Sweet Discovery Down Under.

Snack Safari: A Journey Through Australia and New Zealand's Snack Scene

If there’s one thing we have learned from traveling, it’s that you can tell a lot about a place by the snacks its people love. In Australia and New Zealand, snacking is not just about satisfying hunger—it’s about indulging in flavours that reflect the land, the people, and the local culture. My mission? To explore the tastiest, quirkiest, and most unique snacks that these countries have to offer, and bring back a suitcase full of inspiration. Here’s what I discovered while munching my way through Australia and New Zealand.

Classic Aussie Snacks: The Icons of Australia

Australia has a way of taking classic snack concepts and giving them a distinctive twist. Some of these snacks have been around for generations, and they hold a special place in the hearts (and taste buds) of Aussies.

1. Arnott’s Shapes – These iconic crackers come in a variety of flavours, BBQ, chicken, nacho cheese, meat pie and Vegemite...i could go on, however They’re salty, crunchy, and almost dangerously addictive. My favourite had to be the Pizza flavour, with its punchy, tangy seasoning. It’s easy to see why Shapes are a beloved Aussie staple—they’re the ultimate savoury snack for any occasion.

2. Cheezels – Think of a cheesy puff, but in a ring shape you can wear on your fingers! Cheezels are fun, crunchy, and unapologetically cheesy. They’ve got that nostalgic feel, like the kind of snack you’d find at a childhood birthday party. I’m considering how to elevate this playful snack shape with more sophisticated flavours.

3. Lamingtons – Part snack, part dessert, these fluffy sponge cakes dipped in chocolate and rolled in coconut are a sweet symbol of Australia. Available in nearly every café, we found inspiration in the combination of textures and flavours—a light cake with a crunchy coating.

Exploring Kiwi Classics: The Flavours of New Zealand

New Zealand’s snack culture is a beautiful mix of simplicity, tradition, and a love for quality ingredients. Kiwi snacks have a homey, down-to-earth charm that is both comforting and full of surprises.

1. Pineapple Lumps – A chewy, chocolate-covered pineapple-flavoured candy, Pineapple Lumps are a Kiwi classic. The combination of tropical fruit flavour with a sweet chocolate coating is unusual but delightful. we're intrigued by how this concept could be adapted into a more sophisticated, tropical fruit-inspired treat.

2. Kumara Chips – Kumara (sweet potato) is a staple in New Zealand cuisine, and their take on chips doesn’t disappoint. These chips have a natural sweetness and an earthy flavour that’s different from your standard potato chip. we are inspired to explore more root vegetable-based snacks with diverse seasonings.

3. Hokey Pokey – Hokey Pokey is a crunchy honeycomb candy, often mixed into ice cream. It’s sweet, light, and crunchy—the ultimate snack texture. This is definitely sparking some ideas about how to bring that light, airy crunch to a new line of snacks.

4. Burger Rings – A favourite since childhood, these crispy, burger-flavoured rings are a savoury delight. They’ve got a tangy, almost smoky flavour that lingers, making them incredibly satisfying. The boldness of the flavour makes me want to experiment with new seasoning blends for my own snacks.

Unique Finds: Australian and Kiwi Supermarket Staples

There’s a lot to discover in the aisles of a local supermarket in both Australia and New Zealand. Some of the most interesting and unexpected snacks were found in ordinary grocery stores—proving that inspiration can strike in the most unlikely places.

1. Whittaker’s Chocolate (New Zealand) – Whittaker’s is a well-known Kiwi chocolate brand, famous for its rich flavours and smooth texture. wecouldn’t get enough of their Peanut butter slab—a thick, chunky bar loaded with smooth peanut butter. Their use of local ingredients has inspired me to think about how regional elements can enhance classic snacks.

2. Pods (Australia) – These bite-sized, crispy biscuit shells filled with chocolate and caramel are a popular sweet snack, i was addicted to the Mars ones for sure!  The contrast between the crispy shell and the gooey centre is what makes them so addictive. This combination of textures is definitely giving us some ideas for filled, crunchy snacks.

3. Vegemite on Crackers (Australia) – You can’t talk about Aussie snacks without mentioning Vegemite. we tried it the traditional way—spread thinly on crackers with a bit of butter and not so traditional - Vegemite and avocado on toast. The intense umami flavour is a love-it-or-hate-it experience, but it’s making me think about how to incorporate savoury, salty flavours into sweet treats.

4. Griffin’s Gingernuts (New Zealand) – A classic ginger cookie that’s perfect for dunking in tea. These crunchy, spicy biscuits are a staple in Kiwi households, and I can’t help but think of ways to take that bold ginger flavour and incorporate it into snack bars or biscuits with a twist.

From the Snack to Shelves: What’s Next?

Our journey through Australia and New Zealand’s snack scene has been full of surprising flavours, textures, and cultural nuances. From the sweet crunch of Hokey Pokey to the salty tang of Vegemite, these countries have a snack for every craving. Now, it’s my turn to take these experiences back to our store.

Stay tuned, as we'll be sharing our snack creations inspired by Australia and New Zealand’s unique flavours. Whether it’s a crunchy veggie chip with a bush tucker seasoning or a sweet snack bar with a twist of Hokey Pokey, I hope to capture the essence of these incredible countries in every bite!