A New Zealand chocolate block dubbed the “world’s best” by fans has finally arrived in Australia – more than a year after it first launched.

Whittaker’s “Hazella” bar, made up of 33 per cent cocoa milk chocolate with a hazelnut gianduja centre, was so successful when it first hit shelves across the ditch, it quickly disappeared from supermarket shelves.

In fact, demand was so high, the iconic Kiwi brand had to halt production of its cult-favourites in order to make more of the “Nutella-inspired” bar.

Australia, a large consumer of Whittaker’s chocolate – which is sold at Coles and Woolworths for $6.90 for 250g as well as independent retailers – could only watch on green with envy, wondering when Hazella would finally reach our shores.

Well, the wait is over, as the brand has confirmed Big W has a “secret stash” for Aussie consumers, with stock now rolled out across the country for $8 per 250g bar.

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“With a hazelnut gianduja centre, encased in Whittaker’s 5 Roll Refined Creamy Milk chocolate, we had a good feeling that Australian chocolate lovers would enjoy the Hazella bar, and we’re excited to bring it here,” Soraya Cottin, chief marketing officer at Whittaker’s, told news.com.au.

“At this stage, only Big W has a Hazella secret stash. But our fans say it’s ‘perfection wrapped in perfection’, so well worth a visit to your nearest store.”

Despite its quiet arrival Down Under, it hasn’t stopped self-confessed foodies from discovering Hazella’s arrival on shelves, with many taking to social media to share their joy.

“Run don’t walk to Big W guys, Hazella by Whittaker’s is finally in Australia,” food blogger @nectoriouspapi said on TikTok.

@nectoriouspapi Its finally here #bigw #newfoodfinds #nutella #nutellachocolate #fyp #food #foodie #foryou #australia #snack #nz #whittakers #hazella #whittakershazella #newzealand #foodtok #chocolatetok ♬ greedy – Tate McRae

“It’s bomb.”

“My favourite @whittakersnz Hazella is now Big W,” another foodie, who posts under the handle @dessertaddictsanonymous, shared.

As a mum, who reviewed the block with her son, said: “It’s really soft and creamy, tastes exactly like Nutella.”

Others who have tried the bar replied in the comments sections of the videos sharing their own thoughts on it.

“Ohhh it is so good,” one agreed.

“Hands down the best chocolate bar in the world,” another wrote.

Some revealed they had taken extreme measures to get the bar, asking friends and family to bring one home when visiting New Zealand on holidays or work trips.

This was a tactic I’d adopted last year, before sharing my thoughts on TikTok earlier this year with the caption: “Kiwis definitely don’t want Aussies to know about this chocolate block.”

However, there were a few who argued the Hazella bar was “overhyped”, including popular food reviewer Russ Eats.

“It’s a brilliant block but I expected it to blow my mind,” Russ said, giving it an 8.5 rating.

Mostly though, people described it as their “favourite Whittaker’s” bar, sharing frustration at how long it took to arrive in Australia.

“That took a year! My god,” one lamented.

As one simply surmised: “Yum, yum.”

@thisisbex The Kiwis defo don’t want Aussies to know about this chocolate block 🙄 #bestchocolate #Hazella #whittakers ♬ original sound – Rebekah Scanlan

Head in or grab a block online here.

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This article originally appeared on news.com.au and has been reproduced here with permission.

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