Food News
Are alcohol-free drinks actually healthier? What to buy – and what to watch out for
From zero-alcohol beer to canned mocktails, here’s how the alternatives stack up.
Recipes and food news
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Are the food additives and E-numbers in NZ shopping baskets friend or foe?
Those mysterious additives often trigger alarm – the reality is more nuanced.
Are homemade sauces, dips and dressings really cheaper? What the NZ supermarket maths shows
From pesto to stock: the golden rules of saving money with your pantry and fridge staples.
Which NZ cooking oils are healthiest – and the one you shouldn't be using every day
From olive to coconut, here’s how to choose the right oil for health, heat and budget.
Which supermarket fruit yoghurts are healthy, and which should you avoid?
Marketed as wholesome everyday food, some tubs are closer to dessert than breakfast.
Recipe collections
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Christmas sauces and trimmings recipes
Whip up some accompaniments in the kitchen to elevate your Christmas cuisine offering.
Cauliflower tacos with cabbage slaw and walnut romesco recipe
These tacos are packed with flavour and super simple.
Lentil, pumpkin and lime pickle soup for your slow cooker
Gluten free, vegan and full of vibrant flavour.
Baking with feijoa
Feijoa season is upon us, so get baking with these cake, muffin and slice recipes.
30-minute 5-ingredient meals
Quick and simple meal solutions, for when you need dinner on the table in a hurry
More recipes
The ‘whatever you have’ summer seafood barbecue
Whether it's fish, crays or mussels, this BBQ tastes great with any kaimoana you have
Easy summer recipes for lazy cooks
3 light, summery meals with minimal time, fuss and dishes required
Recipes from Mainland
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Hearty Cheesy Meatball Bake
This recipe is perfect for those colder nights. Topped with Mainland Tasty Grated cheese
Crispy parmesan potatoes
A perfect, no fuss main that is a hit for the whole family. We love this served...
Grant Kereama’s special Matariki celebration meal
The Sunday Series: A Matariki celebration meal with Grant Kereama.
Loaded Kumara with Tasty Light
A perfect, no fuss main that is a hit for the whole family. We love this served...
Cottage pie with cheesy pumpkin mash
Who doesn’t love a cottage pie in the midst of winter? Sweet pumpkin makes a colourful...
Molten Chili & Garlic brie with Pastry Twists
Christmas is here, and if you really want to impress friends and family whip...
Whipped Feta Crostini with Smoked Salmon
Whipped feta on crostini topped with smoky salmon is the perfect snack...
Food news
Shelf-life secrets: Where to store Kiwi condiments and when to bin them
From tomato sauce to mayo, here's how to cut waste without risking food safety.
Which milk alternative is the healthiest? Expert advice on what to buy and avoid
Oat, almond or soy? Dietitians on which milk alternatives stack up – and which fall short.
The healthiest breakfast cereals in NZ supermarkets, and the ones to think twice about
Fibre, sugar and whole grains matter more than most front-of-pack claims.
Why you're making your scrambled eggs wrong - and how to fix it
How to make cafe-grade egg dishes.
How to make Christmas dinner for four people for less than $100
A full menu, real supermarket prices and easy swaps to make it feel lavish, not cheap.
The healthiest supermarket breads – and how to spot the ones to avoid
Dietitians explain what to look for – and what’s just clever marketing.
Why homemade chips never taste like the ones from the chippie – and how to fix it
It is possible to make the perfect hot chip at home.
Everyday kitchen items that may be toxic – and how worried you should be
From gas hobs to dish cloths, here’s what’s really worth worrying about in your kitchen.
Why Kiwis are getting their gravy wrong - and how to fix it when it's too lumpy, thick or thin
Good gravy isn’t about luck; it’s about pacing.
The reason ice cream is so expensive now
From 80s hokey pokey to miso caramel – how and why ice cream got fancy.
Why Kiwis are making their muffins stodgy – and how to fix it
Small adjustments can make a big difference to your baking.
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Why cottage cheese is making a surprising comeback, spurred by social media
Once a sad diet staple, cottage cheese is back – and having a surprisingly tasty glow up.
Slow-cooking secrets: How to master flavourful meals with ease
Master the art of slow cooking with essential methods, tips and flavour secrets
Soba to spaghetti: Why chilled noodles are the perfect summer meal
Cool down with flavour-packed chilled noodle dishes – easy, versatile and delicious.
Cold brew, hot summer: How to make the perfect iced coffee at home
Beat the heat with DIY iced coffee.
The best produce to eat in January and February
It's the perfect time to enjoy vibrant, flavourful fruit and vegetables.
Take it outside: How to eat alfresco without any fuss
Alfresco dining has evolved beyond the classic BBQ. Nikki Birrell shares her advice.
Fuss-free New Year’s Day brunch ideas – even if you’re feeling worse for wear
Celebrating the start of 2025 doesn't have to involve hours in the kitchen.
What’s the scoop this summer: Ice creams to enjoy
From nostalgic notes to new flavours, here's what's cool these holidays.
What will berry season look like this summer?
It's looking like a bumper crop of everyone's favourite fruits this summer.
From pavlova to lamb and BBQ prawns, Christmas tells the story of who we are
OPINION: 'More than just a meal, it's a reflection of our cultural identity.'
Foodie gifts for Christmas
From infused spirits to fancy chocolates, ideas for presents you can make and buy.
Ham, turkey or chicken - what’s easier on Christmas Day?
Everyone has a favourite roast, but someone has to cook it. Here's how to choose.
What to cook on Christmas Day that's not ham or turkey
Break tradition with everything from venison to vegan nut roasts.
The ultimate guide to choosing your Christmas ham
A Kiwi Christmas classic, Nikki Birrell explains how to choose the right ham for you.
How to make the perfect pavlova
Need to nail this classic dessert? Follow these tips when the stakes are high.