Australian health and sports nutrition company SnackHQ launched its Pick Me Up snack bar range across New Zealand in September 2026. The lineup secured shelf space across New World and Pak’nSave supermarkets.
Boxes arrive in stores in a 145-gram format containing five individual 100-calorie bars. They target shoppers seeking portion-controlled confectionery alternatives.
Distribution covers selected New World and Pak’nSave outlets nationwide. The initial rollout includes four recipes: Choc Brownie, Choc Berry Burst, Cookies & Cream, and Caramel Fudge.
SnackHQ built the range around strict 100-calorie portion caps. The strategy targets demand for lower-calorie treats that mimic traditional chocolate without full sugar loads.
The New Zealand launch pits SnackHQ against established domestic manufacturers and dominant multinational health brands. Shelf allocation in the snack bar category is tightly contested across Foodstuffs co-operatives and Woolworths New Zealand.
Ranging across full-service New World supermarkets and discount Pak’nSave stores targets two distinct audiences. The company wants premium impulse shoppers and price-conscious families. Success will depend on converting trial purchases into repeat staples against cheaper house-brand muesli and protein bars.
Australia served as the testing ground last year for the 100-calorie packaging format. SnackHQ built its foundation in sports nutrition products before spinning out dedicated everyday snacking formats.
Crossing the Tasman serves as the first export step for the Australian business. Shared dietary regulations and retail formats will help scale manufacturing volumes.
Supermarkets across the region continue reallocating centre-aisle space away from high-sugar confectionery toward functional alternatives. SnackHQ must now prove sales velocity per linear metre to protect its initial ranging.
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