A Kiwi Food Lover’s Guide: 7 Must-Try New Zealand Snacks

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New Zealand may be famous for its jaw-dropping Lord of the Rings landscapes, but there’s more to the country beyond breathtaking mountain views and pristine beaches. The country has an underrated food scene that is full of quirky flavors and nostalgic treats – something that really surprised me when I first moved here.

For those who consider themselves foodie travelers, or those who are just curious about what the locals eat, we have put together this guide of the top must-try New Zealand snacks to tick off your list during your time in Aotearoa. And the best part of this article is that it gave me a great excuse to buy all of these and eat them all in one sitting.

Where to find New Zealand snacks

Unlike a lot of other countries where you’ll need to hunt around markets to find hidden gems, the majority of New Zealand snacks can be easily found in most major shops, corner shops and farmers’ markets.

Supermarkets like Pak ‘n Save, Woolworths, Fresh Choice and New World are great places to start when looking for kiwi classics – and finding fresh scones the size of your hand. In terms of artisanal and locally made goods like cheese and pastries, farmers’ markets are dotted all over the country, and you can find your nearest one on the FMNZ website.

It’s important to note that all of the snacks mentioned below can be found on both the North and South Island, so don’t worry about missing out if you’re only planning on visiting one part.

New Zealand’s Snacks

1. Lemon and Paeroa (L&P)

Technically not a snack, however, Lemon and Paeroa (L&P) is one of New Zealand’s most famous products. The drink originates from a small town, Paeroa, in the North Island, where it started as a blend of lemon juice and the town’s naturally carbonated spring water.

Nowadays, it is a sweet, soft citrusy drink that can be compared to the likes of 7UP and Sprite, and goes extremely well with fish and chips on the beach. If you go to New Zealand and don’t see L&P sold anywhere, I’d be impressed, as it’s in almost every convenience store in the country.

If you really want to get the full New Zealand experience, go buy yourself an L&P and take a trip to Paeroa to take a picture in front of the giant L&P bottle – a niche, but very cool, selfie spot.

2. ANZAC biscuits

Dating all the way back to World War I, ANZAC biscuits are a beloved classic in both Australia and New Zealand. During the war, they were sent by wives and women’s groups to soldiers in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), hence the name. As they’re made without eggs, they were able to stay fresh during long sea voyages and be welcomed as a home-comfort treat.

History aside, they are also delicious and still very popular in the 21st century (particularly with a cup of tea), with a crunchy outside and chewy, oaty middle. They can be found everywhere, from supermarket shelves and kitchens, especially on ANZAC Day, which is celebrated on April 25th to commemorate those who died many years ago.

3. Whittaker’s Chocolate

If New Zealand knows how to do something right, it’s chocolate. Not to be biased, but Whittaker’s chocolate is the best I’ve ever tried, and it’s incredibly addictive. The country is a huge fan of creating and introducing crazy varieties of flavors, making it impossible to choose when you go shopping.

With Whittaker’s, you have the smooth, creamy, texture that is then enhanced by flavors such as honeycomb Hokey Pokey Crunch (a local favorite), Peanut Slab and even limited editions like Jelly Slab and Wellington Roasted Coffee. One of Whittaker’s selling points is that all of the factory’s beans are roasted in-house, which is more rare than you might otherwise think for chocolate manufacturers.

When you go to New Zealand, I recommend grabbing a few bars and having your own taste testing session, and see if you have enough self-control to take a couple home as souvenirs.

Special mention: Cadbury’s

Speaking of chocolate and varieties, New Zealand has an impressive amount of Cadbury’s. As I’m originally from the UK, this was a massive culture shock to me when I first stepped foot in Pak n’ Save. With types ranging from coconut, salted caramel, raspberry slices and marble, everything seems to have undergone a kiwi twist.

Even though the Cadbury’s factory in Dunedin shut down a few years ago, many locals’ loyalties still remain with the brand, especially with how often they release limited edition flavors.

4. Pascall Pineapple Lumps

Honesty time: I genuinely ate an entire bag of these while writing this article. Pascall Pineapple Lumps combine two ingredients that you really don’t think will work: chocolate and pineapple. However, since the 1950s, these snacks have become a New Zealand cultural staple and be found in nearly every confectionery aisle across the country.

The texture is the most interesting part, as when you bite into one, you’ll get a satisfying soft lolly-like chew, with a sweet, tropical hit of pineapple underneath a smooth chocolate shell. Some locals swear by putting them in the freezer for a firmer, chewier snack that lasts longer (give that hack a try if you can).

5. Feijoa

Originally from South America, Feijoa (also known as pineapple guava) is increasingly popular and loved by many Kiwis. So much so that during Feijoa season you can find them in pretty much everything, from smoothies, jams, ice creams, yogurts and even vodka.

If I could describe Feijoa in one word, it would be unique. Try to imagine eating one of those really fizzy sweets, except you’re actually eating a fruit. It’s tangy, tropical, slightly floral, and has a natural zing that catches you by surprise, making it one of those snacks you’ll either love or hate.

Even though you can find Feijoas in most supermarkets, I recommend getting a couple from a farmers’ market instead to really experience the fresh tartness.

6. Manuka honey

Even though it’s not classed as a snack on its own, Manuka honey is such a big part of New Zealand food culture that it deserves to be on this list. Made from the nectar of the native Manuka tree, this honey is famous for its caramel-like flavor, as well as its medicinal value.

Whether you add it to a sandwich or on top of a cracker, Manuka honey is said to have powerful anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are excellent for healing wounds and curing stomach issues. Additionally, this type of honey is very expensive to buy elsewhere in the world as it’s so rare, so try to stock up and take some bottles home as a great (and tasty) souvenir.

7. Cheese scones

Finally, an article on New Zealand snacks wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to my favorite food. Cheese scones are a beloved savory treat that can be found in almost every cafe across the country, usually brought to you straight out of the oven with warm butter.

As Kiwis love to put their own spin on things, New Zealand is where you’ll find the most unique types of scones, with many places experimenting with different herbs and seasonings (like cayenne or mustard), or adding sweet ingredients like blueberries and dates. The other week, I even had a kimchi and raisin scone, which is a combination I never thought would work.

Cheese scones can be best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, preferably overlooking one of New Zealand’s many stunning beaches, rolling green hills, or snow-capped mountains.

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