Parents looking to choose Fairtrade chocolate
You want to see on the chocolate packaging exactly what the Fairtrade mark applies to, without assuming that the taaitaai biscuits alongside it are certified too.
Who is this choice for?
Parents who need to check allergens
You need to check whether gluten, milk, nuts or warnings about possible cross-contamination are relevant to your child, and whether the snack is allowed under the rules at school or your after-school club.
Parents planning an after-school snack
You’re weighing up a biscuit treat with taaitaai against options such as fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods, which the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends for snacks.
What should you look for when buying?
When choosing an after-school snack, check the allergens and the rules at school or your after-school club first. Then decide whether Fairtrade chocolate and a biscuit treat are right for you.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade chocolate | Look for the Fairtrade mark on the chocolate packaging. Check any claim about the taaitaai biscuits separately. | If I’m serving chocolate with the taaitaai biscuits, I want to know that the mark applies to the chocolate itself; this proof matters most to around 36% of consumers. |
| Allergens and school rules | Read the current allergen information, including warnings about possible cross-contamination, and check the rules at school or your after-school club. | If a child needs to avoid gluten or milk, I don’t want to pack an unsuitable snack; this is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| When to have a snack | Check the portion size and nutritional information per 100 g or per serving, and decide when a biscuit treat is appropriate. | For everyday afternoons, I don’t want to pack biscuits by default; choosing a snack is the main concern for around 28% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming Fairtrade chocolate means Fairtrade taaitaai
A Fairtrade mark on a chocolate bar applies to that chocolate. It doesn’t prove that the taaitaai biscuits alongside it are Fairtrade-certified too.
Check the Fairtrade claim on each product’s own packaging.
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Checking allergens by product name alone
The Albert Heijn and Jumbo taaitaai biscuits described contain gluten-containing cereals and milk. The Jumbo variety also carries warnings that it may contain nuts, peanuts or sesame.
Before packing it, check the current label on the exact pack you’ve chosen, even if you’ve bought the product before.
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Choosing taaitaai as the default snack every afternoon
Albert Heijn’s product information lists 39 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Taai taai. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also recommends fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods as snacks.
Save taaitaai for a planned biscuit treat and check the portion size on the pack.
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Assuming a product page means it’s always available
Jumbo De Originele Taai Taai 500 g was listed as no longer available in the online range. That doesn’t tell you what’s available elsewhere.
Check the current store or online listing before basing your snack choice on this variety.
Relevant brands and retailers to help you compare
Albert Heijn
The product information for AH Taai taai helps you compare ingredients, allergens, portion size and nutritional value.
- Albert Heijn lists milk and gluten-containing cereals among the ingredients in these taaitaai biscuits.
- The product information doesn’t show a Fairtrade mark for these taaitaai biscuits. Check the current packaging, as ingredients and allergens can change.
Jumbo
The information for Jumbo De Originele Taai Taai 500 g is useful for checking the allergens in this particular variety.
- Jumbo lists wheat, rye, gluten and milk, and specifies which other allergens the product may contain.
- This variety was listed as no longer available in the online range. Check current availability, and don’t assume that other Fairtrade products from Jumbo mean these taaitaai biscuits carry a Fairtrade mark.
ALDI
ALDI lists Choceur chocolate with a Fairtrade mark as a separate option to serve alongside taaitaai biscuits.
- The chocolate page makes clear which chocolate product the Fairtrade claim applies to.
- That mark doesn’t automatically apply to taaitaai biscuits. If you’re serving both products, check the allergen information on both packs.
Chocolate to go with this snack
This bar is a good fit if you’re choosing chocolate separately to serve with taaitaai biscuits. A Fairtrade claim on the chocolate doesn’t apply to the taaitaai you pair it with.
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Tony's Chocolonely Milk Pecan Caramel, 180 g
If you’d like to serve chocolate with taaitaai biscuits, the Joybuy product description says this bar carries a Fairtrade mark. Check the mark on the current packaging.
The product information lists milk, soya, pecans and gluten-containing cereals, and says the bar may contain egg or peanuts. Read the label and check the rules at school or your after-school club before packing it.
Frequently asked questions
Are packaged taaitaai biscuits gluten-free?
The Albert Heijn and Jumbo varieties described aren’t gluten-free: both list gluten-containing cereals, including wheat and rye. Always check the current label on the specific pack you want to buy.
How can I identify Fairtrade chocolate to serve with taaitaai?
Look for the Fairtrade claim or mark on the chocolate packaging itself. For example, ALDI lists a Choceur chocolate product with a Fairtrade mark; this says nothing about the certification of taaitaai biscuits bought separately.
Are taaitaai biscuits a good choice for every after-school snack?
Think of taaitaai as a planned biscuit treat rather than an everyday snack by default. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also recommends fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods for snacks. If you choose taaitaai, check the portion size and nutritional information on the pack.
Should I check the rules at school or my after-school club?
Yes. Check the rules at the school or after-school club before packing taaitaai or chocolate. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre discusses food policies at school; which snacks are allowed depends on the local rules.