Which biscuits are right for you?

Hosting a themed sharing platter

You’re looking for spiced biscuits in festive shapes for a garden party with a Sinterklaas theme. A larger pack is handy if you’re filling a platter for several guests.

Serving coffee, tea or dessert

You want a crunchy biscuit without a seasonal shape, which you can serve on its own or use as a base for dessert.

Comparing labels

You check the sugars, fibre, fat, sweeteners and allergens before buying, so guests can see the information and make their own choice.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether the biscuits need to fit the party theme or work just as well with coffee, tea and dessert. Then check the pack size and nutritional information.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Theme and sharing Check the shape of the taaitaai biscuits, the pack size and current availability. If I’m going for a Sinterklaas theme, I want spiced little figures in a pack I can share. For around 40% of consumers, the theme would be the main reason for choosing them.
Serving with coffee or dessert Check that the biscuit suits the way you want to serve it and how many the pack contains. With coffee, tea or dessert, I want a crunchy biscuit that isn’t tied to a particular season. Around 40% of consumers would prioritise this versatility.
Nutritional information and allergens Compare sugars, fibre and fat per 100 g; also read the ingredients and allergen information. If I’m putting together a platter for a mix of guests, I want to know what’s in the biscuits, including whether sweeteners have been used. Nutritional information and allergens would be the deciding factor for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming less sugar means less fat

    A lower sugar content doesn’t necessarily mean a lower fat content. According to Albert Heijn, the standard AH Digestive reviewed contains 21 g of fat per 100 g, so don’t judge biscuits on just one nutritional value.

    Compare the nutritional values per 100 g, including sugars, fibre, fat and energy.

  • Going by the front of the pack alone

    A claim such as ‘wholemeal’ or ‘0% sugar’ doesn’t tell you everything about what’s inside. AH Digestive 0% sugar contains polyols and carries a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Read the ingredients list and nutrition table too before choosing a variety for your platter.

  • Checking allergens only after serving

    Jumbo’s Sint Taai Taai Figuurtjes contain milk, rye and wheat, among other ingredients, and may contain certain other allergens. Allergen information also varies between digestive biscuit varieties.

    Keep the packaging to hand, serve different types of biscuits separately and let guests check the latest allergen information.

  • Assuming seasonal varieties are always available

    Taaitaai in Sinterklaas shapes is a seasonal product. A Bolletje variety that was previously reviewed is no longer listed in Jumbo’s online range.

    When planning your garden party, check which packs are available at the time.

Brands to consider

Jumbo

Own-brand taaitaai, including Sint Taai Taai Figuurtjes in a 500 g pack.

  • The festive shapes are ideal for seasonal sharing; the product information lists 3.5 g of fibre and 38.6 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • This variety contains gluten, milk, rye and wheat, and may also contain almonds, hazelnuts and oats.

PLUS

Taaitaai for the Sinterklaas range in a 500 g pack, and artisan taaitaai in a 250 g pack.

  • The two pack sizes give you options for different numbers of guests.
  • Check your local range and the label on the pack you’re actually buying.

Bolletje

Taaitaai in little figure shapes, made for a spiced seasonal treat.

  • The 350 g pack reviewed lists 36 g of sugars and 2.5 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • This variety contains milk, rye and wheat. Check that the pack is available before planning to serve it at your party.

Albert Heijn

Own-brand digestives in standard, wholemeal and 0% sugar varieties.

  • The wholemeal variety lists 6 g of fibre per 100 g, compared with 3.2 g in the standard AH Digestive reviewed.
  • The varieties reviewed contain wheat. The 0% sugar variety contains polyols and carries a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

McVitie's

Digestive Original: a wheat biscuit for anyone looking for a classic digestive.

  • The Original variety reviewed lists 3.7 g of fibre, 15 g of sugars and 21 g of fat per 100 g.
  • The variety reviewed contains wheat and gluten and may contain milk.

Digestives at Joybuy

This biscuit suits anyone looking for a classic digestive to serve with tea or use as a dessert base, without the seasonal feel of taaitaai.

McVities Digestive Original, 400 g

McVities Digestive Original, 400 g

A classic digestive for anyone looking for a biscuit to serve with tea or use as a dessert base. If any of your guests have allergies, check the latest packaging.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are digestives always more nutritious than taaitaai?

No, you can’t tell from a single nutritional value. The Jumbo taaitaai reviewed lists around 38.6 to 38.8 g of sugars per 100 g; the standard digestives reviewed from Albert Heijn and McVitie's list 15 to 16 g of sugars, but also 21 g of fat per 100 g. Compare the values that matter to you on the same basis.

Which allergens should I check for a garden party?

Check the allergen information on every pack you serve. The Jumbo Sint Taai Taai Figuurtjes reviewed contain gluten, milk, rye and wheat; the digestives reviewed contain wheat, while some varieties may also contain milk. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label.

What should I look out for in a 0% sugar digestive?

As well as the 0% sugar claim, check the ingredients and nutritional information. The AH Digestive 0% sugar reviewed contains polyols; the packaging warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

How should I store taaitaai and digestives for a garden party?

Store your supplies tightly sealed in a cool, dry place, following the instructions on the packaging. Put a smaller amount out on the table and top up the platter as needed, keeping the rest of the biscuits in their packs.