Have You Tried the $1 Chocolate Bar Everyone’s Obsessed With? Here’s Where to Get It Before It Sells Out!

If you’re a chocolate lover with a taste for the unusual, you might want to make a beeline for your local Reject Shop—because there’s a cult-favourite treat quietly making waves on Aussie shelves, and it’s only $1 a bar! We’re talking about the legendary Perky Nana, a divisive but much-loved chocolate bar that’s been delighting (and occasionally confusing) sweet tooths for generations.


For those who haven’t yet had the pleasure (or the shock), the Perky Nana is a Cadbury creation with a chewy, banana-flavoured centre, all wrapped up in a layer of smooth milk chocolate. It’s a treat that’s as polarising as pineapple on pizza: you either adore its stretchy, fruity filling, or you’re left scratching your head, wondering what all the fuss is about. But for those in the know—especially anyone with Kiwi connections—it’s a nostalgic taste of New Zealand that’s hard to beat.


compressed-Perky Nana.jpeg
Perky Nanas have been a subject for contention among chocolate fans. Image Credit: Cadbury Australia


A Sweet Slice of History

Cadbury, the iconic chocolate brand, first set up shop in the UK before making its way to Australia in 1881. By 1929, Cadbury was also manufacturing in New Zealand, encouraging both countries to develop their own unique confections. The exact origins of the Perky Nana are a bit of a mystery, but it’s widely regarded as one of the most inventive (and, let’s be honest, quirky) treats to come out of the Land of the Long White Cloud.


For years, Perky Nanas were a rare find in Australia, with fans resorting to pricey online orders or begging friends and family to bring them back from across the ditch. But thanks to the closure of Cadbury’s New Zealand factory in 2018 and the move of production to Australia, these banana-choc delights—and other Kiwi classics—are now popping up in more local stores.

The Reject Shop: A Treasure Trove for Treat Seekers

If you’re on the hunt for Perky Nanas, The Reject Shop is your best bet. Not only are they selling these cult bars for just $1 each (a steal compared to import prices!), but they’re also stocking a smorgasbord of other international goodies. From the UK’s Terry’s Chocolate Orange bars to Canada’s Waterbridge chocolates (in mint, salted caramel, and orange), and even New Zealand’s Griffin’s Mallow Puffs, there’s something for every palate.

And let’s not forget the homegrown heroes! Ballantyne chocolates, made right here in Melbourne, are also on the shelves—perfect for anyone who loves chocolate-coated peanuts or sultanas. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best treats are closer to home than you think.

A World of Chocolate, Right at Your Fingertips

The Reject Shop has long been a go-to for those seeking a taste of nostalgia or a new international favourite. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood holidays, introducing the grandkids to your favourite sweets, or just looking for something different to pop in your trolley, it’s worth taking a stroll down their confectionery aisle.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some of the other international offerings? Fry’s Chocolate Cream, for example, is a British classic with a history dating back to 1847—the first mass-produced chocolate bar in the world! Or, if you’re feeling patriotic, give Ballantyne a go and see how it stacks up against the imports.


The Great Chocolate Debate: Where Do You Stand?

Of course, not every treat is for everyone. Some of us have fond memories of Kiwi classics like Pinky bars (marshmallow and caramel jam in chocolate) or Pascall Pineapple Lumps, while others might prefer the tried-and-true Aussie favourites. And let’s be honest—American sweets like Twinkies and Junior Mints don’t always hit the mark for our taste buds.

But that’s the beauty of chocolate: there’s something for everyone, and half the fun is in the tasting (and the debating). So, next time you’re at The Reject Shop, why not pick up a few different bars and host your own taste test with friends or family? You might just discover a new favourite—or at least have a good laugh at the ones you don’t like!

Share Your Sweet Stories!

We’d love to hear from you, members! Have you tried the Perky Nana, or do you have another international treat you swear by? Maybe you’ve got a story about a long-lost lolly from your childhood, or a family tradition involving a special sweet. Share your thoughts, memories, and recommendations in the comments below—let’s get the great chocolate debate going!
Key Takeaways

  • Perky Nana chocolate bars, a divisive cult favourite from New Zealand, are now available for $1 at The Reject Shop, after previously being hard to find in Australia.
  • Many iconic New Zealand treats – including Perky Nana, Pinky bars, and Moro bars – are now produced in Australia since Cadbury closed its NZ factory in 2018.
  • The Reject Shop is a treasure trove for international confectionery, with treats from New Zealand, the UK, Canada and more that aren’t usually found in major Aussie supermarkets.
  • While some overseas lollies impress, the writer reckons Australians, Kiwis and Brits make the best confectionery, and encourages others to share their own favourite sweet discoveries.
And if you spot any rare or unusual treats at your local shops, let us know! After all, life’s too short not to enjoy a little chocolate adventure now and then.
 

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I can not understand why the NZ confectionery is so expensive when the NZ dollar is a lower value to the Australian dollar. I recognise that shipping and customs play a part but surely the retail value is much higher than it needs to be. eg The whitakers peanut bar. Now selling at $2.50 in Oz and the Pinkie bar also $2.50. I mean that's what they would cost in NZ so why is this the price in Oz! And as an aside, I really wish they would sell the Vogels bread in the supermarkets. It can be purchased in the Kiwi Shop and the price is...........wait for it............$6.50!!!
 
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Reactions: janj and Marilynne
Whilst passing the Reject Shop the other day they had the McVitees Cream - Crackers
Made in the UK FOR $1.00 a packet..
Lo and behold going through an ALDI brochure today I see them advertising the same
Item for $2. + !! 🤷‍♀️🙈
When they come from another country they have to go thru different hands. All adding their bit to the cost as well as freight.
 
I can not understand why the NZ confectionery is so expensive when the NZ dollar is a lower value to the Australian dollar. I recognise that shipping and customs play a part but surely the retail value is much higher than it needs to be. eg The whitakers peanut bar. Now selling at $2.50 in Oz and the Pinkie bar also $2.50. I mean that's what they would cost in NZ so why is this the price in Oz! And as an aside, I really wish they would sell the Vogels bread in the supermarkets. It can be purchased in the Kiwi Shop and the price is...........wait for it............$6.50!!!
The NZ dollar converts to 93 cents in Australia,.not that much difference.
If the chocolate bar sells for $2.50 in NZ that is less than 20cents when converted to A$ so how much do you expect them to be.
 
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