It’s the time of year where grazing platters and long lunches come into their own. We’re sharing some of our fave new finds that make a perfect addition to your festive celebrations, as well as summer entertaining. Eat, drink and be merry (Christmas).
My Food Bag Christmas Treats
We love a brand that uplifts and celebrates other brands. My Food Bag’s Christmas Treat lineup showcases a carefully selected collection of New Zealand products, including Bennetto Chocolate, Paneton, Ashley & Co, Molly Woppy and The Confectionist. It’s the perfect solution to Christmas gifting for friends, family and foodies; plus, themed gift boxes include pre-made meals and other treats. We’re partial to Nadia’s Deluxe Gift Bundle (which includes premium local treats from Royalburn farm and a 100% felted wool bag). Pro Tip: Pre-order well ahead of time, as these get snapped up (for good reason). If you’ve got travels planned over the festive season, it’s the perfect way to ensure your loved ones are taken care of. Myfoodbag.co.nz
Good Grazing
This time of year is all about delicious grazing and snacks. Change up your options with Good Crunch from Graze Good Snacks (the same crew who delivered the addictive Skinny Dipped Almonds) for this light, crunchy, moreish mix of corn and bean snacks (completely nut free). With a blend of crispy corn, broad beans, fun corn hoops and strips, they’re a source of fibre (58% less fat than regular potato chips), so you can get snacky on more of the good stuff. Curb the munchies whether on your road trip or enjoying nibbles and grazing with friends. Our faves are the Good Crunch Salted Vinegar Mix and Good Crunch Summer BBQ Mix. Graze.co.nz
Rose’s Chilli Crisp
If you love an extra hit of flavour, this tastebud treat is exactly what the festive season needs! The only thing you’ll need to add a flavour punch to every dish; crunchy, umami and spicy sweet; Rose’s Chilli Crisp oil is the power topping for scrambled eggs to dumplings and everything in between. And unlike many of the brutal chilli oil offerings on the shelves, this beautifully crafted New Zealand offering is designed to add a warm buzz of heat, not blow your head apart! Pro tip: stir before serving.
Brocco Boost
Eating your greens has never been so enjoyable. These Brocco Boost broccoli sprouts are the perfect addition to pretty much every meal or snack. As well as fresh deliciousness, they’re ideal for health-conscious people looking to naturally boost immunity. It’s all about the science – the body’s natural chewing action turns Glucoraphanin into Sulforaphane, a powerful phytonutrient scientifically shown to fuel long-term immune health (and measured in each pack). As an antioxidant, they last over 50 times longer than Vitamin C in the body. Chew on that (preferably daily)! Broccoboost.co.nz
AIX Rose Vin De Provence
A lovely fruity summer offering from AIX (pronounced ‘X’), from the historical city of Aix-en-Provence. This classic rosé with a pale salmon colour offers delicate aromas of red fruits, citrus, and subtle floral notes. The palate is fresh and well-balanced, with a crisp finish and it’s ideal to have on hand for unexpected visitors, entertaining, and balmy summer days. Aixrose.com
Papaiti Gin
Whilst arguably every thoughtfully crafted gin shares a story, few do it as impeccably as Papaiti Gin. Based in Whanganui, this small-batch New Zealand gin collection is award-winning for good reason. Founders Nikki Oesterle and Adrian Rumney take pride in capturing the essence of New Zealand’s bounty and special places. With a focus on local botanicals, many of which they grow or forage themselves, each carefully crafted gin deserves to be savoured, shared and remembered. Mountains to Sea features horopito from the mountain forests, manuka from the riverbanks, and kelp from the sea – a true New Zealand journey in every sip. Papaitigin.co.nz
Mighty Mighty!
Pouring and savouring the perfect cocktail just got a while lot easier, thanks to the Mighty Mighty craft cocktail collection. Each ready-to-serve can is an expertly crafted cocktail, made from high quality ingredients (and taking care of portion control). Ideal to keep on hand this season at home, in your RV or for camping – to elevate any occasion, no matter the destination. Choose from Margarita, Daiquiri, Cosmopolitan or Tropical Rum Cocktail. Mightymighty.co.nz
