If you’re serving taaitaai at a children’s party, choose a pack whose ingredients, allergens and portion sizes suit the group. Product information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS for the taaitaai discussed here does not list chocolate or cocoa, so don’t assume it contains Fairtrade chocolate. If Fairtrade chocolate is important to you, serve it as a separate treat and check which product the FAIRTRADE mark applies to on the packaging.
You want to rely on the mark on the treat itself, not on a general sustainability claim. If your chosen taaitaai contains no chocolate, separate Fairtrade chocolate is a different choice from Fairtrade taaitaai.
You’re serving the same treat to several children and need to know which ingredients and warnings appear on each pack. The taaitaai discussed from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS lists ingredients including wheat, rye and milk or milk protein.
You’re looking for a pack you can divide into suitable portions. For a party at school or a childcare setting, you’ll also want to check the rules on treats in advance; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends asking.
A good choice if: you’re looking for a biscuit treat that can be shared and Fairtrade certification for the taaitaai isn’t essential.
Bear in mind: the varieties discussed list wheat, rye and milk or milk protein. Their product information does not substantiate a Fairtrade claim for the taaitaai.
A good choice if: Fairtrade chocolate matters more to you than certification for the taaitaai itself.
Bear in mind: the mark on the chocolate doesn’t automatically apply to the taaitaai. Check the allergens in each product separately too.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade mark | Check the mark on the pack you choose. If there’s an arrow next to it, read the explanation on the back about the ingredients and sourcing, as Fairtrade International advises. | If Fairtrade is a deciding factor for me, I want to know whether the mark applies to the treat itself or just to a separate product. For around 45% of consumers, verifiable Fairtrade status is the most important consideration. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Ask about allergies and dietary requirements in advance. Check both the ingredients list and any warnings about possible allergen presence on the current packaging. | If children with allergies are coming, I want to choose a treat that fits their needs. That’s why around 33% of consumers prioritise allergen information. |
| Portions and party rules | Check the number of items or portions and ask about the rules at the school, childcare setting or party venue. | For a group party, I want to hand out something in suitable portions without overlooking the venue’s rules. A small treat that can be shared is the top priority for around 22% of consumers. |
A supermarket selling Fairtrade products doesn’t tell you anything about the certification of a particular bag of taaitaai. What’s more, the ingredient lists for the Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS varieties discussed don’t mention chocolate or cocoa.
Base any Fairtrade claim on the mark and explanation for the exact product. If you serve separate Fairtrade chocolate alongside regular taaitaai, describe them as separate products.
The varieties discussed list wheat, rye and milk or milk protein. Some product information also warns that other allergens may be present; the warning can vary from pack to pack.
Ask about allergies before you buy and check the current packaging for every treat. Arrange a separate alternative for any child who can’t have the taaitaai you’ve chosen.
A larger pack doesn’t necessarily tell you how many suitable portions you can serve. Schools and childcare settings may also have their own rules about treats.
Count the children and adults, compare the number of items or portions on the pack, and ask the venue about its rules in advance.
These product ranges give you a starting point for comparing pack sizes and labels. A retailer’s name or range is not a Fairtrade mark for individual taaitaai products.
The product information for AH Taai taai helps you compare ingredients, allergens and portions.
Jumbo Sint Taai Taai Figuurtjes comes in a 500 g pack for those catering for a larger group.
PLUS lists products including taai-taai biscuits in 250 g packs and mini taai-taai in 500 g packs, giving you a choice of sizes to compare.
ALDI lists aniseed-flavoured taai-taai shapes in a 500 g pack.
The ingredient lists for the taaitaai discussed from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS don’t mention chocolate or cocoa. So don’t assume it contains Fairtrade chocolate just because the retailer has a general Fairtrade range; always check the mark on the packaging of the exact product.
Read the mark and the accompanying information on the chocolate packaging. Fairtrade International explains that, for a product with multiple ingredients, an arrow next to the mark points to an explanation on the back about the ingredients and sourcing.
It depends on the children’s allergies and the current packaging of the product you choose. The varieties discussed from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list wheat, rye and milk or milk protein; check for warnings about the possible presence of other allergens too.
First, ask about the school or childcare setting’s rules on treats. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that these rules can vary between venues. Make sure the portions suit the group, and ask about allergies and dietary requirements in advance.
