Are you moving to New Zealand? You’ve probably done your research on the essentials like housing, transportation and jobs. But there’s one other thing that makes up your experience in the country – the local snacks!
While New Zealand is commonly known for its fresh seafood, lamb, Sauvignon Blanc and iconic Manuka honey, it also offers a variety of delectable local snacks. Though not known to many, the scenic country is filled with a ton of hidden gems when it comes to snacks. Take a walk down the supermarket aisle, and you’re sure to find a buffet of favourite treats well-loved by Kiwis (also a nickname for New Zealanders).
Want to stock up on Kiwi snacks when you move into your new home? Keep reading for our list of 7 must-try snacks when you migrate to New Zealand!
1. Griffin’s Hokey Pokey Squiggles
Image credit: Kiwi Kitchen
One of the most popular ice cream flavours in New Zealand is hokey pokey, the Kiwi term for honeycomb toffee! It is essentially plain vanilla ice cream with small chunks of honeycomb mixed in.
But to turn it up a notch, local brand Griffin’s has created a sweet, decadent snack in this flavour. Add in some cookies and chocolate, and you have Griffin’s Hokey Pokey Squiggles! It’s a biscuit filled with hokey pokey-flavoured cream, coated in milk chocolate and sprinkled with hokey pokey nuggets. The sweet treat gets its name from the finishing white chocolate squiggles on top. If you want a twist on the classic Kiwi ice cream flavour, this snack is a must-try.
2. Pascall Pineapple Lumps
Image credit: Kmart
There’s nothing like the Pineapple Lumps to fill the spot for a classic New Zealand candy. While it doesn’t sound like the most appealing food, Pineapple Lumps are definitely addictive.
This unique candy has the consistency of an energy bar and comprises of a unique combination of pineapple and chocolate. The pineapple is soft and spongy with a thin coating of chocolate. Although it may be an acquired taste, this Kiwi original is a national favourite!
3. Cookie Time Original Chocolate Chunk
Image credit: Munchtime
Ask any Kiwi, and you’re likely to find that they grew up with this timeless snack. Introduced back in 1983, this classic cookie remains a favourite among both young and old today. This cookie is crumbly yet undeniably scrumptious – and the best part? It contains enormous, generous chunks of chocolate!
A hack to make this treat even more delectable is to pop it into the microwave for 10 seconds. You’ll get a soft, chewy cookie oozing with melted chocolate!
4. Bluebird Salt & Vinegar Chips
Image credit: Bluebird
Bluebird offers a range of chip flavours, but salt and vinegar is one you must try as your first! A mix of sharp and savoury, this flavour gives a burst of tang that will leave your tastebuds tingling. Made with New Zealand-grown potatoes, these thick-cut chips give a satisfying crunch while serving an incredible pairing for dips as well.
5. L & P Soft Drink Lemon & Paeroa
Image credit: Countdown
This 110-year-old soft drink made it onto the snack list as it’s one of the most famous beverages in New Zealand. Lemon & Paeroa (L&P) is a unique blend of a gingery lemon flavour and bubbly carbonated water.
This popular drink was traditionally brewed in Paeroa, a town in the north of New Zealand – which explains its name. Enjoy it with a handful of Bluebird Salt & Vinegar chips for a delicious afternoon snack!
6. Whittakers Peanut Slab
Image credit: Big W
Another national favourite is Whittaker’s Peanut Slab! Think of a thick brick of rich chocolate and nutty, crunchy peanuts stacked atop each other – that’s a Peanut Slab! This chocolate bar is said to be richer than many others.
You can enjoy this chocolatey-nutty creation at any time of the day, whether as a pick-me-up or a post-meal dessert. You’ll be sure to hear a loud, satisfying snap when you take your first bite.
7. Cadbury Perky Nana
Image credit: The Lolly Barn
Although Cadbury isn’t a New Zealand-bred brand, they do produce a few New Zealand-exclusive candy such as Perky Nana, which has become a favourite among Kiwis. With a spongy, fruity filling coated in a layer of milk chocolate, this candy bar is pretty similar to Pascall Pineapple Lumps – but its filling is made with banana in place of pineapple.
A slightly more common combination, you can’t go wrong with this mix of smooth banana cream and Cadbury’s signature milk chocolate.
Conclusion
Moving to a different country is undoubtedly exhilarating. You’re immersed in a brand-new environment, anticipating fresh lifestyle experiences and getting to try all the local delicacies of your new home country. These New Zealand snacks are definitely worth the try! However, this transition may also be a stressful period for you.
To relieve some of your worries, Moovaz provides global relocation services to ease your moving process – and you can also check out our NZ moving guide! Our experienced team of removalists strive to make your relocation to New Zealand as hassle-free as possible.
