Pascall Hokey Pokey Lumps are a beloved sweet treat that captures the spirit of New Zealand snacking culture. With their irresistible combination of creamy milk chocolate and crunchy hokey pokey centers, these bite-sized confections have won the hearts of locals and curious travelers alike. Whether enjoyed as a nostalgic indulgence or a delightful introduction to New Zealand’s candy aisle, Hokey Pokey Lumps represent more than just a snack they’re a flavorful piece of Kiwi heritage. Understanding their ingredients, texture, flavor, and popularity reveals why this product continues to thrive in supermarkets and gift shops across the country.
What Are Pascall Hokey Pokey Lumps?
Breaking Down the Name
To someone unfamiliar, hokey pokey may sound quirky, but in New Zealand, it refers to a golden, crunchy honeycomb toffee. Lumps, in this context, are simply irregularly shaped chocolate-coated clusters of this honeycomb candy. Produced by Pascall, a confectionery brand with roots dating back to the early 20th century, Hokey Pokey Lumps are a modern twist on a traditional flavor with a satisfying crunch and smooth finish.
Texture and Flavor
The textural contrast is what makes Hokey Pokey Lumps truly satisfying. The center is made of aerated hokey pokey, which shatters gently when bitten, offering a caramelized sweetness with hints of burnt sugar. This is coated in a thick, silky layer of milk chocolate, balancing the crunch with creamy richness. Each bite delivers a playful blend of crispness and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
The Popularity of Hokey Pokey in New Zealand
A National Favorite
Hokey pokey flavor holds a special place in New Zealand’s culinary identity. It’s not only featured in candies but also as a bestselling ice cream flavor, often second only to vanilla. This enduring love for hokey pokey stems from its simple ingredients and its nostalgic connection to homemade sweets and school fundraisers. Pascall tapped into this national affection by creating a snackable, chocolate-covered version, and the public quickly embraced it.
Part of a Kiwi Candy Legacy
Pascall, owned by MondelÄz International, has long been known for producing iconic New Zealand sweets such as Pineapple Lumps and Minties. Hokey Pokey Lumps fit right into this lineup, offering another variation that celebrates local flavors. Their packaging often features bright yellow tones and playful design, making them recognizable and inviting on store shelves.
How Pascall Hokey Pokey Lumps Are Made
Key Ingredients
- Sugar
- Glucose syrup
- Milk chocolate (with milk solids, cocoa butter, cocoa mass)
- Vegetable fats
- Emulsifiers and flavorings
The heart of each lump is the honeycomb-style hokey pokey, which is aerated using baking soda to achieve its light, porous texture. This is then cut into chunks and enrobed in milk chocolate through an industrial coating process that ensures an even, glossy finish.
Manufacturing Process
The creation of Hokey Pokey Lumps involves precision to maintain texture integrity. The hokey pokey must be crisp but not brittle, and the chocolate coating must be smooth yet thick enough to withstand storage without melting. The result is a candy with great shelf stability and consistent flavor from bag to bag.
Serving Ideas and Occasions
How to Enjoy Them
While many people simply enjoy Hokey Pokey Lumps straight from the bag, they can also be used creatively:
- Baking add-in: Chop and fold into brownie batter or cookie dough for a crunchy surprise.
- Ice cream topping: Crumble over vanilla or hokey pokey ice cream for a double dose of flavor.
- Dessert garnish: Use whole or crushed Lumps as a topping on cakes or puddings.
- Snack mix: Combine with nuts, pretzels, and mini marshmallows for a sweet-and-salty mix.
Perfect for Gifting
Because of their local charm, Hokey Pokey Lumps make excellent souvenirs or gifts. Tourists often buy them in bulk to bring a taste of New Zealand home. They’re also popular around holidays and celebrations like Christmas, where they appear in festive gift boxes and stockings.
Availability and Packaging
Where to Buy
Pascall Hokey Pokey Lumps are widely available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and airports across New Zealand. Some international online retailers also carry them, particularly those specializing in Australasian goods. They are usually sold in bags of various sizes, from small snack packs to larger share-size versions.
Environmental Considerations
As consumer awareness grows around sustainability, Pascall and similar brands have started to consider packaging improvements. While traditional plastic bags remain common, efforts toward recyclable or compostable options may become more visible in the future.
Comparing Hokey Pokey Lumps to Other Pascall Treats
Pineapple Lumps vs. Hokey Pokey Lumps
Pineapple Lumps are arguably Pascall’s most iconic product, featuring chewy pineapple-flavored centers coated in chocolate. While Pineapple Lumps are fruity and slightly tart, Hokey Pokey Lumps are caramelized and crisp. Both offer a nostalgic candy experience, but each has its own fanbase.
Hokey Pokey Lumps vs. Crunchie
Some might compare Hokey Pokey Lumps to Cadbury Crunchie bars, which also feature honeycomb toffee. However, the key difference lies in the format Crunchie bars are larger and harder, while Hokey Pokey Lumps are smaller, rounder, and tend to have a slightly lighter texture due to the different preparation methods.
Nutritional Considerations
What’s in a Serving?
As with most confections, Hokey Pokey Lumps are best enjoyed in moderation. A standard serving size (usually around 25g) typically contains:
- Calories: ~110-120
- Sugar: ~15g
- Fat: ~5g
- Protein: ~1g
They are not considered a health food, but they are a fun treat that fits into a balanced diet when consumed occasionally.
Cultural Impact and Nostalgia
A Candy That Sparks Memories
For many New Zealanders, Hokey Pokey Lumps bring back memories of childhood, lunchbox surprises, and special treats after school. The flavor of hokey pokey itself is deeply tied to New Zealand’s national identity, and Pascall has smartly capitalized on this connection. For expats, a single bag can evoke powerful nostalgia and a sense of home.
Pop Culture and Recognition
Though not as widely known as some global candies, Hokey Pokey Lumps often feature in food travel shows, YouTube reviews, and social media posts by tourists. They’ve become a talking point for foodies exploring regional snacks and are frequently included in international snack subscription boxes.
Pascall Hokey Pokey Lumps are a uniquely New Zealand treat that combines nostalgic flavor with modern convenience. Their perfect blend of crunchy honeycomb and smooth chocolate makes them irresistible to many, while their compact packaging and cultural charm make them ideal for sharing or gifting. Whether you’re a local who grew up enjoying them or a visitor trying them for the first time, these confections offer a sweet and memorable bite of Kiwi culture. As part of Pascall’s enduring lineup of iconic candies, Hokey Pokey Lumps continue to be a favorite in both taste and tradition.