AUGUST 2025: First Box Fiesta!
Tastemakers are stirring things up in the kitchen with New Zealand's first online cooking competition. They're cooking using these premium ingredients, hand-picked for bold flavours and versatility, along with a wide range of staples to create an inspiring dish.
Our Tasteraters will rank all submitted dishes and the Tastemaker with the highest score this month will win the KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer valued over $1,000.
Keen to join the competition? Find out more here.
What's in the First Box Fiesta?
Grove Extra Virgin Avocado Oil
Cold-pressed from the greenest New Zealand avocados, Grove Extra Virgin Avocado Oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and naturally high in antioxidants like vitamin E. With a smooth, buttery flavour and an exceptional high smoke point, it's perfect for everything from dressings to high-heat cooking. No blends. No fillers. Just 100% avocado goodness!
See more | Available at Woolworths, PAK'nSAVE & New World stores.
Remarkable Tortilla's Yellow Corn Tortillas – Authentic Mexican Flavour
Proudly crafted in New Zealand using traditional methods and premium ingredients. Soft, pliable, and naturally gluten-free, they're as versatile as they are delicious.
See more | Available at Costco, selected New World stores, Bidfood and online at www.aycaramba.co.nz.
Flying Goose Sriracha
Unlock a world of flavour with Flying Goose's sriracha sauce products. Their sriracha sauces are made with love and care from the freshest sun-ripened Thai chilies and other natural ingredients.
See more | Smokey is available through selected Woolworths, New World and PAK'nSAVE stores. Gochujang is available through selected New World and PAK'nSAVE stores.
Zany Zeus Sour Cream
Light, tangy and versatile -
an ideal topping for nachos,
burritos or baked potatoes.
See more | Available at all Farro stores and selected New World stores.
Kiwi Artisan Spicy Sichuan Chilli Olives
Enjoy these delicious Kalamata olives, deeply infused with oil simmered with Sichuan Pepper, fennel and ginger. Each olive bursts with a zingy flavour. Not super hot, just medium heat and perfect for every spicy chilli lover.
See more | Available at selected Farro, Woolworths & New World stores.
Wicked Hots Mixed Chillies
Featuring a range of chillies with gentle heat, it's perfect for anyone who loves food, cooking, barbecuing, pickling, making hot sauces or just experimenting with new flavours.
See more | Available online at wickedhots.co.nz.
Bird & Barrow Whole Chicken
You can enjoy Bird & Barrow Free Range chicken with absolutely no additives – ever.
Find in select Supermarkets and Butchers across New Zealand.
Chioggia beetroot
Chioggia beetroot, also known as Chioggia or candy-striped beet, is an heirloom variety originating from Italy. Mild and sweet in flavour, it's perfect for salads, roasting or pickling.
Provided by The Produce Company.
Tamarillo
Tamarillo, often called the "tree tomato," is a vibrant fruit native to South America but widely grown here in Aotearoa. Its deep red or golden skin hides a juicy, seed-filled interior that adds a tropical twist to both savoury and sweet dishes.
Provided by The Produce Company.
Baby Carrots
Contrary to popular belief, most baby carrots are actually cut and shaped from larger carrots for uniformity and ease of eating. Their crisp texture and mild flavour make them perfect for dipping, roasting or adding crunch to salads.
Provided by The Produce Company.
Avocado
Avocado is a creamy, nutrient-rich fruit prized for its versatility and health benefits. Packed with heart-healthy fats, fiber and essential vitamins, it's a staple in dishes from guacamole to smoothies. Its mild, buttery flavour and smooth texture make it perfect for both savoury and sweet recipes.
Provided by The Produce Company.
Pinto Beans
No added salt, no artificial colours or flavours. Mild and earthy in flavour, they're a staple in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, often used in burritos, chilli and refried beans. Rich in protein, fibre and essential nutrients, pinto beans are both hearty and nutritious, making them a versatile addition to any meal.
How are the dishes scored?
Dishes will be judged on four key criteria, each rated out of 25, for a total of 100 points:
Creativity (25 points): How innovative and original is the dish? We reward bold flavour combinations and unique approaches to the mystery box ingredients.
Use of Ingredients (25 points): How effectively did they incorporate the mystery box items? Tasteraters look for thoughtful integration that highlights the provided products.
Presentation (25 points): Does the dish look as good as it tastes? Visual appeal, plating and attention to detail are key.
The X Factor (25 points): That special something that makes the dish stand out - whether it’s a surprising twist, storytelling, or sheer wow-factor.