The tastiest new food & drink launches worth trying

Smashed avocado may be the perfect food for many, but elevate it with Cape Herb & Spice’s Smashed Avo Seasoning. The sprinkle contains garlic, onion, herbs and pink salt. Of course, you don’t have to restrict it to avocado – it’s also good with eggs.

New flavour alert by ALBA, the margarita peeps. Raspberry Sparkling Margarita in RTD form is a 5.9 percent alcohol beauty, made from premium tequila and raspberry, lime and agave.

Need a quick batch of baking or just can’t be bothered starting the process by weighing flour, etc? Secret Kiwi Kitchen’s latest and, possibly, the greatest is Ginger Crunch Slice Mix. All you need is some butter, a little golden syrup and voila, everyone’s beloved ginger crunch.

Auckland bakery Knead on Benson are taking hot cross bun season to luxurious heights with traditional, sticky date, and chocolate & citrus varieties.

Inspired by the tradition of making pannettone, each hot cross bun takes a whopping 48 hours to make. Head baker Lorenzo Romano begins with a sourdough starter, mixing in a house blend of three flours, free-range eggs and butter.

Available individually at Knead, in 6-packs at select Farro stores or for nationwide online delivery, these decadent, fluffy morsels are fit for an Easter feast.

“We soak pink Himalayan rock salt in organic Hawke’s Bay pinot noir so the crystals take on a softly fruity and tannic flavour, along with a deep dusk coloured hue,” say the good people of Apostle.

They then dehydrate it with rosemary, thyme, celery, dill, juniper and Black Doris plum. It sounds like a lot of work for them, but the result is worth it for us.

Developed by sports and nutrition scientist Annelies Grimshaw, Elyte is the country’s first zero-sugar electrolyte. Now you can rehydrate without upping your sugar intake. It contains sodium, potassium and magnesium to support fluid absorption, energy levels, muscle function and mental clarity for when you’ve gone hard at the gym or maybe had too many chardonnays the night before.

The hydration sachets are available in Wildberry, Citrus, Pineapple, Orange – and our favourite, Raspberry Lemonade.

A classic Kiwi snack just got better. Arnott’s Shapes has introduced a Light & Crispy range, featuring flavourful, oven-baked crackers that have 50% less saturated fat and 25% less sodium than Arnott’s Shapes Originals.

“New Zealanders are seeking snack options that taste great and they can feel good about. Shapes Light & Crispy is just that – a feel‑good option with the flavour and satisfying crunch Shapes are loved for”, says Senior Brand Manager for Arnott’s Shapes NZ, Victoria Woods‑Child.

Flavours include Sour Cream & Chives, Cheddar Cheese, Balsamic Vinegar & Sea Salt, and Honey Soy Chicken.