If you’ve ever bitten into a crunchy, golden shard of caramelised sugar and felt that sweet, airy crackle melt on your tongue—you’ve likely tasted either hokey pokey or honeycomb toffee. But what’s the difference? And why do people in New Zealand and the USA call it by different names?
Let’s explore the cultural and culinary journey of this nostalgic treat—and why you’ll love Lowrey’s premium take on it.
What Is Hokey Pokey? (NZ’s Sweet Treasure 🇳🇿)
In New Zealand, hokey pokey refers to two things:
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The classic Kiwi candy—an airy, brittle toffee made with golden syrup and baking soda.
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The iconic ice cream flavour—vanilla ice cream dotted with chunks of that same crunchy toffee.
It’s a flavour that every Kiwi grows up loving. Sold in dairies, markets, and supermarkets alike, hokey pokey candy is a national favourite and an essential ingredient in many desserts, from pavlova toppings to fudge bars.
What gives it that texture?
The baking soda reacts with the caramel to form bubbles, giving the candy its unique “honeycomb” structure. It’s light, crunchy, and melts in your mouth.
What Is Honeycomb Toffee? (A US Favourite 🇺🇸)
In the United States, the same treat is commonly called:
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Honeycomb toffee
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Sponge candy
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Sea foam candy
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Even “angel food candy” in some regions
While the ingredients are similar—sugar, corn syrup (or golden syrup), baking soda—the texture can vary. Some regions prefer a denser crunch, while others favour a lighter, foamier bite.
It’s a popular seasonal gift and often coated in chocolate—making it a nostalgic treat found in holiday boxes and candy shops across the country.
Key Differences: Hokey Pokey vs Honeycomb Toffee
| Feature | Hokey Pokey (NZ) | Honeycomb Toffee (USA) |
|---|---|---|
| Common Use | Ice cream flavour, candy shards | Chocolate-coated candy, gifts |
| Texture Preference | Lighter and crunchier | Denser or airy, varies by region |
| Ingredients | Sugar, golden syrup, baking soda | Sugar, corn syrup, baking soda |
| Popular Pairing | With vanilla ice cream | With milk or dark chocolate |
| Cultural Symbolism | Kiwi childhood nostalgia | Retro American candy shop classic |
Why Lowrey's Toffee Crunché Is a Game-Changer
At Lowrey Foods, we’ve taken the essence of both traditions and elevated it to gourmet standards with our Macadamia Butter Toffee Crunché.
What makes it different?
👉 38% Whole Roasted Macadamias
We’ve doubled the crunch with premium New Zealand macadamias.
👉 Brown Butter Toffee Base
Slow-cooked toffee made with real butter—rich, nutty, and never cloying.
👉 Balanced Sweet-Savoury Flavour
A hint of sea salt offsets the sweetness for that grown-up taste.
👉 Handmade in Small Batches
Crafted with care to preserve the crunch and flavour.
👉 Clean Label Ingredients
No artificial additives—just butter, sugar, macadamias, and love.
👉 Premium, Gift-Ready Packaging
Perfect for gifting or indulging yourself (we won’t judge).
The Verdict: One Candy, Many Stories
Whether you call it hokey pokey or honeycomb, this toffee tradition has stood the test of time in both hemispheres. What’s exciting is how brands like Lowrey Foods are reimagining these classics for modern, quality-focused snackers.
So next time you crave that nostalgic crack, make it crunchy, buttery, and loaded with macadamias.
🍬 Ready to taste tradition reimagined?
Shop Lowrey’s Macadamia Butter Toffee Crunché now →
FAQs
Q: Is hokey pokey the same as honeycomb?
A: Technically yes—both are aerated toffee made with baking soda, but their names and slight variations differ by country.
Q: Does hokey pokey have honey in it?
A: Surprisingly, no. The name “honeycomb” refers to the texture, not the ingredients.
Q: Is Lowrey’s toffee soft or crunchy?
A: It’s perfectly crunchy, thanks to our brown butter base and hand-cooked method.
