The host who doesn’t want to interrupt the game
Wants to put out taaitaai that players can help themselves to. Small, individual pieces suit this way of serving; also check how many are in the pack.
Want to serve taaitaai without interrupting the game? Choose a type that players can help themselves to. A smaller pack labelled ‘artisan’ may suit a festive presentation, but check the product details, ingredients and allergens rather than relying on that label alone.
Wants to put out taaitaai that players can help themselves to. Small, individual pieces suit this way of serving; also check how many are in the pack.
May prefer a smaller pack that suits the presentation they have in mind. The label ‘artisan’ alone doesn’t tell you what the taaitaai tastes like or which ingredients it contains.
Checks the current label before serving. The Albert Heijn and PLUS products mentioned contain, among other things, wheat or rye and milk products; check the packaging of any other products yourself.
First, decide how you want players to help themselves to the taaitaai during the game, and how much you want to serve. Then compare the packaging and check the ingredients and allergens for the product you choose.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Easy to share | Check the shape and whether players can pick up individual pieces. | If the game is to keep going, I want to put out taaitaai that everyone can help themselves to. Ease of sharing could be the main priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Festive presentation | Compare pack size, shape and ingredients; if you’re looking for an aniseed flavour, check the product information. | For a small group, I want to serve something that suits the occasion, without relying on a label such as ‘artisan’ alone. Presentation could be the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current label, including the ingredients list and allergen information. | If a guest has an allergy, I want to know what’s in the taaitaai I’ve chosen before serving it. Checking ingredients could be the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Quantity and availability | Compare the net weight and check that the pack you want is available. | When there are more players, I want to have enough taaitaai in the house without relying on an outdated product listing. Quantity and availability could be the main priority for around 14% of consumers. |
The label doesn’t automatically tell you about the ingredients, shape or flavour of the taaitaai.
Compare the product packaging and choose based on the features that matter for your game night.
A photo doesn’t always show the full, up-to-date ingredients and allergen information. This matters when several guests will be eating the same taaitaai.
Read the packaging of the product you’re actually serving. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be listed in the ingredients list.
A listing for mini taaitaai can help you find a particular size, but it doesn’t automatically give you the information you need to serve it to guests.
Check the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions on the pack you choose.
Jumbo’s taaitaai recipe lists 150 minutes of preparation and two hours for the dough to rest. You’ll need to get started before game night.
If you want to make your own shapes, plan your baking in advance. If you don’t have time, choose taaitaai that’s ready to serve.
If you’re baking your own, allow time for the taaitaai to cool before serving.
The 350 g pack of AH Taai taai is an example of ready-made taaitaai; Albert Heijn also has a recipe for anyone who wants to bake their own.
PLUS stocks, among other things, a 250 g bag of ‘Artisan taaitaai biscuits’ and another 500 g pack of taaitaai, giving you examples of different pack sizes.
ALDI describes a 500 g pack of taaitaai with aniseed flavour and figure shapes.
Dirk lists 500 g of mini taaitaai, a size to consider if players will be helping themselves from a platter.
Jumbo’s taaitaai recipe is an option if you’re happy to include baking in your preparations.
A Lidl recipe pairs mini taaitaai with fruit and marshmallows for a platter of small bites.
No, that label doesn’t automatically make the taaitaai a better choice. Compare the shape, pack size and ingredients with what you want to serve. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘artisan’ doesn’t have a set definition of how a product is made.
Read the allergen information on the current packaging of the taaitaai you’ve chosen. The Albert Heijn and PLUS products mentioned contain, among other things, wheat or rye and milk products; also check the product you’re serving for any warnings about other allergens.
Follow the storage advice on the packaging. For its taaitaai, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a sealed tin after opening; instructions may vary from product to product.
Yes, if you plan your baking in advance. Albert Heijn and Jumbo have taaitaai recipes; Jumbo’s recipe lists 150 minutes of preparation and two hours for the dough to rest.