Who should pay particular attention to these checks?

If you’re looking for a strictly sugar-free option

You want the ‘sugar-free’ claim to be accurate, not just a biscuit that contains less sugar. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets the limit at no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

If you want something to serve with coffee

You want to avoid added sugars, but you’re open to serving a different biscuit or snack if taaitaai doesn’t fit the bill.

If you’re catering for guests

As well as checking the sugars, you look at the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging, so your guests can decide whether the product is suitable for them.

What should you look for in taaitaai to serve with coffee?

First, decide whether ‘sugar-free’ is a firm requirement or whether you mainly want to avoid added sugars. Then check the label with your guests’ needs in mind.

What to consider What to check before buying Who is this important for?
Sugar-free Check the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre defines ‘sugar-free’ as no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. I don’t want to mistake a small portion for a sugar-free product; for around 42% of consumers, this strict requirement comes first.
Added sugars Check whether the label says ‘no added sugars’, and also read the total sugars per 100 g. I’m happy to choose a different biscuit if that helps me avoid added sugars. Around 33% of consumers give this the highest priority.
Guests and allergens Read the current ingredients and allergen information, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. When I’m serving several people, I want to know which ingredients matter to them; around 25% of consumers put this check first.

Common mistakes

  • Taking ‘no added sugars’ to mean ‘sugar-free’

    A product with no added sugars can still contain sugars. A smaller portion also doesn’t change the amount of sugars per 100 g, which is what the ‘sugar-free’ claim refers to.

    Decide which claim you’re looking for and compare it with the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets the limit for sugar-free at no more than 0.5 g per 100 g.

  • Confusing gluten-free with sugar-free

    The gluten-free Consenza Taai taai poppetjes listed by Albert Heijn contain 29 g of sugars per 100 g. The product information also lists oats and almonds.

    Check the gluten-free claim, sugar content and ingredients separately for the guests you’re buying for.

  • Serving taaitaai without reading the label

    When you’re having coffee with several guests, ingredients and allergens can affect your choice, regardless of your sugar goals.

    Check the current packaging before serving. Ask your guests which ingredients they need to avoid, and set aside a suitable alternative if necessary.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists both AH Taai taai and the separate Consenza Taai taai poppetjes.

  • The product information gives the sugar content per 100 g for both products.
  • According to Albert Heijn, AH Taai taai contains 39 g of sugars per 100 g, while the gluten-free Consenza figures contain 29 g per 100 g. Neither meets the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s limit for ‘sugar-free’.

Jumbo

The product information for Jumbo De Originele Taai Taai 500 g lists ingredients and nutritional values.

  • Jumbo lists 38.8 g of sugars per 100 g, so you can compare it with your sugar requirements.
  • This product does not meet the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s limit for ‘sugar-free’. Check separately whether it is still available before planning to serve it with coffee.

PLUS

PLUS Ambachtelijke taai taai koeken product information includes nutritional values and allergens.

  • PLUS lists both total sugars and added sugars per 100 g.
  • The listed values are 38.594 g of sugars and 37.613 g of added sugars per 100 g. This product isn’t suitable if you’re looking for a sugar-free option or one with no added sugars.

ALDI

ALDI describes Taai-taai 500 g as anise-flavoured biscuits in figure shapes.

  • The product description helps you identify the type of taaitaai you’re looking for.
  • If sugar content or allergens are important to you, check the packaging of the product you buy.

Dirk

Dirk lists mini-taaitaai in its product range.

  • The listing gives you a product to look up and check on the label.
  • Only assess a sugar claim using the current product information or packaging.

Lidl

Lidl Recipes features mini-taaitaai as a recipe ingredient.

  • The recipe reference could be useful if you’d like to make something to serve with coffee.
  • A recipe reference doesn’t tell you the sugar content or allergens in a packaged taaitaai product. Check the relevant label for that information.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

When is taaitaai sugar-free?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a product labelled ‘sugar-free’ contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ line on the packaging you buy.

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as ‘sugar-free’?

No. A product labelled ‘no added sugars’ may still contain sugars that are naturally present, so it’s a different claim from ‘sugar-free’. Before you choose, compare both claims with the nutritional information per 100 g, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.

Is gluten-free taaitaai also sugar-free?

Not necessarily. The gluten-free Consenza Taai taai poppetjes listed by Albert Heijn contain 29 g of sugars per 100 g; the product information also lists oats and almonds. Check the sugar content and all relevant ingredients separately for your guests.

What information should I use when buying taaitaai for guests?

Use the current packaging to check the sugars, ingredients and allergens before serving. Online product information can help you narrow down your options, but the information on the product you serve is what matters most.