Pineapple Lumps: History, Flavors & Brands

Snack History Nostalgia Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Pineapple Lumps is an iconic candy that has been a favorite in New Zealand since the 1950s. They are chewy, pineapple-flavored candies covered in chocolate and are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings. But there’s more to Pineapple Lumps than just their delicious taste. They have a fascinating history and cultural significance. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the origins of Pineapple Lumps, how they are made, and why they are so beloved by New Zealanders. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of Pineapple Lumps together.

Overview

Pineapple Lumps is a beloved candy that has been enjoyed by Kiwis (New Zealanders) for generations. This sweet treat is made from chewy pineapple-flavored candy coated in chocolate and is a staple in many households.

The story of Pineapple Lumps began in the 1950s when a confectionery company called Regina Confections started experimenting with new candy flavors. One of the company’s candy makers, James Doidge, came up with the idea of combining pineapple flavoring with chocolate. After some trial and error, the Pineapple Lump was born.

Regina Confections was eventually bought out by Nestle in the 1970s, and the company continued to produce Pineapple Lumps under the Nestle brand. Today, Pineapple Lumps are also made by Pascall, another confectionery company based in New Zealand.

Since the invention of the candy, Pineapple Lumps have become a beloved Kiwi classic. They are often given as gifts to friends and family abroad and are a popular snack for movie nights or road trips. In fact, Pineapple Lumps are so iconic in New Zealand that they have even inspired a beer flavor.

But it’s not just the taste that has made Pineapple Lumps so popular. They also hold a special place in Kiwi culture. Many Kiwis have fond childhood memories of sharing a bag of Pineapple Lumps with friends or sneaking them into the cinema.

In recent years, Pineapple Lumps have also gained popularity outside of New Zealand. They can now be found in specialty stores and online retailers in countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Despite their popularity, Pineapple Lumps have remained true to their roots. The candy is still made with the same recipe and process that James Doidge created over 60 years ago. And while some confectionery companies have tried to imitate the iconic candy, there’s nothing quite like the original Pineapple Lump.

Original Pineapple Lumps

Original Pineapple Lumps are the classic Pineapple Lumps that started it all. Made from chewy pineapple-flavored candy coated in milk chocolate, they’re the perfect blend of sweet and tangy. Original Pineapple Lumps are still made by Nestle and Pascall.

What Do Pineapple Lumps Taste Like?

The chewy center of Pineapple Lumps has a sweet and tangy pineapple flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s the perfect balance of fruity and sweetness without being too overpowering. The texture of the candy is soft and chewy, which makes it a satisfying snack to munch on.

The outer coating of Pineapple Lumps can either be chocolate or sugar, depending on which version you choose. The chocolate-coated Pineapple Lumps have a rich and creamy taste that complements the sweet pineapple center perfectly. The sugar-coated version, on the other hand, has a slightly crunchy texture that adds an extra layer of sweetness to the candy.

How Are Pineapple Lumps Made?

The manufacturing process for Pineapple Lumps is a delicate and precise one that involves several steps. It’s worth noting that the manufacturing process for Pineapple Lumps is a closely guarded secret by both Nestle and Pascall, so the exact details of the process may vary slightly between the two companies. Nevertheless, the result is always the same: a delicious, chewy candy with a tangy pineapple flavor that Kiwis have loved for generations.

 Here’s a brief overview of how these iconic Kiwi candies are made:

Mixing the ingredients

The first step is to mix the ingredients for the chewy pineapple-flavored candy. This includes sugar, glucose syrup, gelatin, flavorings, and coloring. The ingredients are mixed together in large vats until they form a thick, sticky mass.

Shaping And Coating The Candy 

Once the candy mixture is ready, it’s poured into molds to create the iconic Pineapple Lump shape. The candy is then allowed to cool and set. Once the Pineapple Lumps are formed, they’re coated in chocolate or sugar. For chocolate-coated Pineapple Lumps, the candy is dipped into a vat of melted chocolate and then allowed to cool. For the sugar-coated version, the candy is rolled in sugar until it’s completely coated.

Packaging

The final step is to package the Pineapple Lumps in bags or boxes for sale. They’re then shipped out to stores all over New Zealand and around the world.

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Pineapple Lumps in Pop Culture

Pineapple Lumps have been a beloved Kiwi candy for decades, and it’s no surprise that they’ve also made their way into New Zealand pop culture. In the hit Kiwi comedy series Flight of the Conchords, one of the characters, Murray Hewitt, is known for his love of Pineapple Lumps. He even sings a song about them in one episode, called “Pineapple Head.“

In the New Zealand musical comedy duo The Topp Twins, one of the sisters, Jools Topp, is also a big fan of Pineapple Lumps. She’s been known to pass them out to audience members during their live shows.

The 2010 New Zealand film Boy, directed by Taika Waititi, features a scene where the main character’s dad brings home a bag of Pineapple Lumps as a special treat.

Ingredients & Nutritional Value

The main ingredients in Pineapple Lumps are sugar, glucose syrup, gelatin, flavorings, and coloring. The exact recipe for Pineapple Lumps is a closely guarded secret by both Nestle and Pascall, the two companies that manufacture them. 

It’s worth noting that Pineapple Lumps are a high-sugar and high-calorie snack, which means they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, it’s also important to remember that Pineapple Lumps are meant to be a fun and indulgent treat, rather than a healthy food.

• Sugar
• Invert Sugar
• Vegetable Fat
• Glucose Syrup
• Cocoa Powder
• Milk Solids
• Gelatine
• Maltodextrin
• Pineapple Juice Concentrate (0.9%)
• Emulsifiers (492, Soy Lecithin, 476)
• Color (100)
• Flavors
• Cornstarch
• Tapioca Starch.

Serving Size	(25g)	% Daily Value*
Amount Per Serving
Calories 110
Total Fat	3.5g	4%
Saturated Fat	3.4g	17%
Trans Fat	0g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0g
Monounsaturated Fat	0g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	5mg
Total Carbs	18g	7%
Dietary Fiber	0g
Total Sugars	16g
Sugar Alcohols	0g
Protein	1g	2%
Alcohol	0g
Caffeine	0mg

• The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Are Pineapple Lumps Healthy?

In short, Pineapple Lumps are not a particularly healthy snack option. They’re high in sugar and calories, and they don’t provide many nutrients or health benefits. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them as an occasional treat. After all, life is all about balance, and there’s nothing wrong with indulging in a sweet treat now and then.

It’s also worth noting that there are a few ways to make Pineapple Lumps slightly healthier. For example, you could opt for the sugar-coated version instead of the chocolate-coated version, as this will cut down on the fat and calorie content. You could also try making your own homemade Pineapple Lumps using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, rather than refined sugar.

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Bottom Line

As you can see, Pineapple Lumps is more than just candy. It’s a cultural icon that represents the unique flavor and spirit of New Zealand. From their humble beginnings in the 1950s to their enduring popularity today, Pineapple Lumps have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of generations of Kiwis and candy lovers around the world. Whether you’re a fan of fruity treats,chocolate-covered candies, or just looking for something new and delicious to try, Pineapple Lumps are definitely worth a taste.