For an everyday toddler snack, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends fruit, vegetables or a little wholemeal bread from the Wheel of Five. Taaitaai is better suited to the occasional Sinterklaas celebration. If you’re buying a bag for the occasion, choose a size that suits how much you plan to hand out, and check the label on the exact variety for allergens before packing it.
They’re looking for something to fit into their toddler’s usual eating routine. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends fruit, vegetables and a little wholemeal bread, rather than taaitaai as a regular choice.
They want to choose a bag for a Sinterklaas celebration that contains the right amount for what they’ll actually be handing out. A 250 g pack calls for a different approach from a 500 g one.
They check the ingredients and allergens in their chosen variety, and ask their childcare provider or school about its rules for snacks brought from home.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should consider this most? |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday or occasional | Decide whether you’re looking for something for an everyday snack or a special occasion. | For an everyday break, I want to pack something that fits my toddler’s usual eating routine, without making taaitaai their regular snack. Around 50% of consumers would put this everyday choice first. |
| Allergens | Read the label on the exact variety and ask about the rules at your childcare provider or school. | If I pack something for my child, the taaitaai I choose needs to meet the allergen requirements for my child and their setting. Around 30% of consumers would put this first. |
| Quantity | Compare the weight in grams with the number of occasions you plan to hand them out. | For a single Sinterklaas celebration, I don’t want to buy much more taaitaai than we’ll be handing out. Around 20% of consumers would put choosing the right quantity first. |
Even a small or traditional biscuit doesn’t make it an everyday snack option under the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice for toddlers.
Save taaitaai for an occasional celebration. For everyday snacks, try fruit, vegetables or a little wholemeal bread.
A 500 g pack may contain more than you need for a single occasion, and smaller varieties are available too.
Decide in advance how much you want to hand out, then compare the pack sizes.
The standard PLUS variety reviewed lists wheat, rye and milk, among other ingredients. The Consenza variety labelled gluten-free still lists oats, almonds and nuts.
Always read the current label on the exact pack, even if it says ‘gluten-free’ on the front. Ask your childcare provider or school about its rules for products brought from home.
ALDI lists a 500 g pack of taai-taai in its Sinterklaas range.
PLUS lists a 500 g standard bag of taaitaai and a 250 g artisan variety.
Albert Heijn lists products including Consenza Taai taai poppetjes gluten free in a 125 g pack.
Jumbo lists Jumbo De Originele Taai Taai in a 500 g pack and Bolletje Taai Taai Poppetjes in a 350 g pack.
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Mini taai taai in a 500 g pack.
Not as a regular everyday choice, according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. For toddlers, it recommends snacks from the Wheel of Five, such as fruit, vegetables or a little wholemeal bread.
Always check the label on the exact variety. The PLUS Taai taai sint en piet variety reviewed lists wheat, rye and milk, and also notes the possible presence of other allergens, including egg, almond and hazelnut. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on the label.
No, the ‘gluten-free’ label doesn’t mean that. The Consenza Taai taai poppetjes variety labelled gluten-free lists oats, almonds and nuts. So be sure to read the full ingredients and allergen information on the pack.
