Who is this choice relevant to?

Parents looking for strictly sugar-free treats

You’re looking for taaitaai to hand out and want to check the claim against the nutritional information, rather than relying on phrases such as ‘naturally sweetened’ or ‘no refined sugar’.

Parents who want to bake a batch for the party

You want to choose the ingredients yourself and decide how big to make each piece of taaitaai. If you want to call it sugar-free, the nutritional value of the finished product still matters.

Organisers working around allergies or venue rules

You’re handing out treats to a group of children and want to check in advance which allergens are relevant and what the school, childcare setting or party venue allows.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether sugar-free is a strict requirement. Then consider whether buying or baking your own fits your party preparations, and check the allergens and venue rules before handing out the treats.

What to consider What should you check? Who does this matter to?
Sugar claim and ingredients Check the sugars per 100 g and the ingredients. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, taaitaai labelled ‘sugar-free’ must contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; ‘no added sugars’ is a different claim. I want taaitaai that meets my strict requirements, without judging it by the name of the sweetener; for around 44% of consumers, being able to verify a sugar claim is a priority.
Portions and preparation Decide how many pieces you want to hand out and how much time you have to bake them yourself. If you’re following a recipe, check that the shape you’ve chosen will work with the dough. When I’m baking for a group, I want to be able to make and hand out the pieces on time; for around 33% of consumers, practical preparation comes first.
Allergens and venue rules Check the allergen information and ask in advance what the school, childcare setting or party venue allows. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), allergen information for prepacked foods appears on the label. If there are allergies or rules at the venue, I want to know in advance what I can hand out; for around 23% of consumers, this is the first thing they consider.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing ‘no refined sugar’ with ‘sugar-free’

    Honey and syrups can still contain sugars. A recipe using these ingredients doesn’t automatically meet the threshold for a ‘sugar-free’ claim.

    Check the nutritional information for the product or the finished recipe. Don’t judge the claim solely by the sweetener used.

  • Assuming regular taaitaai is sugar-free

    An Albert Heijn Allerhande taaitaai recipe uses ingredients including soft brown sugar and honey. The shape or name of a treat tells you nothing about its sugar content.

    Compare the ingredients and nutritional information for the taaitaai you’re actually buying or baking.

  • Leaving allergen checks and treat rules until the day of the party

    Allergens matter when you’re handing out treats to a group. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum) also points out that schools may have rules about what children can bring in as a treat.

    Ask about allergies and venue rules in advance, and keep the packaging or recipe information to hand when you hand out the treats.

Brands to consider

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Taaitaai and baking products on Joybuy

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Frequently asked questions

When can taaitaai be labelled ‘sugar-free’?

Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, taaitaai labelled ‘sugar-free’ must contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the nutritional information for the specific product; ‘no added sugars’ doesn’t mean the same thing.

Can I use a sweetener in taaitaai for a children's party?

You can use a sweetener as an ingredient in homemade taaitaai; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that children can consume sugar and sweeteners. Check what else is in the recipe and assess the nutritional value of the finished product before calling it sugar-free.

Do I need to check for allergens when handing out taaitaai?

Yes. Before handing out the treats, find out which allergens are relevant to the children. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), allergen information for prepacked foods appears on the label; if you’ve baked the taaitaai yourself, keep the ingredient details to hand.

Can I always take taaitaai into school or childcare as a treat?

Check with the school or childcare setting in advance. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that schools may have a treat or party policy explaining what can and cannot be handed out.