For a shareable stash with that distinctive anise flavour, plain taaitaai is the obvious choice. Choose taaitaai coated in milk chocolate if you want to combine both flavours; a chocolate box or selection of chocolates is a better fit when you’re looking for variety or a gift. Check the contents, use-by date, storage instructions and allergens on each product’s packaging.
Whether you’re buying for home, work or a celebration, the main thing is whether the pack suits the number of people and how you’ll store the biscuits once opened. ALDI Netherlands and Dirk each list a 500 g pack of taaitaai.
If the anise flavour matters, a chocolate product without taaitaai isn’t quite the same. Jumbo lists a milk chocolate-coated taaitaai option; check the packaging to see how the product you choose is made.
For a gift or a treat, presentation and a choice of chocolate flavours may matter more than stocking up on the same biscuit. Alongside chocolate, Dirk lists pralines and chocolates.
Best for: a shareable stash when you’re specifically after taaitaai’s anise flavour.
Keep in mind: it’s a seasonal product, not a substitute for a chocolate gift.
Best for: a treat that combines taaitaai and chocolate.
Keep in mind: it’s a different kind of product from both plain taaitaai and a box of assorted chocolates.
Best for: a gift or treat where chocolate and variety come first.
Keep in mind: it won’t have the distinctive taaitaai flavour if that’s what you’re looking for.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity to share | Compare the net weight and think about how many people will be sharing the pack. | If I’m putting something out for a group, I want a pack everyone can help themselves to. Sharing is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Flavour and presentation | Check whether it’s plain taaitaai, chocolate-coated taaitaai or an assortment of chocolates. | For a gift, I want to know whether the recipient would prefer an anise biscuit or a selection of chocolates. Around 25% of consumers put flavour and gift choice first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements on the current label. | When I’m buying something for someone else, I want to check first that the ingredients are suitable for them. For around 25% of consumers, this check is the highest priority. |
| Storage and shelf life | Check the use-by date and storage instructions, including what to do after opening. | If there’s some snack left over, I want to know how to store the pack. For around 25% of consumers, this is the most important question when buying. |
Taaitaai is an anise biscuit; chocolates and chocolate assortments offer a different flavour and way to enjoy them.
First decide whether you want biscuits to stock up on, a combination with chocolate or an assortment for a gift.
Product information from PLUS and Jumbo lists different allergens and possible traces of other ingredients. So the ingredients in one product don’t tell you for certain what’s in another.
Read the label on the pack you’re buying, including any ‘may contain’ statements.
A product listed on a seasonal page may not be available at every time of year or in every shop.
Check the product and its packaging with the shop where you plan to buy it shortly before purchasing.
A claim by Lidl about cocoa in its own-brand products doesn’t automatically apply to other brands or products.
Check which specific product and ingredients the claim refers to.
Jumbo lists product pages for plain taaitaai, a taaitaai figure and milk chocolate-coated taaitaai.
PLUS has a range of Sinterklaas biscuits and lists traditional taaitaai in a 250 g bag.
ALDI Netherlands lists 500 g of plain taaitaai alongside chocolate products in its seasonal range.
Dirk lists 500 g of mini taaitaai, as well as separate chocolate, praline and chocolate products.
Lidl lists a range of sweets, chocolate and cakes, and makes a claim about cocoa in its own-brand products.
These chocolate products are a good fit if you’re choosing a box or assortment to give as a gift or share. They don’t have the flavour of taaitaai, so choose plain taaitaai or a chocolate-coated version if that biscuit is what you’re after.
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A chocolate collection for anyone who wants to offer a selection of chocolates as a treat or gift.
Net weight: 125 g. Check the packaging for ingredients and allergens before giving it to someone.
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Pralines filled with milk cream for a chocolate treat or gift, rather than for anyone specifically looking for taaitaai.
Net weight: 110 g. Check the packaging of the product you choose for allergen information.
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A chocolate assortment for sharing when you’re after chocolate rather than anise biscuits.
Net weight: 143 g. Check the packaging for the types of chocolate and allergens included.
Yes, if the recipient would prefer the anise flavour of a Sinterklaas biscuit to a selection of chocolates. If you’re looking for several types of chocolate or chocolates, choose a chocolate assortment. In either case, check the contents and allergens.
Yes, check the packaging of the specific product. Your Europe explains that allergens in pre-packed foods in the EU must be emphasised in the ingredients list; also look for any ‘may contain’ statements. The taaitaai products described by Jumbo and PLUS don’t have the same allergen information.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging you bought. Jumbo advises keeping its taaitaai figure tightly sealed and in a dark place; PLUS says to store its taaitaai in a cool, dry, dark place. Also check the use-by date on your product.
No, the scope of a claim like that depends on the product and brand in question. Lidl makes a claim about cocoa in its own-brand products; that doesn’t tell you anything about a chocolate box from another brand.
