Who might find this guide useful?

If you’re sharing taaitaai

You’re looking for a little treat for more than one person. Albert Heijn and PLUS both offer standard 500 g packs of taaitaai, so think about whether that’s enough for the number of people you’re sharing with.

If you need to consider gluten or other allergens

You want to know whether the taaitaai is suitable for the recipient. Even if a product is labelled gluten-free, read the full ingredients and allergen information, including any mention of oats or nuts.

If you’d like to make something yourself

You’re thinking of baking or decorating taaitaai as part of your gift. Allow time for preparation, check what kitchen equipment you’ll need and make sure a suitable baking kit is available.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide how many people the taaitaai is for. Then check the ingredients and consider whether making it yourself suits the occasion.

What to consider What to look for Who it matters to
Size for sharing Compare 250 g and 500 g packs with the number of people you’re serving and how much might be left over. When we share taaitaai, I want enough for everyone without having lots left over. Around 50% of consumers prioritise a pack that’s easy to share.
Gluten and other allergens Read the ingredients list and check for any mention of possible traces. Don’t assume a gluten-free label means the product is free from other allergens. If the recipient needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be able to check all the information on the pack. For around 20% of consumers, this is the top priority.
Making it yourself or giving it as a gift If you’re buying a baking kit, check its availability, the kitchen equipment you’ll need and the preparation time. I want to make baking or decorating part of my Mother’s Day gesture, so I need to set aside time. For around 30% of consumers, the experience of making it is the most important factor.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing based only on the pack size

    A 250 g bag and a 500 g bag won’t suit the same number of people. A larger pack could also leave you with leftovers if it’s just a small gift.

    Decide how much taaitaai you want to share before choosing a pack size.

  • Assuming gluten-free means free from other allergens

    According to Albert Heijn, the gluten-free labelled Consenza Taai taai poppetjes contain gluten-free oats and almonds. The label doesn’t tell you whether the product is suitable for someone who needs to avoid other ingredients.

    Check the ingredients, allergens and any warning about possible traces on the packaging of the product you buy.

  • Assuming it’ll be available when you need it

    Some taaitaai products have Sinterklaas-themed names. Albert Heijn lists its Homemade baking kit as discontinued, so check before relying on it.

    Check availability and delivery times before planning to bake or give it as a gift.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists a standard 500 g pack of AH Taai taai, as well as a separate Consenza option labelled gluten-free.

  • The two products have different pack sizes and ingredients lists to compare.
  • According to Albert Heijn, the standard taaitaai contains wheat, rye and milk. Check the oats and almonds listed for the Consenza option too.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists Sint Taai Taai Figuurtjes in a 500 g pack.

  • The product information includes ingredients, allergen and nutritional details to help you make your choice.
  • Wheat and rye are listed as ingredients. Check the label if someone needs to avoid certain ingredients.

PLUS

PLUS lists 500 g packs of Taai taai sint en piet and 250 g packs of Ambachtelijke taai taai koeken.

  • The two pack sizes let you choose how much taaitaai is right for your gift.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens for the option you choose. Pack size alone won’t tell you what’s in it.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is regular taaitaai suitable for someone who needs to avoid gluten?

The standard products from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS that we checked contain wheat and rye, so they’re not a suitable choice for someone who needs to avoid gluten unless you’ve checked further. Even with an option labelled gluten-free, check the other ingredients and allergens on the current label.

Should I check the label after ordering online?

Yes. When your order arrives, check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on food labels; for your decision, the packaging of the product you receive is what matters.

How should I store taaitaai once opened?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging you’ve bought. For the AH taaitaai it checked, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a sealed tin once opened. For the standard option it checked, PLUS recommends storing it in a cool, dry, dark place.

Can I count on finding a taaitaai baking kit for a Mother’s Day gift?

First check whether the baking kit you want is available. The Homemade kit we checked is listed as discontinued by Albert Heijn. For another kit, check the ingredients, kitchen equipment and preparation time you’ll need.