Buying for a larger group
You’re looking for enough taaitaai to share or keep for several occasions. In that case, the amount in the bag matters more to your choice than an artisan label.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Buying for a small celebration
You’re looking for a smaller pack presented as artisan-made for a Sinterklaas celebration or a snack. You want to know whether that presentation is worth choosing over an everyday variety.
Checking labels and allergen information
You want to check the ingredients and allergens before buying. The taaitaai products reviewed include ingredients such as cereals containing gluten and milk; always refer to the current packaging for the product you choose.
What should you consider when choosing?
First decide whether you’re buying mainly for a group or for a small celebration. Then compare the pack sizes and labels of the products you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity within your budget | Compare the net weight of the packs, for example 350 g and 500 g, with the amount you need. | When I’m buying for several people, I want enough taaitaai to share without letting the presentation dictate my choice. Around 40% of consumers put this budget consideration first. |
| Festive presentation | Compare the ingredients and nutritional values per 100 g of a variety described as artisan-made with those of an everyday variety. | For a small celebration, appearance matters to me, but I don’t assume the ingredients will be different. Around 30% of consumers prioritise presentation. |
| Portions and shape | Check the net weight and whether biscuits, figures or mini taaitaai are suitable for sharing. | When I want to hand out taaitaai, I’d rather have a suitable quantity and shape than a bag with leftovers. Around 20% of consumers put this practical consideration first. |
| Label and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information, including any statements about the possible presence of allergens. | If I need to avoid an ingredient or allergen, I need to be able to check the label before choosing. For around 10% of consumers, this is their main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming an artisan label means the ingredients are different
The PLUS pages reviewed listed the same ingredients and nutritional values per 100 g for the 250 g artisan biscuits and the 500 g everyday taaitaai. So, for these two varieties, the description on the front doesn’t tell you how the label differs.
Compare the current labels side by side, and only let the presentation influence your choice if it suits the occasion.
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Guessing allergens from the product name
The product information reviewed lists ingredients including cereals containing gluten and milk. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points out that allergens must be clearly identifiable on the label.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you’re actually buying, even if you’ve had the same product before.
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Relying on an old online product description
Ingredients and nutritional information can change. A product page you looked at previously may not match a pack you buy later.
Before use, check the current label, best-before date and storage instructions on the packaging.
Brands compared
These product ranges can help you compare pack sizes, shapes and label information; the brand name alone doesn’t tell you whether an individual product is right for you.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn describes its AH Taai taai as a 350 g pack.
- The 350 g pack is a specific alternative to the 500 g bags reviewed.
- Albert Heijn says product information may change, so check the packaging for ingredients and allergens.
Jumbo
Jumbo Sint Taai Taai Figuurtjes is a 500 g pack of shaped biscuits.
- Jumbo provides ingredients, nutritional information and storage advice for this product.
- The product information lists gluten, milk, rye and wheat, and also mentions the possible presence of other allergens. If you have a relevant allergy, check the current label.
PLUS
PLUS describes both 500 g packs of everyday taaitaai and 250 g packs of artisan taaitaai biscuits.
- Ingredients and nutritional values per 100 g are listed for both varieties, so you can compare their labels directly.
- The information matched on the product pages reviewed. In this comparison, the artisan name doesn’t indicate a difference in ingredients.
ALDI
ALDI describes a 500 g pack of taai-taai as aniseed-flavoured biscuits in assorted shapes.
- The stated pack size and shapes can help you decide whether this pack is suitable for sharing.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the packaging before relying on them to make your choice.
Dirk
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Mini taai taai in a 500 g pack.
- The mini version is worth considering if you want to hand out taaitaai.
- Check the label on the pack you choose for ingredients, allergens and nutritional values.
Taaitaai at Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘artisan-made’ mean taaitaai contains different ingredients?
No, that description alone doesn’t prove that the ingredients are different. The PLUS pages reviewed listed the same ingredients and nutritional values per 100 g for the 250 g artisan biscuits and the 500 g everyday taaitaai. Compare the current labels to make your own choice.
How do I compare the nutritional information for two types of taaitaai?
Compare like with like using the nutritional values per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends this basis because serving sizes can differ. Also check the ingredients and net weight if they matter to your choice.
Which allergens should I check in taaitaai?
Check the allergens on the packaging of the specific product. The information reviewed for AH, Jumbo and PLUS lists ingredients such as wheat, rye or other cereals containing gluten, and milk. Statements about the possible presence of other allergens may also vary between products.
How should I store taaitaai after opening?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you bought. Albert Heijn says to store its taaitaai in a sealed tin after opening; Jumbo recommends keeping its figures in a cool, dry place. Check the best-before date on your pack too.