Parents planning an occasional Sinterklaas treat
You’re looking for something for a special occasion, not as a regular snack for your toddler. For everyday snacks, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends foods from the Wheel of Five.
Only offer taaitaai to a toddler as a small, occasional treat; for everyday snacks, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends foods from the Wheel of Five. If you choose a seasonal variety, check the current label for ingredients and allergens. Make sure your child eats sitting down and under supervision, and check the school or childcare provider’s policy if you’re packing it to take along. A Sinterklaas-themed pack alone doesn’t prove that a product is a limited edition: check whether this is stated on the packaging or the current product page.
You’re looking for something for a special occasion, not as a regular snack for your toddler. For everyday snacks, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends foods from the Wheel of Five.
You want to know which allergens are listed on the pack you’ve chosen and whether the snack fits the rules at that particular school or childcare provider.
You’re considering whether your child can chew the piece easily. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends that children eat sitting down and under supervision, and that you offer smaller pieces if you’re unsure.
First decide whether you’re looking for an everyday snack or an occasional treat. Then check the label and how much you plan to give out.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Snack time and portion | Decide whether this is an occasional treat and check the portion information on the packaging. | If you’re looking for something for a regular break, you won’t want to make biscuits a regular toddler snack. For around 42% of consumers, frequency and portion size come first. |
| Allergens and school policy | Read the label for the variety you’ve chosen and ask the school or childcare provider about its current policy. | When packing food for a shared snack time, you’ll want to know whether the ingredients and potential allergens meet the agreed requirements. Around 33% of consumers put these checks first. |
| Edition, quantity and serving | Check the edition wording and net weight; offer an appropriate-sized piece while staying with your child. | For a Sinterklaas occasion, you’ll want to be able to share it without treating a large bag as one toddler’s portion. Around 25% of consumers prioritise planning a shared treat like this. |
PLUS sells taaitaai as part of its Sinterklaas range, but seasonal packaging doesn’t confirm that a particular variety is a limited edition.
If that wording matters to you, check that it appears on the current packaging or product page for that exact variety.
Ingredients and allergens can vary between varieties or change over time. The PLUS varieties described contain wheat, rye, milk and lactose, and also state that other allergens may be present.
Read the label on the pack you’re buying, and check the school or childcare provider’s allergen policy before packing it.
A pack’s net weight doesn’t tell you how much to offer at one snack time. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping biscuits for young children to small, occasional treats.
Choose a pack based on how many times you plan to share it, and set aside a small portion beforehand.
Every child’s chewing ability is different. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that young children should eat sitting down and under supervision, and that smaller pieces may be needed when offering them food.
Stay with your child when you give them taaitaai, and choose something else if you’re unsure whether they can chew its texture easily.
PLUS lists Taai taai Sinterklaas and Piet, 500 g, as well as Traditional taai taai biscuits, 250 g.
AH Taai taai is a 350 g pack featuring Sinterklaas and Piet figures.
The Bolletje taai taai described by Albert Heijn comes in a 350 g pack, with pieces weighing around 9.5 g each.
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Mini taai taai in a 500 g pack.
No. For everyday snacks for babies and toddlers, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends foods from the Wheel of Five, such as fruit, vegetables or wholemeal bread. If you do offer biscuits, keep them to a small, occasional treat.
Read the current label for the exact taaitaai you plan to give them. The PLUS varieties described contain wheat, rye, milk and lactose. Also check for statements about other potential allergens, and ask the school or childcare provider about its local policy.
Make sure your child eats sitting down and under supervision. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends cutting food into smaller pieces if you’re unsure whether a child can chew it properly. If you’re concerned about the texture, choose a different snack.