Adults looking for a dark chocolate note
They want to pair spiced taaitaai with chocolate that clearly states its cocoa percentage, and understand the difference between dark and milk chocolate.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Hosts catering for different tastes
They want to serve classic taaitaai with dark chocolate on the side, so guests can choose for themselves.
Shoppers who need to check allergens
They need the current labels for both the taaitaai and any chocolate they serve. The taaitaai products mentioned from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list cereals containing gluten and milk or milk protein, among other ingredients.
What should you look for when choosing?
Classic taaitaai
Choose this if: the familiar aniseed and spice flavour is your priority.
Trade-off: you’ll need a separate product for a dark chocolate note.
Taaitaai with dark chocolate on the side
Choose this if: you want guests to enjoy taaitaai with or without chocolate.
Trade-off: you’ll be buying and serving two separate products, so the taaitaai itself won’t have a cocoa content.
Taaitaai with milk chocolate
Choose this if: having chocolate on the taaitaai matters more than a dark chocolate flavour. Jumbo lists a Taai Taai Melkchocolade variety.
Trade-off: milk chocolate isn’t a substitute for dark chocolate with a chosen cocoa percentage.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Dark chocolate note | Check the cocoa percentage on the chocolate packaging and distinguish dark chocolate from milk chocolate. | If you want a more bitter note with your taaitaai, it’s better to choose a separate bar deliberately rather than go by the word ‘bitter’. This chocolate note is the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Classic taaitaai | Compare the flavour description and pack size with what you want to serve to your guests. | When serving a group with different preferences, I want to be able to offer spiced taaitaai without everyone having to have chocolate. This classic Sinterklaas flavour is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information on every pack, including any separate chocolate. | If I’m buying for guests with an allergy, I need to be able to work out which products are suitable for them first. This check is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming ‘extra bitter’ means a specific cocoa percentage
According to the Voedingscentrum, there is no fixed cocoa percentage associated with the terms bitter and extra bitter chocolate.
Compare the percentage actually stated on the chocolate packaging you choose.
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Assuming plain taaitaai contains chocolate
The classic taaitaai described by Albert Heijn, Jumbo, ALDI and PLUS is all about the spiced biscuit; chocolate isn’t automatically part of taaitaai.
If you want both flavours on the table, choose taaitaai and dark chocolate as separate products.
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Checking only the product name when someone has an allergy
The varieties mentioned from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list cereals containing gluten and milk or milk protein; PLUS also warns that they may contain, among other things, almonds and hazelnuts.
Before buying and serving, check the current label on the exact taaitaai and chocolate you plan to use.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn describes its own-brand taaitaai as a 500 g pack.
- The product information lists ingredients, allergens and nutritional values.
- For a dark chocolate note, choose a separate chocolate product.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists Sint Taai Taai Figuurtjes in a 500 g pack and a separate Taai Taai Melkchocolade variety in a 250 g pack.
- Ingredients and allergens are listed for the classic shapes.
- The milk chocolate variety isn’t the same as taaitaai with dark chocolate.
ALDI
ALDI Nederland describes its 500 g taai-taai as aniseed-flavoured shaped biscuits.
- The product description makes the classic flavour profile clear.
- Check the packaging if ingredients or allergens affect your choice.
PLUS
PLUS describes its 250 g pack as artisan taai taai biscuits.
- The product information lists ingredients, allergens and nutritional values.
- Check the current packaging when choosing, including the warning that the product may contain almonds and hazelnuts.
Dirk
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Mini taai taai in a 500 g pack and a separate 1 de Beste dark chocolate bar containing 85% cocoa.
- The two products can be served separately to guests with different tastes.
- The bar and mini taaitaai don’t make a chocolate-coated taaitaai product.
Dark chocolate to serve separately
These Joybuy products are individual chocolate bars to serve alongside classic taaitaai. Buy the taaitaai separately if you want to offer both on Sinterklaas Eve.
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Lindt Excellence 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate, 100 g
For anyone who wants to serve a separate bar of dark chocolate with taaitaai.
The product name states 85% cocoa and a pack size of 100 g. This isn’t taaitaai; if you have allergies, check the bar’s current label.
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Lindt Excellence 78% Cacao, 100 g
For anyone who wants to serve dark chocolate as a separate accompaniment to classic taaitaai.
The product name states 78% cocoa and a pack size of 100 g. This bar doesn’t contain taaitaai either; if you have allergies, read the current packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘extra bitter’ tell you how much cocoa chocolate contains?
No, the term doesn’t indicate a specific cocoa percentage in itself. The Voedingscentrum recommends checking the stated percentage if you want to compare chocolate by cocoa content.
Is taaitaai with milk chocolate the same as taaitaai with dark chocolate?
No. The Taai Taai Melkchocolade listed by Jumbo is a different option from classic taaitaai served with a separate bar of dark chocolate. If the distinction matters to you, check the packaging to see what kind of chocolate the product contains.
Which allergens should I check when serving taaitaai to guests?
Check the ingredients and allergen information on every current pack. The taaitaai products mentioned from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list cereals containing gluten and milk or milk protein; PLUS also warns that they may contain, among other things, almonds and hazelnuts. If you’re serving chocolate too, check the label on that bar as well.
How should I store taaitaai after opening?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging you bought. Albert Heijn says to store its taaitaai in a sealed tin after opening; check the instructions on other products.