For a festive extra in a school lunch, a small pack of taaitaai biscuits is a sensible choice if you only need a little; the word ‘artisan’ alone tells you nothing about taste, nutritional value or allergens. Before packing them, check the label on the product you’ve bought and the school’s policy. If a gluten-free option is needed, a product labelled gluten-free may be suitable, but it could still contain other allergens.
You only want to pack taaitaai biscuits if the current label is suitable for the pupil and complies with the school’s rules. The products we looked at differ in the allergens listed and in warnings about possible traces of other allergens.
You’re after something for a special lunchtime treat and would rather have a small quantity than a large bag. Check the pack size and shape: a smaller pack or a biscuit labelled artisan won’t automatically have a different nutritional value or allergen profile.
You’re looking specifically for a product labelled gluten-free and will also check the full label. The Consenza figures we looked at also list oats and almonds/nuts.
First check that the taaitaai biscuits are suitable for the pupil’s allergies and comply with the school’s rules. Then decide how much you want to pack and whether you need a gluten-free option; consider the packaging and appearance after that.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and school policy | Read the allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging. Check the school’s rules. | When I’m packing something for a pupil, I first want to know whether they can eat it and whether it’s allowed at school. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Portion and lunch | Check the weight per biscuit or the portion information, and decide how much taaitaai to pack alongside the rest of the lunch. | A small festive treat shouldn’t replace the rest of the lunch. Around 29% of consumers prioritise portion size and how it fits into the lunch. |
| Gluten-free option | Check that the product is labelled gluten-free, as well as the other ingredients and allergens in that specific variety. | If gluten-free taaitaai is needed, I also want to know whether oats or nuts are a problem. This specific need is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Presentation and quantity | Compare the pack sizes and shapes of the biscuits; treat ‘artisan’ as a product description, not proof of quality. | For one special lunchtime treat, I’d rather have a suitable small quantity than a large bag. Presentation is the first consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
The gluten-free Consenza figures we looked at also list oats and almonds/nuts. So a gluten-free label doesn’t answer every question about allergens.
Check all the ingredients, allergens and warnings on the packaging of the product you’re packing.
The description alone doesn’t prove there’s any difference in taste, nutritional value or allergen profile. However, the PLUS packs we looked at differ in size: 250 g for the artisan biscuits and 500 g for the taaitaai figures.
Choose the quantity and shape you need, and compare the labels too.
What matters is the ingredients in the product you’ve bought. Information from a previous purchase may not match the pack you’re putting in the lunchbox now.
Read the label again just before packing; if you’re unsure, ask the retailer or manufacturer for information about that specific product.
A festive biscuit isn’t a substitute for the variety recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre for teenagers.
If you like, pack taaitaai as a small extra alongside the usual lunch items.
Regular taaitaai figures for anyone looking for small biscuits shaped like little figures.
Taaitaai figures for anyone specifically looking for a product labelled gluten-free.
Two pack formats we looked at: Artisan taaitaai biscuits, 250 g, and Taaitaai Saint and Pete figures, 500 g.
Saint Taaitaai Figures for anyone who wants to divide individual pieces between several lunches.
Yes, check the label on the taaitaai you’re actually packing. The regular products we looked at list wheat and rye; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be listed on the label. Also read any warnings about possible traces of other allergens.
Not necessarily: the gluten-free Consenza figures we looked at also list almonds/nuts and oats. Check the full label on the product you’ve bought rather than relying on the gluten-free label alone.
That depends on the rules at the school in question. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises parents to ask whether the school has a food policy and what it says. Check the rules before packing or handing out taaitaai.
It’s best to serve taaitaai as a festive extra rather than as a full lunch. For teenagers, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a varied diet including foods from the Wheel of Five, such as vegetables, fruit and wholegrain products.
