Hosts with a large table to fill
If you want to serve taaitaai on more than one occasion, a pack of three separate 500 g bags lets you keep the unopened bags aside. Albert Heijn lists this type of multipack.
For one occasion, a 500 g bag of taaitaai may be enough. If you’re expecting more guests or want to save unopened bags for another time, a multipack of three 500 g bags gives you more to serve. Choose the quantity based on what else you’re serving, and check the allergens and storage instructions on the exact packaging before serving.
If you want to serve taaitaai on more than one occasion, a pack of three separate 500 g bags lets you keep the unopened bags aside. Albert Heijn lists this type of multipack.
A single 500 g bag is a straightforward choice for one shared plate. ALDI and PLUS list bags of this size, while Dirk lists mini taaitaai in a 500 g pack.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging you plan to serve. A gluten-free option is not automatically free from other allergens: the Consenza taaitaai listed by Albert Heijn contains oats and almonds or nuts.
Decide how many occasions you want to cater for, then choose between one bag and several separate bags. If any guests have allergies, first check that the exact product is suitable for them.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Check the net weight of each bag and the number of bags. A multipack of 3 × 500 g contains 1,500 g in total. | If I’m shopping for several guests or occasions, I want to be able to serve enough taaitaai without opening every bag at once. For around 50% of consumers, having enough is the top priority. |
| Leftovers | Think about whether you want to save unopened bags for later, and check the best-before date. | If I’m serving one small plate, I don’t want to be left with several bags. Around 30% of consumers give avoiding leftovers top priority. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients, listed allergens and any warnings on the exact packaging. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in this particular product before serving it. For around 20% of consumers, checking this is their main concern. |
The weight alone doesn’t tell you whether you’ll have too much or too little. That depends on your guests and what else you’re serving.
Think about whether you’ll serve taaitaai once or save some for another occasion. Compare both the amount in each bag and the number of bags.
Gluten-free taaitaai can contain other allergens. The Consenza option listed by Albert Heijn contains oats and almonds or nuts.
For every product you choose, read the current ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings on the packaging.
A product listing doesn’t tell you whether the same option will be available at your shop or in your delivery area around Christmas dinner time. For example, Jumbo says its 250 g Bakkers chewy biscuits are no longer in its online range.
Check your chosen shop and the exact product shortly before buying.
Albert Heijn lists both a 350 g AH bag and a multipack containing three separate 500 g bags. Its range also includes a gluten-free Consenza option.
ALDI lists 500 g of aniseed-flavoured taaitaai in assorted shapes.
PLUS lists a 500 g bag of St Nicholas and Peter taaitaai, with ingredient, allergen and storage information.
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Mini taaitaai in a 500 g pack.
Jumbo lists 250 g Bakkers chewy biscuits as no longer available in its online range.
Lidl Recipes uses pieces of mini taaitaai as an ingredient in a recipe.
Choose based on the number of guests, the other dishes and how many times you plan to serve taaitaai. ALDI and PLUS list single 500 g bags, while Albert Heijn lists a pack of three separate 500 g bags. None of these sizes corresponds to a set number of portions.
Follow the storage instructions on the exact packaging. For its standard taaitaai, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a cool, dark, dry place and keeping it in a sealed tin once opened. If you’re serving it later, also check the best-before date and the condition of the product.
Don’t assume so: the regular options listed by Albert Heijn and PLUS contain gluten-containing cereals and milk. You should also check for other allergens in gluten-free options; the Consenza taaitaai listed by Albert Heijn contains oats and almonds or nuts.
Check the label on the packaging you’re serving. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, the 14 specified allergens must be listed on the label of prepacked foods.