Every so often, a few delicious deliveries land on our focusdoorstep – and naturally, we consider it our duty to sample them (all in the name of research, of course). From sweet surprises to savoury staples, these new arrivals brought plenty of flavour to our week and a few instant favourites to our shopping lists. Whether you’re looking for a new snack obsession, a shortcut to dinner inspiration, or a treat that caters to every diet, here’s what we tried – and loved.
New Whittaker’s Flavours That Take the Biscuit (Literally)
When a Whittaker’s delivery lands on our desk, it’s safe to say the focus team doesn’t waste any time unwrapping it and diving in. The new limited-edition flavours – Strawberry & Shortbread and Peppermint & Cocoa Biscuit – disappeared almost as fast as they arrived.
Inspired by nostalgic biscuit tins, the Strawberry & Shortbread slab pairs strawberry-infused milk chocolate with crunchy shortbread and tangy freeze-dried strawberries (a definite favourite among our tasters). Meanwhile, the Peppermint & Cocoa Biscuit hits the spot for those who love the fresh snap of peppermint with a satisfying cocoa crunch.
The packaging has a lovely retro feel – perfect for gifting, or for bringing along to share…
Like all Whittaker’s creations, these bars are proudly made from bean to bar in Porirua, using 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified™ cocoa beans and no palm oil.
Be warned though – these are limited edition, so once they’re gone, they’re gone. And trust us, they’re too good to last long.
Breakfast Just Got Tastier: UNCLE TOBYS Meets MILO
When the Focus office heard UNCLE TOBYS had teamed up with MILO, we knew this would be one delivery that wouldn’t stay unopened for long. And sure enough, as soon as the box arrived, the sachets were torn open and taste-tested on the spot (purely for this article, of course).
The new UNCLE TOBYS MILO Quick Sachet Oats bring together two classic Kiwi breakfast favourites – the comforting creaminess of UNCLE TOBYS oats and that unmistakable choc-malt flavour of MILO. Each sachet cooks up in just 90 seconds and includes little MILO cereal pieces for a bit of crunch and nostalgia in every spoonful.
They’re smooth, chocolatey, and surprisingly satisfying – though one of our testers’ teenage sons did point out that a single sachet isn’t quite enough for a growing appetite!
With a 4-star health rating and made from premium quality oats, these sachets are a quick, comforting, and delicious way to make mornings feel a bit more special (and a lot less rushed).
If you’re a long-time MILO fan, this one’s an easy win – it’s basically childhood in a bowl.
Sweet News for Sensitive Tummies: Kea Cookies Go FODMAP Friendly
Finding a sweet treat that actually loves you back isn’t easy when you’ve got food intolerances – but here’s some genuinely good news. The team at Kea Cookies has become the first New Zealand-made cookie brand to achieve FODMAP Friendly certification, meaning more Kiwis can enjoy their favourite biscuits without the worry.
We tried them (naturally!), and they’re delicious. No one in the office guessed they were gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan – they’re that good. This is a huge win for anyone who usually misses out when the cookie jar gets passed around.
The three newly certified cookie flavours include Gingernut, Chocolate, and Vanilla, plus there’s Vanilla and Gingernut Cookie Crumbs, which are brilliant for baking or sprinkling over desserts.
If you’re one of the many people managing IBS or other food sensitivities, you’ll appreciate the peace of mind that comes with the FODMAP Friendly logo – proof these have been independently tested and approved. And the best part? More flavours are already being tested, so there’s even more to look forward to.
Kea Cookies continues to prove that inclusive treats don’t have to compromise on taste – just pure, crumbly, feel-good comfort for everyone.
Sweet, Spicy, and Seriously Addictive: Proper Crisps’ New Cinnamon Tortilla Chips
We didn’t expect to fall in love with a sweet crisp, but here we are. When a bag of Proper Crisps’ new Limited-Edition Sweet Cinnamon Tortilla Chips landed in the Focus office, we ripped it open “just to try one”… and let’s just say, the bag didn’t last long.
Known for doing savoury snacks exceptionally well, Proper Crisps has gone deliciously rogue this time – swapping salt for cinnamon and creating something that tastes like a cross between a churro and a tortilla chip. Inspired by Mexican buñuelos (those flaky, cinnamon-dusted fritters found at every fiesta), these crisps are light, crunchy, and coated in just the right amount of cinnamon sugar.
They’re dangerously moreish straight from the bag, but if you want to get fancy, try turning them into dessert nachos: layer with fruit compote, a drizzle of caramel, a sprinkle of toasted almonds, and a scoop of ice cream on top. Self-control not included.
Perfect for movie nights, 3pm sugar slumps, or impressing guests with a quick dessert that feels far more creative than it is – these crisps prove Proper really can do everything right.
Spice It Up: Why Pepper & Me Belongs in Every Kiwi Kitchen
I first noticed Pepper & Me products on shelves in Tauranga, but I’ll admit I was a bit hesitant – too many seasoning lines promise big things and then under deliver. After being sent a sample pack, though, I’m officially converted: these are now my go-to seasonings.
Pepper & Me is a Tauranga-based seasoning company born out of a passion for making food bold, exciting, and fun to cook. Their philosophy? Cooking shouldn’t feel like a chore – your salts, seasonings, and sauces should help bring big flavour without the fuss.
Started by Cherie Metcalfe who loves exploring global tastes, Pepper & Me creates blends, salts, and pastes that let you transform everyday meals into something special, even on a busy weeknight.
These are some of my favourites:
- Rock the Za’atar – a Middle Eastern spice blend (oregano, sumac, sesame, etc.) that works beautifully on lamb, chicken, eggs or flatbreads.
- Tik Tok Trending Rub – great for crunch and punch on veggies, meats, pasta or toast.
- Sanders Seasoning – a chicken salt style blend ideal for fries, roast vegetables, chicken, mince or steaks.
- Sunshine Salt – infused with lemon, fennel, garlic, sage and chilli for a zesty, summery lift.
Pepper & Me is also active in sharing recipes, tips, and cooking inspiration through social media and their website – so helpful for home cooks wanting to try new flavours. Or, you could treat yourself to one of Cherie’s cookbooks