Who is this choice for?

Host who cares about Fairtrade

You want to serve a product with a recognisable Fairtrade mark at your neighbourhood get-together. Taaitaai and certified chocolate are two separate choices: a mark on the chocolate says nothing about the biscuits.

Host who wants to share taaitaai

You’re looking for a pack that suits the number of guests and want to know whether the seasonal biscuits you’ve chosen are available. Check the pack weight and availability at the shop where you do your shopping.

Host who needs to consider allergens

You’re putting out something for neighbours with a range of dietary needs. Before serving, check the ingredients, allergen information and warnings on the packaging of both the taaitaai and any chocolate.

What should you look for?

First decide whether Fairtrade cocoa is a must for your get-together. If it is, choose chocolate separately from the taaitaai. Then check the size and label of each product.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade mark Look for the FAIRTRADE Mark on the chocolate itself. If the mark has an arrow, Fairtrade International directs you to information on the back of the pack about the ingredients concerned. If I want to serve Fairtrade cocoa, I want to be able to check this on the chocolate product I choose. This is the top priority for around 45% of consumers.
Pack size for sharing Compare the pack weight with the number of guests and check whether your chosen taaitaai is available. Albert Heijn, Jumbo, ALDI and PLUS list 500 g varieties; PLUS also lists a 250 g variety. For a get-together, I want to serve enough taaitaai without choosing an impractically large pack. This is the first consideration for around 33% of consumers.
Label Read the current ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings about cross-contamination. Compare the nutritional values of similar biscuits per 100 g. If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in both products before serving. Around 22% of consumers put checking the label first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a Fairtrade range means Fairtrade taaitaai

    A supermarket that sells Fairtrade products does not automatically offer certified taaitaai. The ingredient lists we checked for Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS do not list cocoa.

    Check for a mark on the specific pack. If you’re looking for Fairtrade cocoa, check the label of a separate chocolate product.

  • Relying on the online product description alone

    Ingredients and allergen information can change. This matters if guests need to avoid certain ingredients; chocolate also needs its own label check.

    Read the packaging when you buy the product and before serving, including any warnings about possible cross-contamination.

  • Comparing different pack sizes by portion

    A 250 g pack and a 500 g pack suit different numbers of guests. The portion sizes shown for nutritional values may also vary.

    Choose a pack size to suit your guests. To compare nutritional values, use the same basis for each product: per 100 g, as recommended by the Voedingscentrum.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH Taai taai in a 500 g pack.

  • The product information includes an ingredients list, which mentions wheat and rye, among other ingredients.
  • Don’t assume this taaitaai is Fairtrade certified, and check the current packaging.

Jumbo

Jumbo has a product page for De Originele Taai Taai in a 500 g pack.

  • The published ingredients list mentions wheat, rye and aniseed, among other ingredients.
  • Jumbo stated that this product was no longer part of its online range. Check availability before counting on it.

ALDI

ALDI lists 500 g of anise-flavoured, figure-shaped taaitaai as a seasonal in-store product.

  • The stated weight helps you decide whether the pack is the right size for your guests.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and any mark on the packaging. ALDI’s separate Fairtrade range says nothing about this taaitaai.

PLUS

PLUS lists a 500 g pack of taaitaai and another 250 g variety.

  • Ingredients and nutritional information are available for the 500 g variety; cocoa is not listed in the published ingredients list.
  • A Fairtrade claim about cocoa in PLUS own-brand products does not confirm that this specific taaitaai carries a mark. Check the current packaging.

Dirk

Dirk lists 500 g of mini taaitaai in its product search results.

  • The stated pack size gives you a starting point for deciding whether it’s right for your get-together.
  • Check the label on the pack you choose for ingredients, allergens and any mark.

Chocolate as a separate addition

This chocolate bar is a possible addition to serve alongside taaitaai, not a replacement for it. If you’re considering it because of Fairtrade, check the mark on the current packaging first.

Tony's Chocolonely milk chocolate with pecan and caramel, 180 g

Tony's Chocolonely milk chocolate with pecan and caramel, 180 g

Worth considering if you’d like to serve chocolate alongside taaitaai. This is a 180 g bar with pecan and caramel. Before buying, check the FAIRTRADE Mark and the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Fairtrade chocolate if I’m only serving taaitaai?

No, not if Fairtrade cocoa isn’t part of your choice. The online ingredient lists for the taaitaai we checked from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS do not list cocoa. If you do want to offer chocolate with the FAIRTRADE Mark, choose it as a separate product.

How can I check Fairtrade status on chocolate with multiple ingredients?

Look for the FAIRTRADE Mark on the packaging and read the explanation alongside it. Fairtrade International says that, if the mark has an arrow, you can check the back of the pack to see which ingredients are covered by the Fairtrade information shown and how they were sourced.

What should I check if my neighbours avoid certain ingredients?

Check the current ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings about cross-contamination for each product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the allergen information on food labels; the published ingredients lists for the taaitaai we checked mention wheat and rye, among other ingredients.

How do I compare the nutritional value of two types of taaitaai?

Compare the same nutritional values per 100 g rather than looking only at the values per portion. The Voedingscentrum recommends this basis for comparing labels. Then choose the pack weight separately, based on how much you want to serve.