With the increasing popularity of high-end cookies in the market, controversies surrounding imported cookie products have also arisen. Among them, Danish cookies are at the forefront, and the focus of controversy is mainly on how to determine the authenticity of Danish cookies. Previously, this topic has also sparked a certain degree of discussion online, with netizens expressing their own opinions on how to distinguish authentic Danish cookies. As a practitioner in the food industry for many years, I will only explain from a personal perspective what "Danish cookies" are.
Are authentic Danish cookies based on their place of origin? No!
Firstly, the author still needs to explain what "Danish cookies" are. According to traditional definitions and explanations from Baidu Baike, Danish cookies are similar to Beijing roast duck, Korean kimchi, Japanese sushi, and other foods, all belonging to the same conceptual category, equivalent to a style of cookie. It refers to cookies made according to traditional Danish craftsmanship and formulas, with a focus on ingredients, taste, and craftsmanship rather than origin, and cannot be narrowly understood as having to be produced within Denmark. The word "Denmark" in "Danish cookies" does not necessarily refer to the place of production. Danish style cookies can be produced anywhere, as long as they are made according to traditional Danish craftsmanship and recipes, they can be considered "authentic" Danish cookies.
Furthermore, in today's society, product production has developed into global integration. A well-known global brand can be produced and manufactured in different countries around the world. As long as it maintains the same quality, it can be recognized by consumers in various countries and can be said to be "authentic".
Therefore, apart from the food industry, such phenomena are no longer considered "new" in many other industries. The iPhone is a very typical example, and I believe many consumers also acknowledge the fact that it was commissioned to be processed and produced by Foxconn Group in Taiwan. The luxury brand Coach has already established 500 factories in China; Burberry closed its factory in Wales, UK in 2007 and relocated to China, among other things. These examples once again prove that international brands can manufacture and produce in different countries, and as long as they can ensure product quality, they can be accepted by the market and consumers.
Authentic Danish cookies made from butter? Yes!
Since cookies made using traditional Danish techniques and formulas can be considered authentic Danish cookies. So in a sense, the author agrees with the saying 'only those with butter are authentic', that is, the authenticity of Danish cookies can be judged by whether they contain butter or not. Because butter is included in traditional Danish formulas.
As far as I know, there are indeed some so-called Danish cookies on the market that do not contain butter ingredients, and the ingredient list of the traditional Danish cookie series represented by Crown Danish cookies can clearly show the butter ingredient, making it convenient for consumers to distinguish when purchasing.
In the past two years, China's cookie market has slowed down its growth pace, but the cookie market is still in a high-speed development stage. For consumers, including myself, we not only hope that manufacturers can provide more healthy and high-quality products, but also hope that major media can convey the most objective and authentic information to each and every one of us consumers, so that we can not only enjoy the products, but also understand them.
Responsible Editor: Zhang Di
