If you want to give each guest a sealed portion at the buffet, only choose taaitaai if you can confirm that every biscuit has its own wrapper. For an open buffet platter, mini taaitaai or a standard bag may be suitable. If you choose a bag, check how to store the biscuits once opened and whether the ingredients are suitable for your guests.
If each guest needs to be able to take an individually sealed biscuit, the wrapping is the deciding factor. Check the exact pack to see whether the biscuits are individually wrapped; a label such as 3-pack doesn’t confirm this on its own.
A bag or mini size may work well for a platter or several small bowls. PLUS, ALDI and Dirk offer taaitaai in bags or mini sizes, but these formats aren’t the same as individually wrapped biscuits.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack before putting taaitaai out for your guests. A taaitaai product from PLUS lists wheat, rye and milk, among other ingredients. You can’t assume the same information applies to a different product.
First, decide whether you need sealed portions. If an open platter will do, you could opt for a bag. You can also make your own using a recipe from Albert Heijn or Jumbo, giving you control over the shape and portion size if you have time to bake in advance.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Individually wrapped | Check whether the text or image on the exact product shows each biscuit in its own wrapper. | I want guests to be able to take a sealed biscuit without putting out an open platter. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Storage after opening | Read the storage instructions and open an amount that matches what you plan to serve. | For an open buffet, I don’t want to take more biscuits out of the pack than necessary. This is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the label on the pack you’ve chosen and keep the information available for guests who ask about it. | If guests need to avoid allergens, I want to know exactly what’s in this taaitaai. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Quantity and availability | Compare the weight in grams with your buffet plans and check the chosen shop’s range shortly before buying. | I’m looking for a pack that suits the number of guests and is available to buy around Boxing Day. Around 14% of consumers prioritise both. |
A pack with several sections or small biscuits doesn’t show whether each biscuit has its own sealed wrapper. The product may therefore be unsuitable if you want to hand out sealed portions.
Check the packaging of the exact product before buying it for this purpose.
The product name doesn’t tell guests which ingredients or allergens are in a particular pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed on the labels of pre-packed foods.
Read the current label and keep the packaging available at the buffet in case guests want to check the information.
ALDI features taaitaai in its Sinterklaas range. A product listing from that period doesn’t tell you whether the same pack will be in your local shop around Boxing Day. Once opened, the pack also needs to be stored according to the instructions.
Check local availability, the date on the pack and the storage instructions shortly before buying.
Albert Heijn lists products including AH Taai taai, Bolletje taai taai and an AH Taai taai 3-pack.
Jumbo shares a recipe for taaitaai made with ingredients including wholemeal wheat flour, speculaas spices and honey.
Lidl features mini taai-taai as part of a recipe.
ALDI lists Taai-taai 500 g in its Sinterklaas range.
PLUS lists Ambachtelijke taai taai koeken (250 g) and Taai taai sint en piet (500 g), both sold in bags.
Dirk lists 500 g of mini taaitaai in its search results.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen and seal any leftover biscuits well. PLUS recommends storing its taaitaai in a cool, dry, dark place. Also keep an eye out for any loss of quality once the pack has been opened: the Voedingscentrum (Netherlands Nutrition Centre) lists signs in biscuits such as going stale or drying out.
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens must be listed on the labels of pre-packed foods. Check the information on the exact pack you’re serving. The product information for the listed PLUS taaitaai includes wheat, rye and milk.
