If you want to share taaitaai
If you’re putting a bowl on the table or catering for a larger group, pack size matters. Think about how much you’ll actually use before choosing a large bag.
Which option is right for you?
If you want to bake and decorate it yourself
A baking mix is a good choice if making, cutting out and decorating the shapes is part of your Sinterklaas celebration. Check in advance which ingredients and kitchen equipment you’ll need, and make sure you have enough oven space.
If you need to check ingredients or allergens
Regular and gluten-free taaitaai may contain different ingredients. Always read the latest packaging, including the allergen information and any warnings about traces.
What should you look for when choosing?
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Check the weight and work out how much taaitaai you’ll need to share. | When I put taaitaai on the table, I want to have enough without being left with lots over. For around 36% of consumers, getting the right amount is a top priority. |
| Bake it yourself or serve it ready-made | With a baking mix, check what’s in the pack and which extra ingredients, utensils and oven you’ll need. | Shaping and decorating the figures myself is part of the occasion; a ready-made bag doesn’t offer that activity. Around 29% of consumers say baking it themselves is their top priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the latest ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings about traces on the packaging. | If I need to avoid an ingredient, the taaitaai I choose must suit my dietary restriction. For around 21% of consumers, checking this is the first requirement. |
| Storing it after opening | Check the best-before date and storage instructions, and keep opened taaitaai tightly sealed. | For a small gathering, I want to be able to save the rest of a bag for later. Around 14% of consumers prioritise storing and using up leftovers. |
Common mistakes
-
Treating a baking mix like ready-made taaitaai
A baking mix lets you make and decorate your own taaitaai, but you’ll need to prepare it before you can serve it.
Before buying, check which ingredients and utensils you’ll need. Choose a ready-made bag if you want to serve taaitaai straight away.
-
Assuming gluten-free means allergen-free
According to the product information, the gluten-free Consenza product reviewed also contains oats and almonds. So the label on the front doesn’t tell you everything about the ingredients.
Read the full ingredients and allergen information on every pack, even if you’ve bought the product before.
-
Assuming taaitaai, pepernoten and kruidnoten are the same
PLUS describes pepernoten as soft and chewy, with a texture similar to taaitaai. That doesn’t mean the product names are interchangeable.
Decide whether you want to serve taaitaai or are looking for a specific type of Sinterklaas treat, then check the product name on the packaging.
Brands to consider
ALDI
ALDI Netherlands lists ready-made taaitaai in a 500 g pack.
- An option if you want to serve taaitaai without any baking preparation.
- Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn provides product information for 500 g packs of AH taaitaai and for a separate taaitaai baking mix.
- The two product types make it easier to choose between serving it ready-made and baking it yourself.
- For the baking mix, check which additional ingredients and utensils you’ll need.
PLUS
PLUS provides product information for a 500 g bag of regular taaitaai.
- The stated pack weight can help you decide whether the quantity is right for your occasion.
- Check the information for the product you buy for details of its ingredients and allergens.
Consenza
The Consenza taaitaai figures reviewed are labelled gluten-free and come in 125 g packs.
- A separate option if you’re specifically looking for gluten-free taaitaai.
- The product reviewed also contains almonds, so check the full allergen information.
Taaitaai on Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is taaitaai the same as pepernoten or kruidnoten?
No, they aren’t identical products. PLUS describes pepernoten as soft and chewy, with a texture similar to taaitaai. Check the packaging to see which product you’re choosing for baking or serving.
What do I need to bake taaitaai myself?
It depends on the baking mix you choose. For the Homemade pack described by Albert Heijn, you’ll need 70 ml of water, a little flour and a mixer with dough hooks, as well as the contents of the pack. Check the pack for the other items you’ll need and the oven instructions.
How should I store taaitaai after opening?
Store opened taaitaai in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as recommended by Voedingscentrum. Also check the best-before date and the storage instructions on the packaging, and make sure the product is still good to eat.
Should I check for other allergens in gluten-free taaitaai?
Yes. According to the product information, the gluten-free Consenza taaitaai reviewed contains almonds. Always read the full ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you buy.