Who is this choice relevant to?

Parents sharing with a small group

You’re looking for a bag that’s right for sharing a few biscuits on a seasonal occasion, without having lots of taaitaai left over.

Parents who put portion size first

You want to offer taaitaai only as a small, occasional treat. The stated portion size is more helpful than the total weight of the bag alone.

Parents sending something in to childcare or school

You’ll need to check the allergens on the current packaging and find out what rules the setting has about bringing in and sharing food.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide how much you want to serve when sharing, then choose a bag size to suit the number of people. Before sending it in, check the current label and ask about the rules at the childcare setting or school.

What to consider What to look for Who it matters to
A small, occasional portion Check the portion size and nutritional information on the packaging; don’t use the contents of the whole bag as a guide to portion size. If I give my toddler an extra treat, I want to keep the amount small without making biscuits a daily snack; around 46% of consumers put portion size first.
Bag size for sharing Compare 250 g, 350 g and 500 g bags against the number of people and occasions, and think about how you’ll store any leftovers. For a small group, I don’t want lots of biscuits left over, but I want enough for several occasions; around 36% of consumers put bag size first.
Allergens and setting rules Check the allergens on the current label and ask the childcare setting or school about its rules for food brought in from home. If I send taaitaai in with my child, I need to know what it contains and whether sharing is allowed there; allergens and setting rules are the main concern for around 18% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Using a sharing bag as a guide to portion size

    A 500 g bag may be suitable for several people or occasions, but it doesn’t determine how much taaitaai to give a toddler.

    Decide how many people will be sharing, then serve a small amount separately from the bag.

  • Judging by the word “mini” or the shape of the biscuits

    The shape of a biscuit doesn’t tell you which allergens it contains or its nutritional value per portion.

    Compare the ingredients, allergens, portion size and nutritional information on the packaging you’re buying.

  • Treating online product information as a permanent label

    Albert Heijn and PLUS point out that product information, including ingredients and allergens, can change.

    If your child has an allergy or dietary restriction, check the current packaging before buying taaitaai or sending it in with them.

  • Assuming you know the school or childcare setting’s rules

    Allergen information on a pack won’t tell you what rules a particular school or childcare setting has about treats and sharing food.

    Ask in advance which rules apply at the setting, then check that the product you’ve chosen is suitable.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists a 350 g bag of taaitaai, with 25 portions of 14 g.

  • The stated bag size and portion size make it easier to decide how much to serve.
  • The product page says it’s available in store; check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists St Nicholas taaitaai figures in a 500 g bag, with around 36 portions of 14 g.

  • The stated portion size helps you divide the bag between several occasions.
  • A 500 g bag isn’t a reason to serve a toddler a larger portion.

PLUS

PLUS lists artisan taaitaai biscuits in a 250 g bag and mini St Nicholas and Piet taaitaai in a 500 g bag.

  • The two bag sizes let you choose between keeping less in stock and having a larger amount to share.
  • For the 500 g variety, PLUS lists wheat, rye and milk among the allergens; check the current label before buying.

ALDI

ALDI lists 500 g of taaitaai in its St Nicholas range.

  • The stated bag weight is useful when planning to share over several occasions.
  • Before buying, check the label for the ingredients and allergens in the pack you’ve chosen.

Dirk

Dirk lists 1 de Beste Mini taaitaai in a 500 g bag.

  • The bag weight helps you decide whether a larger amount is right for sharing.
  • “Mini” doesn’t tell you the portion size or allergens; check the current packaging for this information.

Taaitaai at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is taaitaai a suitable everyday snack for a toddler?

Don’t make taaitaai a toddler’s everyday snack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends fruit, vegetables and some wholemeal bread as snacks for toddlers; keep taaitaai as a small, occasional treat.

How do I decide how much taaitaai to give a toddler?

Use the portion information on the packaging you’ve chosen as a guide, rather than the weight of the whole bag. Albert Heijn and Jumbo state that the products mentioned come in 14 g portions; the number of biscuits in a portion can vary between products.

Does taaitaai contain gluten?

PLUS’s 500 g St Nicholas and Piet taaitaai lists wheat, rye and cereals containing gluten. Check the current label for every product; the shape of the biscuits and the size of the bag don’t tell you which allergens are present.

How should I store an opened bag of taaitaai?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging you’ve bought. Albert Heijn says to store its taaitaai in a cool, dark, dry place and, once opened, keep it in a sealed tin.

Where can I check for allergens if I’m sending taaitaai in with my child?

Check the allergen information on the current label, and also ask about the school or childcare setting’s rules. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for pre-packed products must appear on the label; that label doesn’t determine whether the setting allows the product.