Coffee guests looking for a pronounced cocoa flavour
They’ll want to know first whether a chocolate variety actually contains dark chocolate. Dark packaging or a mention of milk chocolate doesn’t confirm this.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Hosts who want to share taaitaai
They’re looking for familiar, classic taaitaai to share with several guests, and will check the pack size and storage instructions for any leftovers.
Shoppers who need to check allergens
They read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before serving taaitaai. The classic products listed from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS contain milk and cereals containing gluten.
What should you look for when choosing?
Classic taaitaai
Choose this when: you want to share spiced taaitaai and dark chocolate isn’t essential.
Bear in mind: classic taaitaai on its own doesn’t confirm a dark cocoa flavour; check the allergen information too.
Taaitaai with dark chocolate on the side
Choose this when: you want to offer guests both classic taaitaai and a separate dark chocolate option.
Bear in mind: these are two separate products, so you’ll need to check the ingredients and allergens for each one.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Dark chocolate and cocoa | Check whether the packaging explicitly says dark chocolate, and look at the cocoa percentage if it matters to your choice. Check whether the chocolate comes with the taaitaai or is a separate product. | If I’m choosing it specifically for the cocoa flavour, I don’t want to mistake milk chocolate for dark chocolate. Around 44% of consumers prioritise this preference for dark chocolate. |
| Taaitaai to share | Compare the net weight and check the storage instructions in case there’s any taaitaai left after coffee. | When I’m hosting several guests, I want to serve enough classic taaitaai without misjudging how much is in a pack. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this practical consideration. |
| Allergens | Check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on every pack. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know exactly what I’m serving. Checking the label is the main concern for around 23% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking milk chocolate for dark chocolate
Taaitaai with milk chocolate won’t necessarily meet a preference for dark chocolate or a particular cocoa percentage. Jumbo lists Taai Taai Melkchocolade, 250 g; the name alone doesn’t tell you how much cocoa it contains.
Before serving it as a dark chocolate option, check the current packaging for the type of chocolate and its cocoa percentage.
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Assuming classic taaitaai doesn’t contain relevant allergens
The classic taaitaai products listed from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS contain milk and cereals containing gluten. Any warnings about the possible presence of other allergens matter too.
Check the pack you buy, and read the label on any chocolate you serve separately as well.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists AH Taai taai, 500 g, and also sells dark chocolate separately as part of its Sinterklaas range.
- The AH taaitaai packaging lists ingredients, nutritional information, allergens and storage advice.
- The separate dark chocolate isn’t a dark chocolate version of this taaitaai.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists Sint Taai Taai Figuurtjes, 500 g, and a separate Taai Taai Melkchocolade, 250 g.
- Ingredients, allergens and nutritional information are listed for the classic figures.
- The name of the milk chocolate variety doesn’t confirm that it contains dark chocolate or a particular cocoa percentage; check the current pack.
PLUS
PLUS lists artisanal taai-taaikoeken, 250 g, and taai taai sint en piet, 500 g.
- Ingredients, allergens, nutritional information and storage advice are listed for both products.
- The ingredients listed don’t confirm that either is a dark chocolate variety or contains a high cocoa percentage.
ALDI
ALDI describes a 500 g pack of taai-taai as aniseed-flavoured biscuits shaped like figures.
- The description and pack size help you identify a classic taaitaai option.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and any chocolate information on the packaging in store.
Dirk
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Mini taai taai, 500 g.
- The listing makes clear that it’s mini taaitaai in a 500 g pack.
- Check the product label for ingredients, allergens and any details about chocolate.
Dark chocolate to serve alongside
These Joybuy products are chocolate bars to serve separately alongside classic taaitaai. They’re not taaitaai varieties, so choose a type of chocolate that suits your taste and check the labels on both products.
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Lindt Excellence 78% Cacao, 100 g
A separate chocolate bar for anyone who wants to serve chocolate with a stated cocoa percentage alongside classic taaitaai.
78% cocoa; 100 g. Check the packaging carefully for milk and possible traces of nuts and soya.
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Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate, 100 g
A separate dark chocolate bar to serve with taaitaai alongside your coffee.
70% cocoa; 100 g. Check the current packaging for milk, nuts, soya and sesame.
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Lindt Excellence 90% Cocoa Supreme Dark, 100 g
A separate chocolate bar if you’re looking for a higher stated cocoa percentage to serve with classic taaitaai.
90% cocoa; 100 g. Check the current packaging for possible traces of hazelnuts, other nuts, milk and soya.
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Tony's Chocolonely Pure Almond Sea Salt, 180 g
A separate chocolate bar for anyone who wants to serve almonds and sea salt alongside taaitaai.
180 g. Check the packaging for almonds and other allergen information before offering the bar to guests.
Frequently asked questions
How can I recognise taaitaai with dark chocolate?
Check whether the current packaging explicitly says dark chocolate, and read the cocoa percentage if it matters to your choice. The classic taaitaai described by Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS isn’t confirmed as a dark chocolate variety; Jumbo lists a separate milk chocolate version.
Which allergens should I check in classic taaitaai?
At the very least, check for milk and cereals containing gluten. These are present in the classic taaitaai described by Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS. Also read any warnings on the pack you’re serving about the possible presence of other allergens.
Is the allergen information on a product page enough?
Use the product page to help you prepare, but also check the label on the pack you actually buy. Ingredients and allergen information can change, and you’ll need to check the label on a separate chocolate bar too.
How should I store leftover taaitaai?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging. Albert Heijn recommends keeping its taaitaai in a sealed tin once opened; the Jumbo and PLUS products described here should be stored in a cool, dry place.