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As someone who has always had a sweet tooth, I was excited to explore the world of candy in New Zealand. From the traditional lollies to the unique flavours, there is no shortage of delicious treats to try. In this blog post, I will take you on a tour of New Zealand's lolly land, introducing you to some of the popular candy brands, traditional lollies, unique flavours, and lesser-known treats.
Introduction to New Zealand Candy Culture
New Zealand has a rich candy culture, with a variety of traditional and modern sweets. The Kiwis love their lollies, and there are many different types of candy available across the country. From the classic Pineapple Lumps to the more experimental flavours like feijoa and hokey pokey, there is something for everyone.
One of the most popular candy brands in New Zealand is Whittaker's. Known for their high-quality chocolate, Whittaker's has been a Kiwi favourite since 1896. Cadbury is another popular brand, with their Dairy Milk chocolate bars being a staple in most New Zealand households.
Popular Candy Brands in New Zealand
Aside from Whittaker's and Cadbury, there are many other popular candy brands in New Zealand. One of the most well-known is RJ's Licorice, which produces a range of licorice-based candies. Mayceys is another popular brand, with their famous Crocodiles and Glo-Harts being a favourite among Kiwis.
Another popular candy brand in New Zealand is Rainbow. They produce a variety of candies including Jellybeans, Baby Chocolate Fish, and Fizzies. Rainbow has been a Kiwi favourite for over 130 years and is one of the most recognizable candy brands in the country.
Traditional New Zealand Lollies
There are many traditional lollies in New Zealand that have been around for decades. One of the most famous is Pineapple Lumps, which were first produced in the 1950s. Pineapple Lumps are a chewy candy with a pineapple-flavoured centre and chocolate coating.
Another traditional lolly is Jaffas, which have been a Kiwi favourite since the 1930s. Jaffas are small, round candies with an orange-flavoured shell and a chocolate centre. They are often eaten at the movies and are known for being rolled down the aisles during the film.
Milk Bottles are another popular traditional lolly in New Zealand. They are a soft, chewy candy in the shape of a milk bottle and have a creamy, milky flavour. Milk Bottles have been around for over 80 years and are still a popular candy today.
Unique Flavours of New Zealand Sweets
One of the things that make New Zealand sweets unique is the different and sometimes unusual flavours. Feijoa is a fruit that is adored in New Zealand and is often used in candy. Feijoa-flavoured candy has a sweet, tangy taste and is a popular choice among Kiwis.
Hokey pokey is another unique flavour that is popular in New Zealand. It is a type of honeycomb candy that has a crunchy texture and a caramelized flavour. Hokey pokey is often used in ice cream and is a Kiwi favourite.
Manuka honey is another popular flavour in New Zealand candy. Manuka honey is produced by bees that feed on the manuka tree, which is native to New Zealand. It has a distinctive flavour and is often used in candy, chocolate, and other sweet treats.
The History of Pineapple Lumps and Jaffas
Pineapple Lumps and Jaffas are two of the most famous candies in New Zealand, and both have an interesting history. Pineapple Lumps were first produced in the 1950s by a company called Regina. They were originally sold in a cardboard box, but in the 1960s, the packaging was changed to a plastic bag. Pineapple Lumps have been a Kiwi favourite ever since and are still produced today.
Jaffas have been around even longer, with the first Jaffas being produced in the 1930s by a company called Sweetacres. The candy got its name from the Jaffa orange, which was a popular fruit at the time. Jaffas were popularized by their use in movie theatres, where they were often rolled down the aisles during the films.
Where to Buy New Zealand Candy
New Zealand candy can be found in most supermarkets and convenience stores across the country. There are also specialty candy stores that offer a wider range of lollies and sweets.
Many artisanal candy makers sell their products at farmers' markets, and this is a great way to sample some of the unique and lesser-known candies.
Unusual and Lesser-Known New Zealand Lollies
Aside from the more popular candies like Pineapple Lumps and Jaffas, there are many lesser-known lollies that are worth trying. One of these is the Black Knight, which is a licorice-based candy with a strong, intense flavour. Another is the Perky Nana, which is a banana-flavoured candy covered in chocolate.
Minties are another lesser-known candy in New Zealand. They are a chewy candy with a minty flavour and have been around since the 1930s. Minties are often used in advertising, and their catchy jingle is still remembered by many Kiwis today.
The Rise of Artisanal Candy Makers in New Zealand
In recent years, there has been a rise in artisanal candy makers in New Zealand. These candy makers produce small-batch, high-quality candies using local ingredients. One of the most well-known artisanal candy makers is The Seriously Good Chocolate Company, which produces a range of chocolate-based candies.
Another artisanal candy maker is The Remarkable Sweet Shop, which produces a range of fudges and nougat. The Remarkable Sweet Shop is located in Queenstown and is a popular destination for tourists looking to sample some of the unique candies produced in New Zealand.
New Zealand Candies and their Cultural Significance
New Zealand candies have a cultural significance that goes beyond just satisfying a sweet tooth. Many of the traditional lollies, like Pineapple Lumps and Jaffas, have been around for decades and are a part of Kiwi culture.
Candy is also an important part of holidays and celebrations in New Zealand. One example is the tradition of giving Easter eggs at Easter, which has been around for over 100 years. Another example is the giving of lollies at Christmas, which is a tradition that has been passed down for generations.
Conclusion - Why New Zealand Candy is Worth Trying
New Zealand candy is unique, delicious, and a part of Kiwi culture. From the traditional lollies to the more experimental flavours, there is no shortage of sweet treats to try. Whether you're a fan of Pineapple Lumps, Jaffas, or one of the lesser-known lollies, there is something for everyone. So next time you're in New Zealand, be sure to indulge in some of the country's sweetest delights.
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So, there you have it, a tour of New Zealand's lolly land. I hope this article has inspired you to try some of the unique and delicious candies that New Zealand has to offer. If you're planning a trip to New Zealand, be sure to visit Crazy Candies Online Lolly Shop or farmers' markets to sample some of the lesser-known treats. And if you're a Kiwi, I hope this article has reminded you of some of your favourite candies from your childhood. Happy snacking!