Who should consider these factors?

If Fairtrade is your priority

You want to be able to see on the packaging of your chosen taaitaai exactly what the certification mark or claim covers. A shop’s Fairtrade section or a claim on chocolate sold separately is no substitute.

Parents who need to check allergen requirements

Before packing taaitaai, check the allergen information and any warnings about the possible presence of other allergens. You should also ask what arrangements apply in the classroom.

If you’re taking something in for a group

You’re looking for a pack that suits the planned school occasion, and you’ll want to check that you can actually buy it. Even with practical packaging, the label and the school’s arrangements are what matter.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check that the Fairtrade claim applies to the specific taaitaai and that the allergen information and school rules allow you to bring it in. Only then compare packs for practicality.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Fairtrade status Read the certification mark and accompanying wording on the packaging of the taaitaai you’ve chosen. Fairtrade Netherlands and Milieu Centraal point out that, for products with multiple ingredients, the type of label matters in determining what the claim covers. If Fairtrade matters to me, I want to know whether the claim applies to this taaitaai, not just one ingredient. For around 33% of consumers, having a clearly verifiable status is the priority.
Allergens and school rules Read the latest ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings on the packaging. Ask the school or teacher what’s allowed when bringing in and sharing food. If there are allergy arrangements in the classroom, I want to know first whether I’m allowed to bring in this taaitaai according to the label and school rules. Around 42% of consumers put this check first.
Packaging and availability Compare the pack size and contents with what you plan to share, and check that the pack you’ve chosen is available to buy. If I’m buying for a group, I’m looking for taaitaai that I can actually buy and share easily. This combination matters most to around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a Fairtrade range means the taaitaai is Fairtrade

    A shop may stock Fairtrade products without every type of taaitaai on its shelves carrying the same claim. A certification mark on chocolate sold separately doesn’t automatically apply to taaitaai either.

    Check the certification mark and wording on the packaging of the product you want to take in. For a product with multiple ingredients, check exactly what the claim applies to.

  • Checking for gluten and nothing else

    The taaitaai described by Albert Heijn and PLUS also contains milk ingredients. PLUS also lists the possible presence of allergens including egg, almonds and hazelnuts. So checking only for cereals containing gluten won’t give you the full picture for the classroom.

    Compare the full allergen information and warnings on the latest packaging with the school’s arrangements and the requirements of the people involved in caring for the children.

  • Treating online product information as definitive

    Ingredients and allergen information can change. So a product page you looked at earlier may not match the packaging of the product you eventually buy.

    Check availability before relying on a product, and read the physical packaging again before packing the taaitaai.

Brands and shops to consider

A shop name or product listing doesn’t, by itself, confirm Fairtrade status or suitability for the classroom. Use the information on the packaging of the product you choose as your guide.

Albert Heijn

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

  • The product information lists ingredients and allergens, including milk and cereals containing gluten.
  • Albert Heijn says product information may change. So check the latest packaging, including for any Fairtrade claim.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists its own-brand taaitaai in a 500 g pack, as well as a separate Fairtrade category.

  • Ingredients and allergens are listed for the taaitaai mentioned.
  • The Fairtrade category doesn’t tell you whether this taaitaai carries a Fairtrade claim. Jumbo also lists the variant mentioned as no longer available online.

PLUS

PLUS lists Taai taai sint en piet in a 500 g pack.

  • The product information mentions wheat, rye and milk, among other ingredients, as well as the possible presence of other allergens.
  • PLUS warns that ingredients and allergen information may change. Check the packaging for the exact certification claim too.

ALDI

ALDI lists Taai-taai in a 500 g pack as a product available in store.

  • The stated pack weight can help you choose an amount for the planned school occasion.
  • Before buying, check the ingredients, allergens and any Fairtrade claim on the packaging itself.

Dirk

Dirk lists Mini taai taai in a 500 g pack.

  • The listed pack size and weight give you a starting point if you’re planning to share taaitaai.
  • Check the allergen information on the pack you choose, as well as what any Fairtrade claim covers.

Related products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a Fairtrade logo on a product with multiple ingredients apply to every ingredient?

Not necessarily: check what the claim means for the type of label used. Fairtrade Netherlands describes a certification mark with an arrow for products with multiple ingredients. According to Milieu Centraal, a logo on a white background may indicate only that an ingredient is Fairtrade-certified, not that the whole product is.

Can I take ordinary taaitaai to a gluten-free school event?

Don’t assume ordinary taaitaai is suitable: the varieties described by Albert Heijn and PLUS contain wheat and rye, both cereals containing gluten. Read the label on the pack you’ve chosen and check with the school what’s allowed for the occasion.

Which allergen information should I use when packing?

Use the allergen information on the latest packaging of the taaitaai you’re packing. Online product information may change; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be listed on the label of prepacked foods.

Is taaitaai with Fairtrade chocolate automatically Fairtrade taaitaai?

No. A Fairtrade claim for chocolate doesn’t automatically confirm the status of the whole taaitaai. Check the certification mark and accompanying wording on the taaitaai packaging itself to see what the claim applies to.