Crystal Candy in NZ

Crystal candy means two things in NZ searches. Pick the one you need first.

Updated Oct 20, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

NZ cake decorating suppliers are the likeliest source of the flakes. Some Australian kohakutou makers ship to NZ. Check shipping cost and delivery time at checkout.

Professional insight

Cake decorators buy flakes by color name and gram weight. Sweet buyers judge kohakutou by freshness and crunch.

Flakes stick best on a slightly moist surface.
Small jars cover roughly one small cake.
Kohakutou crust softens in humid storage.
Imported sweets need NZ ingredient labelling.

Check the label

Product says edible, not decorative or non-toxic only.
Color or shade name matches your design.
Net weight in grams is printed.
Ingredients list colorants such as E171 if used.
Best-before date is shown.
Allergen line is present for kohakutou flavors.
Importer or seller details for NZ are on the pack.

0 of 7 checked

Crystal candy flake facts

Brand origin: South Africa
Main ingredients: Shellac, potato starch, colors; Some shades also use titanium dioxide.
Typical pack size: 6 to 7 grams

Titanium dioxide, E171, is no longer allowed in food in the EU. Rules differ by country, so check the label if you avoid it.

Types

Crystal candy products NZ buyers search for
Product	What it is	Used for
Edible flakes	Thin shimmer flakes in a jar	Cake and cupcake decorating
Kohakutou	Agar jelly with a sugar crust	Eating, gifts and dessert tables
Rock candy sticks	Sugar crystals grown on a stick	Sweet treats and drink stirrers

How to use it

1Lightly mist or brush the cake surface with water.
2Sprinkle the flakes from a small height.
3Press gently with a clean dry brush.
4Let the decoration set before boxing the cake.

Storage

Keep flake jars sealed and away from steam.
Store kohakutou in an airtight box at room temperature.
Do not refrigerate kohakutou, since moisture softens the shell.
Use opened products before the printed date.

Common questions

Is Crystal Candy sold in NZ supermarkets?: Not commonly. Look at cake decorating shops and online sellers instead.
Can I make crystal candy at home?: Yes. Kohakutou needs agar, sugar, water and several days of drying.
Will Australian shops ship crystal candy to NZ?: Some do. Confirm the shipping options and any food import rules first.