Stocking up on the snacks

Sunday, 22 February 2026

OPINION: I’m a firm believer that the overall success of any given workday largely comes down to how well stocked my office snack drawer is.

As a self-proclaimed office snack aficionado, I’m always on the hunt for new items to add to the drawer, which is currently well stocked with cereal, protein bars and dark chocolate.

For inspiration for the next shop, I hit up CEOs, founders and business leaders of everything from small start-ups to major corporations and asked them what their go-to snack is for that mid-afternoon workday pick-me-up.

Nicki Collett, founder, The Beauty Hub

The Beauty Hub specialises in hair and makeup services, covering everything from wedding dos to body-building make-up.

It’s also a predominantly mobile service, so founder Nicki Collett is “normally on the run”. So there’s not too many chances to eat in the office.

Collet’s go-to is, “usually a protein shake in the car between clients and the gym”.

Lisa Wallace, owner, Turua Studios

The favourite mid-afternoon snack for the owner of the Auckland-based contemporary art studio largely depends on which version of Lisa Wallace is picking the snacks at any given moment.

There’s “food shopping” Liss, “who decides she is going to be healthy and focussed” and there’s “afternoon Liss” who throws that plan into the wind.

“Focussed Liss loves Raglan coconut vanilla yoghurt and always has some at work for an afternoon snack,” she says.

“Afternoon Liss can often be found nipping off to secure my favourite TimsTams. Because TimTams and a coffee from Semplice next door – perfection.”

Bex Hunt and Emma Hughes, Saint Beauty

You know you’re on the same wavelength with your business partner when even your afternoon snacks sync up.

For Bex Hunt and Emma Hughes of Auckland’s Saint Beauty, always being together means they “somehow always end up with the same matching snacks”.

“Usually it's cheese and crackers, tuna, and either coffee or a fresh juice to get us through busy afternoons and salon late nights.”

Steph Wood, Sol Goods

As the founder of the Coromandel-based eco-conscious, mineral-based, natural sunscreen brand, Steph Wood is “obsessed with High Vibe Matcha from BYRE for an afternoon boost”.

“The addition of medicinal mushrooms, herbs and adaptogens in this blend takes the matcha experience to another level,” she says.

“Notes of ginger, coconut milk and monk fruit make this the most delicious matcha I’ve tried yet.”

Annelies Grimshaw, founder and director of Elyte Hydration

As not only the founder of electrolyte powder brand, Elyte Hydration, but also a qualified nutritionist, you’d imagine Annelies Grimshaw would be someone worth paying attention to when talking about the perfect pick-me-up snacks.

“I always make sure to have something high in protein,” she says.

That high-protein snack tends to be a protein bar or a bag of nuts.

“These are typically my go-tos to keep balanced and high energy until dinner,” she says.

Patrice Green, CEO Wellington Beds and Natural Rest beds

A great night’s sleep is clearly right up there on the priority list with great afternoon snacks for having the mental capacity to make it through a gruelling workday.

As the CEO of Wellington Beds, Patrice Green probably has the comfy sleep side of the equation sorted. For those arvo snacks, she tends to reach for something that, “feels like a treat, but still keeps my energy steady through the afternoon”.

Her first choices? Dark chocolate and nuts.

Caroline Rainsford, Google country director, New Zealand

If there’s one company that’s pretty much synonymous with great staff cafés and employee snacks, it’d be Google, right?

So what does New Zealand’s director, Caroline Rainsford, reach for when that 3pm slump hits?

“Nine times out of 10 I’ll go for Whittaker's chocolate,” she says.

“Specifically, milk chocolate is my top pick.”

Mary Outram, BONNIE founder

The founder of skincare and sunless tanning brand, BONNIE, Mary Outram makes popcorn “every single day”.

“Many pans have been burnt over the years,” she says.

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of the smell of someone’s burnt popcorn, you’ll be pleased to know Outram now uses microwavable bags to avoid that particular faux pas.

Ellie Fitzgerald, co-owner of Iveagh candles

For the co-owner of Iveagh Candles, first up for Ella Fitzgerald is “coffee, duh”.

As a “big grazer”, she’s also down for nuts, chocolate, leftovers, Pic’s Peanut Butter sandwich and yoghurt.

Or, “whatever’s there, really”.

As a fellow grazer, this type of non-bias towards snack hierarchy is something I can get right behind.

Stephen Jones, CEO, Sinch eBikes

For the CEO of Auckland eBike company, Sinch eBikes, Stephen Jones tends to reach for a protein bar, especially if it’s after a “hard workout”.

“It fills the gap between meals and keeps me going without overdoing it,” he says.