American Food in New Zealand
There are some products - food items, usually - that Americans are on the lookout for after coming to New Zealand. There is a constant discussion on where to find the best pickles, American cereal, and toothpaste. While there are more and more US foods found in the regular grocery stores, there are times when I’ve found myself missing the US version of an item or looking for something extremely niche. Fortunately, there are a number of companies around the country that provide lots of options. I’ve compiled a list of all of the stores American expats recommend when looking for American items. I’ve also chosen a random cereal - Cinnamon Toast Crunch - to give you an idea of the pricing spread across the stores.
International Foods - This is primarily an online shop, but they also have an outlet store in Hamilton. This shop doesn’t have toiletries or household cleaners, but has an extensive collection of candy (hello Reese’s Pieces!) and other nonperishable grocery items.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch will cost NZ$12.
Martha’s Backyard - Martha’s is the best known American store in New Zealand and located in Mt. Wellington, in Auckland, but they also ship around the country. You can find a wide assortment of US food and holiday decorations here. Since this is the closest one to us, it is the only of the stores that I’ve personally visited, and I can say that it sometimes looks like the 4th of July projectile vomited all over a strip mall. However, if you want Arm & Hammer toothpaste, you can usually find it here - for NZ$9.50 a tube (about US$6.84, which TBH if you were to place a large Amazon order, you could probably get it for cheaper once you take into consideration the consolidated shipping charges). I’ve regularly found items like masa to make my own tortillas and Trader Joes’ salsa.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch will run you NZ$8.50
US2U - This shop is based in Johnsonville, Wellington and has an extensive list of items they might have in stock. It looks like they’re having a tough time keeping things on the shelves due to shipping issues from covid. However, they have all sorts of quintessentially American items for sale, like Annie’s Mac ‘n Cheese, spicy hot sauces, and plenty of iced teas and sodas.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch - NZ$14.99
USA Foods - This is an online-only shop based out of Hamilton. They have a limited supply of American foods, certainly less than Martha’s, but still a decent selection. Their claim to fame is to have the largest Jelly Belly selection in New Zealand.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch will run you NZ$12.50
World Foods NZ - This shop based in Auckland has a limited supply of American seasonings and condiments. Most of this stuff can be found in my local New World and at other shops, but they have the ability to create an American-themed hamper of items if you want to get an easy gift.
No cereal carried.
In addition to the above, there are a number of stores where Americans have found familiar brands. This includes Cracker Jack, Uncle Bill’s, Pop Stop (for snacks) Fresh Choice in Parklands and Merivale, Liberty Market in Christchurch, Bulk Food Savings in Auckland, and of course all of the New Worlds, Pak n’ Saves, and Countdowns carry a number of items now - even things like Stubb’s BBQ sauce.
Like most imported items, American food items cost more here. There are very few things that I haven’t been able to find a less expensive Kiwi alternative for. While it may take some time to find a brand of cracker or peanut butter that you like as much - or better - than what you’re used to in America, it is worth giving the options here a shot.
Are there any foods that you really miss? Or are there any other shops I should include in this list? Please let me know!
