Who is this relevant to?

Parents putting together treat bags for a class

You want to give each child a small portion without the biscuits being too big for the bag. Check the shape and portion information, and work out how many portions you need in advance.

Parents taking allergens into account

You need to know which ingredients are relevant to the children. Even if taai-taai is labelled gluten-free, check the full allergen information on the packaging.

Parents who need to follow school rules

Before packing the bags, ask whether edible treats are allowed and what rules apply to portions and any homemade food. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that a school's party policy determines what treats can be given out.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the school's rules and the allergens in the group. Then choose a biscuit shape and pack size to suit the number of bags you need to fill.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
School rules and allergens Ask what the school allows and check the allergen information on the exact pack. A gluten-free label does not replace this check. If a child needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to choose a treat that can also be handed out in line with the school's rules. For around 50% of consumers, this suitability would be their first concern.
Portion and biscuit shape Check the shape against the bag and look at any portion information. For a 500 g bag of Jumbo taai-taai figures, Jumbo lists around 36 portions of 14 g. For a small treat bag, I want to be able to fit in a portion without having to break up a large taai-taai figure. For around 30% of consumers, size would be the priority.
Quantity per pack Count the children and allow for a few spare portions; then compare the net weight with the portion information available. One portion is not necessarily one biscuit. For a whole class, I want to have enough to give everyone a treat without having lots left over. The quantity needed would be the main consideration for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming regular taai-taai is suitable for every child

    The regular taai-taai varieties reviewed from Jumbo and PLUS list cereals containing gluten and milk. The school's rules may also restrict edible treats.

    Ask about the rules for the group and read the label on the pack you choose before filling the bags. If in doubt, opt for a non-food alternative.

  • Confusing gluten-free with allergen-free

    The gluten-free Consenza taai-taai at Albert Heijn lists oats and almonds; another gluten-free variety reviewed lists milk and lupin.

    Compare the full ingredients and allergen information with the reported dietary restrictions. Don’t replace regular taai-taai with a gluten-free variety without checking first.

  • Assuming a large bag is ready-made treat bags

    A 500 g bag does not automatically contain individually wrapped biscuits or biscuits of the same size. The around 36 portions listed by Jumbo are portions, not necessarily 36 individual figures.

    Work out how many portions you need in advance and check that the amount you choose will actually fit in each bag.

  • Picking up a different variety from the one you planned

    Taai-taai from the same brand can vary in shape, pack size and allergen information.

    Check the exact variety in store and read the label again, even if you’ve already looked at a product online.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

A place to look for a separate gluten-free taai-taai option.

  • Albert Heijn lists Consenza gluten-free taai-taai figures in a 125 g pack.
  • The product information also lists oats and almonds; check the pack for all relevant allergens.

Jumbo

Figured taai-taai in a 500 g bag, making it easier to plan portions for several bags.

  • For its Sint Taai Taai Figuurtjes, Jumbo lists around 36 portions of 14 g.
  • This variety lists gluten, milk, rye and wheat; check the rest of the allergen information on the pack too.

ALDI

Regular taai-taai figures if you want to divide portions from a larger bag.

  • ALDI describes a 500 g pack with an aniseed flavour.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens on the exact pack before choosing it for a group.

PLUS

A 500 g bag of figures and a smaller 250 g bag offer different pack sizes.

  • The difference in net weight can help you plan for a larger or smaller giveaway.
  • The varieties reviewed list wheat, rye and milk, among other ingredients. PLUS warns that ingredients and allergen information may change.

Dirk

A search result lists 1 de Beste Mini taai taai in a 500 g pack.

  • The name indicates a mini variety and the net weight, both of which are worth considering when choosing a pack.
  • Before using it as a treat, check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you choose.

Lidl

Its recipe selection offers inspiration for a Sinterklaas treat combining mini taai-taai with other ingredients.

  • A Lidl recipe uses pieces of mini taai-taai alongside fruit and marshmallows.
  • For a combination like this, check the school's rules and the allergens in each product separately.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can you put regular taai-taai in a school treat bag?

You can if the school allows edible treats and the taai-taai you choose meets the rules for children in the group. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking in advance about allergies and other reasons for avoiding certain products; then check the packaging.

Is taai-taai gluten-free by default?

No: the regular varieties reviewed from Jumbo and PLUS list wheat, rye and cereals containing gluten. If gluten needs to be avoided, look for a product explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the other allergens on the current label too.

How do I choose a portion that will fit in a small bag?

Choose a small, manageable portion based on the size of the bag and the number of children; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small portions of biscuits or sweets. For its 500 g bag of taai-taai figures, Jumbo lists around 36 portions of 14 g, but check the biscuit shape before assuming there will be one figure per child.

Is the allergen information on a product page enough?

Use it to help you decide, but read the label on the exact pack before filling the bags. Ingredients and allergen information can change; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens must be listed on labels.