, and read the ingredients list.
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Overlooking sweeteners and allergens
The Céréal sugar-free biscuits described contain maltitols. The product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect; allergens are also important to check.
Before buying, read the latest warnings and the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ information.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn sells its own-brand kano with almond paste, as well as other types of biscuit labelled ‘sugar-free’.
- AH Butter Kanos list 41% almond paste filling.
- These kanos list 39 g of sugars per 100 g; the sugar-free biscuits are not kanos with almond paste.
Jumbo
Jumbo Butter Kanos are worth considering if you’re specifically looking for a butter biscuit with almond paste.
- Jumbo lists 38% almond paste filling for this product.
- At 36.8 g of sugars per 100 g, this variety isn’t sugar-free; check the listed allergens too.
Céréal
The Céréal chocolate chip and speculoos biscuits described are sold by Albert Heijn as ‘sugar-free’.
- The product information lists 0 g and 0.4 g of sugars per 100 g respectively.
- They are not kanos with almond paste. Both products contain maltitols and carry a warning about excessive consumption.
Related products on Joybuy
This product is labelled Sugar-Free and may be worth considering if you’re looking for something sweet to have with your coffee instead of a traditional kano. Check what type of product it is before buying.
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Klene Sugar-Free Lavender Biscuits 110 g
If you’re looking for something sweet and sugar-free to have with your coffee, the Sugar-Free label is a reason to check the nutritional information.
The pack contains 110 g. The title says biscuits, while the description also calls the product liquorice, so check the product type and texture before buying.
Also check the latest packaging for information about sweeteners and allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Are kanos sugar-free?
The Albert Heijn and Jumbo kanos described are not: they list 39 g and 36.8 g of sugars per 100 g respectively. If you’re choosing a different kano, always check the latest nutritional information rather than relying on the product name.
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as sugar-free?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, products with no added sugars may still contain naturally occurring sugars. So check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g in the nutritional information.
What should I look for in sugar-free biscuits?
As well as the sugar content, check the ingredients, sweeteners and allergen information. The Céréal biscuits described contain maltitols and carry a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Why compare kanos and other biscuits per 100 g?
Comparing products per 100 g makes differences between packs and portions easier to see. The Voedingscentrum recommends this basis for comparison; also check the size of one portion if that matters to your choice.