Which choice is right for you?

If you’re looking for strictly sugar-free

A description such as ‘less sugar’ isn’t enough for you. You want to be able to check the sugar content per 100 g of the taai-taai you buy.

If you want to compare sugar content

You want to take taai-taai to share, but sugar-free isn’t an absolute requirement. The nutritional values per 100 g help you compare products without different portion sizes distorting the picture.

If you also need to consider allergens or gluten

As well as the sugar content, the ingredients, allergen information or a gluten-free label on the exact pack matter to you. A gluten-free name alone says nothing about the sugar content.

What should you look for when choosing?

When choosing taai-taai for a festival, first decide whether sugar-free is an absolute requirement. Then consider the sugar content, any allergens and the practicalities of taking it along and sharing it.

What to consider What to check before buying Who should pay particular attention?
Sugar-free claim Check the claim and sugar content per 100 g for the exact variant. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives a maximum of 0.5 g per 100 g as the threshold for sugar-free. If I only want to take sugar-free taai-taai, I need to be able to verify that from the packaging; this is a priority for around 42% of consumers.
Comparing sugar content Compare taai-taai per 100 g and check the ingredients list for sugar, honey and syrups too. I want to choose between standard variants without mistaking a small portion for a low sugar content; around 25% of consumers prioritise this comparison.
Allergens and gluten Read the allergen information and any may-contain warning. If you need a gluten-free product, check the label on the pack you choose. If I need to watch out for gluten or other allergens, I can’t rely on the sugar content alone; this check is the top priority for around 17% of consumers.
Taking it along and sharing Check the pack weight, storage instructions and the festival’s rules on bringing your own food. If I’m taking taai-taai for a group, I want to know whether the quantity and packaging suit my plans; this matters most to around 16% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing ‘no added sugars’ with sugar-free

    A recipe title or a claim about added sugars doesn’t tell you how much sugar the finished taai-taai contains per 100 g. A product containing sweeteners doesn’t automatically meet the sugar-free threshold either.

    If you’re looking for strictly sugar-free taai-taai, check the nutritional information for the product you’re actually buying.

  • Using a small pack as a guide to sugar content

    Portion size doesn’t change the nutritional values per 100 g. PLUS lists 38.594 g of sugars per 100 g for Ambachtelijke taai taai; a shareable pack doesn’t make this variant sugar-free.

    Use the pack weight to plan portions and the value per 100 g to compare products.

  • Assuming gluten-free means sugar-free

    A gluten-free label relates to a different product characteristic. If you also require a sugar-free product, you’ll need to check the sugar content of that same variant too.

    Check the gluten-free label and allergen information separately from the nutritional information on sugars.

  • Relying on information from a different pack

    Ingredients and nutritional values can change. That’s why Albert Heijn recommends reading the packaging, even if you’ve already checked the product information online.

    Check the exact variant just before buying, especially if sugars or allergens are decisive for your choice.

Brands and retailers to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn has product pages for AH Taai taai and Consenza Taai taai poppetjes gluten free.

  • The two product names make it easier to search for the right variant.
  • The gluten-free label on the Consenza variant doesn’t confirm that its sugar content meets the sugar-free threshold. Check the current packaging for both products.

Jumbo

Jumbo has a product page for Jumbo De Originele Taai Taai 500g.

  • The product name tells you which variant and pack size to check.
  • If you need a sugar-free product, check the nutritional information on the packaging rather than relying on the product name.

PLUS

PLUS lists standard taai-taai in 250 g and 500 g packs.

  • PLUS lists 38.594 g of sugars per 100 g for both variants checked. They therefore don’t meet the sugar-free threshold given by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
  • When buying, use the nutritional information for the exact variant you’re taking with you.

ALDI

ALDI Nederland has a product page for standard 500 g taai-taai with anise flavour.

  • The product name and pack weight help you identify the variant.
  • Check the sugar content and ingredients on the packaging before choosing this variant to meet a particular sugar target.

Lidl

Lidl lists mini taai-taai as an ingredient in a recipe for festive party picks.

  • The recipe gives you an idea for sharing taai-taai.
  • A recipe doesn’t identify a current product variant or confirm that the taai-taai used is sugar-free.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When does taai-taai count as sugar-free?

For a sugar-free claim, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives a threshold of no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the nutritional information on the exact pack: ‘less sugar’, ‘no added sugars’ and ‘gluten-free’ are different labels.

Is taai-taai made with honey, syrup or sweeteners automatically sugar-free?

No. Honey and syrups are sources of sugar, while the presence of sweeteners alone tells you nothing about the total sugar content of the taai-taai. Check both the ingredients list and the sugar content per 100 g.

How can I compare taai-taai if sugar-free isn’t an absolute requirement?

Compare the sugar content of the exact variants per 100 g, not just per portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends this basis for comparison because portion sizes can vary. The ingredients list also shows which sources of sugar have been used.

Does gluten-free taai-taai also mean sugar-free taai-taai?

No. A gluten-free label doesn’t tell you how much sugar the product contains. If you also require a sugar-free product, check the nutritional information on that same pack.

What should I check before taking taai-taai to a festival?

Read the storage instructions on the packaging and check in advance whether the festival allows you to bring your own food. If you have a sugar or allergen requirement, also factor the nutritional information and allergen details for your chosen variant into your buying decision.