Our Story
Provenance
I grew up on a dairy farm in Papakaio, just outside Oamaru. Being around food production from an early age shaped how I think about where food comes from and the care that goes into doing it properly.
That connection has carried through into our family. My husband Suneil is involved in the food distribution sector for his day job, and gives his time governing two large food charities, KiwiHarvest and New Zealand Food Network.
Food is not just something we eat in our household. It is something we are deeply connected to.
From Maternity Leave to Idea
Real Deal Foods started in my kitchen on my second maternity leave.
I was making snacks for my boys' kindy lunchboxes - nuts weren't allowed, and I loved making food for my family. Around the same time I started studying nutrition and fell deep into paediatric nutrition.
Seeds kept coming up. Hemp, sunflower, pumpkin, chia - extraordinarily nutrient dense, yet barely featuring in most kids' diets simply because nobody was making them accessible or delicious.
That felt like an opportunity.
A Better Lunchbox Snack
I started experimenting. Less dates, seeds as the hero, flavours kids actually want to eat.
I'd bring them to kindy, share them at playdates, pack them into lunchboxes. The feedback was always the same - can I get more of those?
So Real Deal Foods was born. A snack that bridges the gap between convenient and genuinely nourishing. Made without nut ingredients. Seed based. No refined sugar.
A Note From Me
Feeding a family well isn't always easy.
Between busy days, shifting appetites and the constant juggle, it can feel like you're always trying to get it right. Real Deal Foods isn't just a brand. It's something I created to make that part of life a little easier - simple, nourishing options you can feel good about reaching for, without the compromise.
We're starting with bliss balls. But this is just the beginning. My vision is a range of genuinely nourishing everyday foods that work for real families - convenient without cutting corners, delicious without the guilt.
From one mum to another, that's what this is about.
— Hannah
Ingredients & Nutrition
Are these nut free?
Real Deal bliss balls are made without any nut ingredients. However they are made in a home kitchen environment and we cannot guarantee against cross contamination with nuts or other allergens. Not suitable for those with severe nut allergies. Always check with your school or kindy regarding their allergen policy.
Do they contain sesame?
Yes. We use hulled tahini which is made from sesame seeds. Real Deal bliss balls contain sesame. Please check with your school or kindy regarding their sesame policy.
Are they gluten free?
All ingredients are naturally gluten free. However as they are made in a home kitchen we cannot guarantee against cross contamination. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance.
Are they vegan?
Yes. All Real Deal bliss balls are 100% plant based and suitable for vegans.
Why seeds instead of nuts?
Most bliss balls are made with cashews, peanuts or almonds. We use hemp, sunflower, pumpkin and chia seeds instead which means no nut ingredients and incredible nutrition in every bite. Seeds are rich in plant protein, healthy fats, fibre, zinc, magnesium and iron.
Why less dates?
Dates are the main sweetener in most bliss balls and most recipes use a lot of them. We use less, which means no refined sugar overload and a better balance of protein and healthy fats from our seeds. Steady energy for learning and playing - without the spike.
Are your ingredients certified organic?
Our seeds - hemp, sunflower, pumpkin and chia - are all certified organic. We source quality ingredients and where possible choose organic. Full ingredients list is available on the product page.
Are more flavours coming?
Yes! We're busy developing new varieties - all made without nut ingredients, all seed based. Sign up to our emails to be first in the know.
Storage & Shelf Life
How should I store them?
We recommend storing your bliss balls in the fridge or freezer as soon as they arrive. The higher seed content and lower date content means they are more perishable than heavily sweetened alternatives - which is actually a sign of a genuinely natural product with no preservatives. They'll keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating or eat straight from the freezer, yummo.
How long do they last?
Refrigerated - up to 2 weeks.
Frozen - up to 3 months.
We recommend going straight to the fridge or freezer when they arrive. The fact that they need refrigeration is a good thing - it means no artificial preservatives, just real whole food ingredients doing their thing.
If they need to be kept in the fridge how do I put them in a lunchbox?
Great question! Real Deal bliss balls are fine at room temperature for the day — just pop one or two straight from the fridge into the lunchbox in the morning. They'll be perfectly good to eat by lunchtime and are actually great slightly chilled. Think of it like cheese - refrigerated for storage, perfectly fine ambient for a few hours. We recommend an ice pack in the lunchbox during summer months.
Why do my bliss balls feel oily at room temperature?
This is completely normal and actually a sign of quality ingredients! Our bliss balls are made with certified organic seeds and tahini which are naturally high in healthy unsaturated fats. These fats soften slightly at room temperature - similar to how coconut oil goes from solid to liquid when warm. It doesn't affect the taste or nutritional value at all. If you prefer a firmer texture pop them back in the fridge or freezer. The oiliness you're seeing is essentially plant based goodness doing its thing.
Delivery & Pick up
Where can I pick up?
Local pickup is available from two locations:
Mission Bay Kindy (MBK) — Monday to Thursday at drop off or pick up times. Free.
Mission Bay (home) — Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 9am–12pm. Free.
Select local pickup at checkout and we'll confirm your pickup location and time.`
Do you ship nationwide?
We are currently working on the best packaging and courier solution to get our fresh, preservative free bliss balls to you in perfect condition. Auckland wide delivery is coming soon! In the meantime we offer local delivery to select Auckland suburbs and pickup from Mission Bay.
What areas do you deliver to?
We currently deliver to select suburbs across Auckland including Mission Bay, Kohimarama, St Heliers, Glendowie, Orakei, Parnell and Remuera. Orders are delivered throughout the week. If you're unsure whether we deliver to your area get in touch at hello@realdealfoods.co.nz and we'll let you know. Pickup is also available from Mission Bay on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 9am–12pm.
How long does delivery take?
Local Auckland delivery is typically same day or next day depending on your location and order time. We'll be in touch to confirm your delivery window once your order is placed.
Can I get these in store?
Not yet, but we're working on it! Sign up to our email list to be the first to know when we hit shelves near you.
Getting to know us
Who makes Real Deal Foods
Real Deal Foods is made by Hannah, a mum of two based in Mission Bay, Auckland. Started on maternity leave and driven by a passion for paediatric nutrition, every batch is made by hand with certified organic seeds and whole food ingredients.
Where are Real Deal Foods made?
Real Deal Foods are made in small batches in our home kitchen in Mission Bay, Auckland, New Zealand.
I have a question not answered here - how do I get in touch?
We'd love to hear from you! Head to our Contact page or email us at hello@realdealfoods.co.nz and we'll get back to you within 1-2 business days.