For most small advent calendar compartments, individual taai-taai figures or mini taai-taai are a practical choice. For a roomy final compartment, one larger taai-taai figure may work better. Check the size of the pieces and the current label before filling your calendar: the product examples mentioned come in different shapes and contain ingredients such as wheat, rye or milk.
If you want to add a separate treat on several days, look for mini taai-taai or little figures. Jumbo lists a bag of figures, while Dirk lists mini taai-taai. Just check that the individual pieces will fit in your compartments.
A taai-taai figure may be a better choice than lots of small pieces for a roomy final compartment or a separate gift bag. Jumbo, for example, listed a 250 g figure. Check current availability and dimensions before planning your calendar around it.
If you’re buying for someone with an allergy or specific dietary restriction, check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack before choosing. The product name and shape won’t tell you which ingredients it contains.
First, decide what needs to fit in your calendar: individual treats for several days or one larger gift. Then compare the total contents and check the label for each option.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size for each compartment | Compare the compartment dimensions with the individual pieces. Labels such as mini or figures don’t tell you the exact number or size. | If I’m filling lots of small compartments, I want pieces I can portion out without having to cut them each time. An estimated 29% of consumers are likely to prioritise a small, easy-to-share size. |
| Total quantity | Compare the net weight and any stated number of portions with the number of calendar days and recipients. One portion doesn’t necessarily equal one piece. | When I’m filling several calendars, I want enough taai-taai without too much left over. Around 29% of consumers are likely to say that quantity is a priority for them. |
| Final gift | Check the space in the final compartment and whether you’re buying one large shape or a pack of several biscuits. | For a memorable finish, I’d rather choose one larger shape than small daily treats. For an estimated 21% of consumers, this final size is the most important consideration. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you’ll actually use, even if you’ve already checked the details online. | If I’m buying taai-taai for someone with an allergy, I need to know exactly what’s in the pack. For around 21% of consumers, this check is likely to be their top priority. |
The pack weight doesn’t tell you how many individual treats you’ll get for your calendar. Jumbo lists around 36 portions for its 500 g bag of Saint Nicholas taai-taai figures, but a portion doesn’t necessarily equal one figure or one compartment. A 250 g figure, on the other hand, is one large shape: check that you have enough room, or give it separately in a gift bag.
A stated number of portions doesn’t tell you how many individual pieces are in the bag or how large they are. So even taai-taai labelled mini or figures may not be practical for your compartments.
Decide whether you want to give a whole piece, part of a biscuit or a small bag for each day. Then check the shape and any information about the individual pieces.
The examples mentioned from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list ingredients such as wheat, rye or milk, and recipes can change. The name taai-taai is no substitute for checking the ingredients.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current pack before adding the treats to your calendar.
A 250 g pack may be a suitable total quantity for a small gift, but the weight won’t tell you whether you’re buying one figure or several biscuits. A 500 g bag won’t tell you how large each piece is either.
As well as the weight, compare the shape and number of pieces, where this information is available.
Taai-taai comes in different seasonal formats. A figure or bag shown previously may not be available when it’s time to fill your calendar.
Check the latest in-store or online ordering information just before you buy, and keep another suitable size in mind as a back-up.
These retailers and brands offer examples of taai-taai in different formats. Use their product information to compare shape and quantity, and always check the current pack before buying.
The product listing for Bolletje Taai Taai gives an example of a 350 g pack.
Jumbo lists both a 500 g bag of taai-taai figures and a 250 g taai-taai figure.
A Lidl recipe uses mini taai-taai as a separate part of a treat.
ALDI describes aniseed-flavoured taai-taai in figure shapes, sold in 500 g packs.
PLUS lists a 500 g bag of Saint and Pete taai-taai and 250 g packs of traditional taai-taai biscuits.
Dirk lists a 500 g pack of 1 de Beste Mini taai-taai.
Don’t choose it without checking the label on the exact pack. The Bolletje, Jumbo and PLUS examples mentioned list wheat, rye and milk or milk protein; some packs also warn that other allergens may be present. Read the current ingredients list and allergen information before adding anything to the calendar.
Keep taai-taai in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, and follow the storage advice and best-before date on the pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping biscuits in a well-sealed container after opening. Don’t divide them between the calendar until you’ve checked whether the individual compartments or bags can be sealed.
Lidl directs customers to the packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for its food products, and doesn’t provide a general online list. So check the label on the specific product before you buy it or put it in your calendar.
