Who is this choice relevant to?

Organisers with a Fairtrade requirement

You want to be able to show that the Fairtrade label applies to the product you’re offering at the festival, not just to chocolate served alongside it.

Organisers who want to hand things out quickly

You’re looking for portions you can hand out without preparation or serving from an open display. Individually wrapped chocolate could work well, provided you can supply the ingredients and allergen information for each product.

Vendors who need to consider allergens

You want to be able to tell visitors in advance which allergens are in the taaitaai or chocolate they choose. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label.

What should you look for?

First decide whether the Fairtrade requirement applies to the taaitaai itself, or whether you want to offer chocolate as a separate festival snack. The serving method and allergen information will then help you choose the most practical option.

Taaitaai as the main product

Choose this when: you specifically want to hand out taaitaai.

What to bear in mind: the product information for the AH and Jumbo taaitaai biscuits mentioned here does not substantiate a Fairtrade claim for these biscuits.

Hand out Fairtrade chocolate separately

Choose this when: you want the Fairtrade label to apply to the chocolate itself.

What to bear in mind: a chocolate bar and individually wrapped chocolates need to be handed out differently. Neither makes separate taaitaai biscuits Fairtrade.

Bake the taaitaai yourself

Choose this when: you want to decide on the ingredients, portions and any chocolate decoration yourself.

What to bear in mind: a Fairtrade label for one ingredient says nothing about the finished bake as a whole. You’ll also need to organise allergen information and hygiene when serving it.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade label Check which product or ingredients the label applies to, and read any explanation of mass balance. If I want to describe the taaitaai as Fairtrade, the label needs to apply to those biscuits. For around 45% of consumers, having a product claim they can verify would be the main consideration.
Serving and storage Choose between sealed portions and open serving, and follow the storage instructions for the product you select. At the festival, I want to be able to hand out portions without splitting them up on the spot. For around 33% of consumers, convenience when serving would come first.
Ingredients and allergens Read the latest information for each variant and make sure visitors can access it when food is served unpackaged. I want to be able to tell visitors in advance which allergens are in the variant they choose. For around 22% of consumers, that clarity would matter most.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming Fairtrade chocolate makes taaitaai Fairtrade

    A Fairtrade label on a separate chocolate bar or chocolate mix says nothing about the status of the taaitaai you’re serving alongside it.

    Present the products separately. Only make a Fairtrade claim for taaitaai if the current packaging or product specification for those biscuits substantiates it.

  • Handing out a chocolate mix without information for each variant

    The Tony's Chocolonely Tiny's mix reviewed here contains several types of chocolate and multiple allergens. Allergen information must be available when food is served unpackaged.

    Keep the current packaging at the serving point and make sure you can explain the ingredients and allergens for each variant.

  • Confusing online listings with festival availability

    Jumbo says its De Originele Taai Taai is no longer available in its online range. The selection of seasonal chocolate may vary by shop and time of year.

    Before buying, check that your chosen product is available, its use-by date and its product information. If you choose an alternative, check it against the same Fairtrade and allergen requirements.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists both AH Taai taai and a separate AH Biologisch Reep extra puur.

  • The AH Biologisch Reep extra puur states that it contains 72% cocoa and carries a Fairtrade label, with an explanation of mass balance.
  • According to Albert Heijn, AH Taai taai contains rye, wheat and milk protein, among other ingredients. The Fairtrade label on the chocolate bar does not apply to these biscuits.

Tony's Chocolonely

The Tiny's mix listed by Jumbo is an option if you want to hand out individually wrapped chocolates alongside taaitaai.

  • Jumbo describes the mix as individually wrapped dark, milk and white chocolates.
  • The mix described contains milk, soya, wheat, egg, almonds and hazelnuts, among other ingredients. It’s chocolate, not taaitaai.

Jumbo

Jumbo is relevant when comparing own-brand taaitaai with separately offered chocolate.

  • Jumbo’s product information for De Originele Taai Taai lists ingredients and allergens.
  • Jumbo makes no Fairtrade claim for these taaitaai biscuits and says the product is no longer in its online range.

Lidl

Lidl is worth considering if you’re looking at Fairtrade seasonal chocolate as a separate snack.

  • According to Lidl Netherlands, its own-brand Favorina seasonal chocolate is Fairtrade-certified.
  • Check the current packaging, allergens and availability of the specific product. This chocolate does not substantiate a Fairtrade claim for taaitaai.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I offer ordinary taaitaai with Fairtrade chocolate and call it Fairtrade taaitaai?

No. The Fairtrade label on separate chocolate does not substantiate a claim for taaitaai. Check the current packaging or product specification for the biscuits themselves before using that description.

Which allergens should I check before handing out taaitaai or chocolate?

Check the latest ingredients and allergen information for each product you choose and, for a mix, for each individual variant. The AH Taai taai described contains rye, wheat and milk protein, among other ingredients; the Tony's Chocolonely Tiny's mix described contains milk, soya, wheat, egg, almonds and hazelnuts, among other ingredients. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label. For unpackaged products, it must be made available in another way.

What should I bear in mind when selling these products at a festival?

Make sure you prepare, store and sell food safely and hygienically. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority has rules for markets and events. You’ll also need to organise allergen information for the products you offer, especially if you open packaging or prepare portions yourself.