Buffet shoppers comparing pack sizes
You want to put out enough taaitaai for your guests without opening more packs than necessary. So check the net weight and the shape of the product.
Who is this for?
Hosts catering for dietary needs or allergens
You want to know which ingredients and allergens are listed for the product you choose. Always check the current packaging rather than relying on the product name alone.
Buffet planners serving individual portions
You’re looking for small or shaped pieces of taaitaai that you can arrange on a platter without having to cut them first.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide how much taaitaai you want to put out, then check that your chosen product suits your guests. Its shape and nutritional information can then help you choose between suitable packs.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount per pack | Compare the net weight with how much you want to put out on the buffet; don’t assume there’s a fixed number of pieces in each bag. | When I’m entertaining several guests, I want to be able to match the amount of taaitaai to the rest of the buffet. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging of the exact product, including products labelled gluten-free. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what the label says before serving. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Shape and serving | Check whether the pack contains mini taaitaai or shaped pieces, and note the net weight. | For a platter of individual treats, I prefer pieces that don’t need cutting. This serving style matters most to around 21% of consumers. |
| Nutritional information | Compare sugars and energy on the same basis, for example per 100 g or per serving, using the information on the product you choose. | If there are already several sweet treats on the table, I want to decide how much taaitaai to serve alongside them. Nutritional information is the first consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
What to watch out for when buying
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Serving taaitaai without checking the label
Ingredients and allergens vary from one product to another. The PLUS taaitaai described here lists wheat, rye and milk, among other ingredients; that tells you nothing about what’s in another pack.
Keep the packaging handy in case guests have questions, and check the gluten-free claim on the label of the product you’re actually serving.
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Leaving your purchase until just before Boxing Day
ALDI and Dirk list taaitaai as a seasonal product. That doesn’t guarantee the same product will be available on 26 December.
Check in good time that your chosen product is available. If you buy it earlier, check the best-before date too.
Brands compared
ALDI
ALDI lists Taai-taai in a 500 g pack, with pieces shaped as figures.
- The shaped pieces could work well on a platter of individual treats.
- The product is part of the Sinterklaas range, so check whether it’s available when you’re planning your buffet.
PLUS
PLUS lists Taai taai sint en piet in a 500 g bag, with ingredients and nutritional information on the product page.
- The product information gives you a useful starting point for comparing options in advance.
- If you’re catering for dietary needs or allergens, always check the label on the bag you buy; product information can change.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists products including Sint Taai Taai Figuurtjes in a 500 g pack.
- Jumbo describes this shaped version as vegetarian.
- Don’t assume the same applies to other Jumbo products just because these shaped pieces are labelled vegetarian; check the packaging of the one you choose.
Consenza
Albert Heijn lists Consenza Taai taai poppetjes, labelled gluten-free.
- It’s a product worth looking into if you need a gluten-free option.
- Before offering it to a guest, check the current ingredients list and allergen warnings on the packaging.
Bolletje
Albert Heijn and Jumbo list Bolletje taaitaai; Jumbo includes figure-shaped pieces in a 350 g pack.
- The 350 g pack gives you another size to compare with larger bags.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional information for the specific Bolletje product you buy.
Taaitaai at Joybuy
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Can you serve regular taaitaai at a gluten-free buffet?
Don’t assume it’s suitable without checking the label. The PLUS product described here contains wheat and rye. Albert Heijn also lists Consenza Taai taai poppetjes labelled gluten-free; check the current packaging before serving this product.
Where can I find out which allergens taaitaai contains?
Read the allergen information on the packaging of the exact product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that food labels must list 14 allergens. Don’t assume the information for one taaitaai product applies to another.
How should I store an opened bag until the buffet?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the taaitaai you’ve bought. For the product described here, PLUS recommends storing it in a cool, dry, dark place. Also check the instructions for your bag once it’s opened.