Parents who want to hand out one piece to each child quickly
You can divide mini taaitaai or figures from a bag without cutting them. Set the pieces out in advance if you’d rather not hand them out of the bag during the party.
Which option works best for you?
Organisers who need to consider allergies
Ask in advance which ingredients the children need to avoid, then check the ingredients list and any warnings about the possible presence of allergens on the packaging you’ve chosen.
Parents treating taaitaai as one small part of the party food
A small figure can work well if you’re also serving other food. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small portions for party treats; if the party is at school or an after-school club, check the local rules too.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide how you want to hand out the taaitaai. Then check that the packaging suits the children attending, the portion size you want and the date of the party.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Handing out without cutting | Check the size of the figures and make sure the pack contains enough pieces or suitable portions. | If I want to give each child one piece straight away, I don’t want to have to divide up a large biscuit first. Around 20% of consumers prioritise ease of handing out. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Ask in advance what the children need to avoid, then read the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging. | If a child must not eat certain ingredients, I want to know which piece I can safely offer them. Around 33% of consumers put this check first. |
| A small treat portion | Compare the size of one biscuit with the stated portion; a portion may not be the same as one piece. | If there’ll be other food at the party, I want to serve taaitaai as a small part of the spread. A modest portion is the main consideration for around 27% of consumers. |
| Availability around the party date | Check shortly before the party whether the chosen shop has the shape you want in stock. | If the party is outside the Sinterklaas season, I want to know in good time whether my planned treat will be available. Around 20% of consumers prioritise availability. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a mini or figure comes individually wrapped
A small shape doesn’t mean it has its own wrapper. The minis and figures mentioned are sold in bags, so you’ll need to arrange the distribution yourself.
If you need individual wrappers, check the product photo and packaging details, or look at the product in store.
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Relying on the brand name alone when checking for allergens
Ingredients and warnings about the possible presence of allergens vary by product and can change. The products mentioned from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS contain, among other things, cereals containing gluten and milk.
Ask about allergies in advance, then check the packaging of the exact taaitaai product you’ve bought just before handing it out.
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Choosing a bag without allowing for the number of children
A 250 g or 500 g bag doesn’t tell you how many pieces of the size you want you can hand out. Larger biscuits may also need to be divided.
Work out how many pieces you need, then check the shape, number of pieces and stated portion size.
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Expecting the same taaitaai to be available all year round
Taaitaai is often part of Sinterklaas ranges. A variety listed previously may not be available on the date of your party.
Check with your chosen shop shortly before the party to see whether the packaging you want is available, and think of an alternative if that particular shape matters.
Brands with relevant taaitaai products
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn says its AH Taai taai bag contains 500 g, with a stated portion size of 11 g and taaitaai in figure shapes.
- The product information lists the ingredients, allergens and storage advice.
- A bag of figures doesn’t guarantee that each piece is individually wrapped; Albert Heijn recommends checking the current packaging.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists a 500 g bag of Sint Taai Taai Figuurtjes, with around 36 portions of 14 g.
- The figure shapes are handy if you want to hand out small pieces yourself.
- A stated portion doesn’t necessarily equal one figure. Check the allergens on the packaging too.
PLUS
PLUS lists traditional taai-taai biscuits in a 250 g bag.
- The product information lists ingredients and allergens, including wheat, rye and milk.
- A larger biscuit calls for a different portion-size decision than a small figure; check the warnings on the packaging as well.
ALDI
ALDI lists taai-taai in figure shapes in a 500 g bag as part of its Sinterklaas range.
- The figure shapes may suit you if you want to hand out pieces without cutting up a large biscuit.
- Before serving, read the ingredients and allergens on the packaging you’ve bought, especially if you’re handing them out to a group.
Dirk
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Mini taai taai in a 500 g pack.
- The mini size is a good fit if you want to hand out small pieces yourself.
- Check the pack for the number of pieces and the ingredients and allergens listed.
Taaitaai at Joybuy
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check if a child has an allergy to ingredients in taaitaai?
First ask what the children need to avoid, then check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging of the product you’ll be handing out. The varieties mentioned from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS contain, among other things, cereals containing gluten and milk; warnings about other allergens can vary by product.
Can I serve taaitaai as a treat at a children’s party?
Yes, as long as the ingredients are suitable for the children attending and you choose an appropriate portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small treat portions and advises asking about allergies and other dietary requirements in advance.
What if I want to hand out taaitaai at school or an after-school club?
Ask in advance what rules they have about treats. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says schools and after-school clubs may have their own rules about birthdays and what children can hand out.
How should I store an opened bag of taaitaai?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging you’ve bought. Albert Heijn recommends storing its AH Taai taai in a cool, dry place and putting the biscuits in a sealed tin after opening.