Which option is right for you?

Cocoa lovers

If you want the dark flavour to come from cocoa or dark chocolate, check that it’s actually listed on the label. A dark colour alone doesn’t tell you how much cocoa is in it.

Fans of spiced taaitaai

If you’re mainly looking for aniseed, spices and that distinctive chewy bite, traditional varieties are a different choice from chocolate taaitaai. The standard varieties described by Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS don’t list cocoa or chocolate in their ingredients.

Anyone checking for allergens

Whether you’re buying taaitaai for yourself or to share, check the packaging for the allergens the product contains and any substances it may contain. The varieties described list ingredients including wheat, rye and milk or milk protein; warnings vary by product.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you’re looking for cocoa or prefer the traditional spiced flavour. Then check the ingredients and allergen information on the specific packaging you’re planning to buy.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Cocoa or dark chocolate Look for cocoa, cocoa mass or dark chocolate on the packaging. If you’re looking for a particular cocoa content, compare any stated quantities. I want to taste cocoa, not just buy a biscuit that looks dark; demonstrable cocoa content is the priority for around 50% of consumers.
Spiced flavour and chewy texture Check whether ingredients such as aniseed, spices and rye are a good match for the taaitaai you’re looking for. Spiced flavour and chewy texture matter more to me than chocolate. Around 33% of consumers prefer classic taaitaai.
Allergens Read the allergen information and any warnings about the possible presence of other substances on the packaging. If I’m buying taaitaai to eat or share, I need to know which allergens it may contain first; checking this is the top priority for around 17% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a dark colour means lots of cocoa

    Taaitaai can look dark because of ingredients such as dark brown sugar and spices. The standard varieties described by Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS don’t list cocoa or chocolate in their ingredients.

    If cocoa is essential for you, look for it on the packaging and compare any quantity stated.

  • Confusing milk chocolate with dark chocolate

    A product name mentioning milk chocolate doesn’t confirm that the taaitaai contains dark chocolate or meets your preferred cocoa content.

    Check the chocolate and cocoa information on the packaging before choosing a chocolate variety.

  • Guessing allergens from the product name

    The taaitaai described contains ingredients including wheat, rye and milk or milk protein. Warnings about the possible presence of other allergens can also vary by product.

    Read the packaging of the product you’re actually buying and check it again before eating.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

AH Taai taai, in a 500 g pack, is a classic option if you’re looking for a spiced biscuit.

  • Albert Heijn provides ingredients, nutritional information, allergen details and storage instructions for this product.
  • The ingredients listed don’t include cocoa or chocolate. Check the packaging, as product information may change.

Jumbo

Jumbo Sint Taai Taai Figuurtjes is a classic taaitaai in a 500 g pack.

  • The product information lists ingredients including aniseed and cinnamon.
  • The ingredients list doesn’t include cocoa or chocolate, and it lists wheat, rye and milk protein. Check the warnings about the possible presence of other allergens, too.

PLUS

The PLUS varieties described include 250 g packs of taaitaai biscuits and 500 g packs of Sint-en-Piet taaitaai.

  • The two pack sizes let you choose between a smaller and a larger quantity of taaitaai.
  • The ingredients lists described don’t include cocoa or chocolate, but do list wheat, rye and milk protein. Check the current packaging.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does dark taaitaai automatically contain lots of cocoa?

No, its dark colour doesn’t prove that it has a high cocoa content. Albert Heijn describes taaitaai made with ingredients including rye flour, aniseed and dark brown sugar; the standard varieties described by Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS don’t list cocoa or chocolate in their ingredients.

How can I spot taaitaai made with cocoa or dark chocolate?

Check the ingredients list on the current packaging for cocoa, cocoa mass or dark chocolate. If a quantity is stated, you can compare it with your preferred cocoa content; don’t rely on the colour or product name alone.

Which allergens should I check in taaitaai?

Always check the allergen information on the specific packaging. The products described by Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list wheat, rye and milk or milk protein; warnings about the possible presence of other allergens may vary by product.

Can I rely on a product page if I have a food allergy?

Don’t use the product page as a substitute for checking the packaging in your hands. Albert Heijn and PLUS say that product information may change, so check the ingredients and allergens again before eating.

How should I store taaitaai after buying it?

Follow the storage instructions on the specific packaging, even after opening. The product information described by Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS says to store it in a cool, dry place; the PLUS varieties described also specify a dark place.