If sugar-free is a firm requirement for your Halloween party, only choose taaitaai whose labelling and nutritional information meet that requirement. According to the Diabetes Fund, ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; Jumbo and PLUS taaitaai each list around 38.6 g of sugars per 100 g. Regular taaitaai is an option if sugar isn’t a strict restriction, while gluten-free varieties need to be checked separately for gluten, sugars and allergens. Baking your own gives you control over the recipe, but doesn’t automatically make the finished taaitaai sugar-free.
If a guest asks for sugar-free taaitaai, check the labelling and the amount of sugars per 100 g. A recipe title or a gluten-free label won’t answer that question. The Diabetes Fund says that ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.
If the taaitaai doesn’t have to be strictly sugar-free, you can compare sugars and carbohydrates per portion and decide in advance how many biscuits to serve. A smaller portion doesn’t change the product’s labelling.
Check gluten and other allergens separately from the sugar content. Consenza Taai taai poppetjes, sold by Albert Heijn, are labelled gluten-free but contain almonds and list 29 g of sugars per 100 g.
Start with the requirement that’s non-negotiable for your guests: sugar-free and gluten-free each call for a separate label check. Only then decide between serving a ready-made option and baking your own. When you bake taaitaai yourself, you can choose the ingredients, but you can’t assume the finished product’s sugar content without checking it.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar-free labelling | Check for the ‘sugar-free’ label and the amount of sugars per 100 g. The Diabetes Fund says this means no more than 0.5 g per 100 g. | If a guest only wants sugar-free taaitaai, ‘no added sugars’ isn’t enough. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise meeting this clearly defined sugar-free requirement. |
| Portion size and carbohydrates | Compare sugars and carbohydrates per 100 g, then calculate the amount for the portion you plan to serve. | When serving the biscuits, you’ll want to know how much sugar and how many carbohydrates are in the portion you’ve chosen, not just what the pack lists per 100 g. For around 29% of consumers, checking the portion would be their first concern. |
| Gluten and allergens | Read the ingredients, allergen information and any warning about traces. Check the sugar content separately. | If a guest needs to avoid gluten or a particular allergen, you’ll want to choose a biscuit that meets that specific requirement. This would be the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
| Preparation and packaging | If you want to serve a ready-made option, check the pack size, storage instructions and range available when you shop. | When catering for a group, you may want to serve taaitaai without any baking preparation, as long as no strict dietary restriction is involved. Around 21% of consumers would mainly consider this party convenience. |
A product with no added sugars can still contain sugars. According to the Diabetes Fund, ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.
If sugar-free is a strict requirement, check both the labelling and the nutritional information per 100 g.
Albert Heijn labels Consenza Taai taai poppetjes gluten-free, but also lists 29 g of sugars per 100 g. The product also contains almonds.
Check gluten, other allergens and sugars as separate requirements.
Jumbo lists 5.4 g of sugars per 14 g portion of Sint Taai Taai Figuurtjes. If you serve several portions, the amount of sugar will add up accordingly.
Decide how much taaitaai you want to offer each guest and use the portion information on the packaging.
If an alternative contains polyols, it’s important to check the ingredients and warnings too. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large amounts of polyols can cause digestive problems.
Read the label of the specific product before choosing it for your party.
These product examples can help you compare labels; a brand name alone doesn’t tell you whether taaitaai is sugar-free.
Jumbo Sint Taai Taai Figuurtjes comes in a 500 g pack.
PLUS Taai taai sint en piet comes in a 500 g pack.
Albert Heijn sells Consenza Taai taai poppetjes, which are labelled gluten-free.
ALDI lists anise-flavoured taaitaai in a 500 g pack.
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Mini taai taai in a 500 g pack.
According to the Diabetes Fund, ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the taaitaai labelling and nutritional information; ‘no added sugars’ doesn’t automatically mean the same thing.
No, a gluten-free label doesn’t tell you how much sugar the product contains. Albert Heijn lists 29 g of sugars per 100 g for Consenza Taai taai poppetjes; check for other allergens in this variety too.
Yes, if the amount of carbohydrates in the portion you serve is important to your choice. The Diabetes Fund explains that both sugar and starch count as carbohydrates. So, compare both entries in the nutritional information and calculate the amounts for the portion you’re serving.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging you’ve bought. Albert Heijn recommends keeping its AH Taai taai in a sealed tin after opening.
