Latest news with #Shapes
Time Out
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time Out
The ten snacks Australians miss the most once they leave the country
No snack divides the nation quite like Vegemite. Some people love a thin scrape on their morning toast, others pair it with avo (or even jam?!), and then there are people like me who gag at the smell alone. Meanwhile, I've never met an Aussie who doesn't love a Tim Tam. So I was surprised when a new study revealed that Vegemite outranked the beloved chocolate biscuit as the most-missed Australian snack for expats. We're sure this top ten ranking will spark some serious snack debates (and make your tummy rumble), but here's how it was compiled. Researchers from international delivery company Send My Bag surveyed almost 500 Australians living across Europe and the USA to find out which beloved snacks expats are craving the most. You can take the Aussie out of Australia – but not without a jar of Vegemite! Yep, this thick black spread tops the list as Australia's most-missed snack, making its way into 25 per cent of care packages sent from home. Next up was Tim Tams, slam dunking into 22 per cent of snack packs shipped abroad from Australia. These choccie bikkies are downright delicious, and one packet is never enough – so we recommend asking for at least one each of Original, Double Coat, and maybe even Strawberry and Cream. Randomly, chicken salt is the third most-missed 'snack' – something I didn't realise was unique to Australia. Who says we don't have culture? The remainder of the top ten features classic Aussie snacks, including Shapes, Milo, Twisties, Arnott's biscuits, Allen's lollies, Cherry Ripes and lamingtons. I guess you can't exactly mail a meat pie, otherwise that surely would've earned a spot on the list. The top 10 most-missed Australian snacks Vegemite – 25 per cent Tim Tams – 22 per cent Chicken Salt – 13 per cent Shapes – 10 per cent Milo – 9 per cent Twisties – 7 per cent Arnott's biscuits – 5 per cent Allen's lollies – 5 per cent Cherry Ripe – 3 per cent Lamington – 1 per cent Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter 😋 🚨 The 27 worst Australian foods have officially been named and shamed
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Chicken Crimpy biscuits finally go gluten-free: 'This is huge'
The nation's gluten-free snackers are rejoicing, and for very good reason today. Arnott's has just confirmed the release of their most requested gluten-free product ever - Shapes in Chicken Crimpy flavour. The cult-favourite, cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth biscuit has been given the gluten-free treatment, and fans are already calling it a game-changer. Crafted using Arnott's Aussie-made gluten free baking blend, the new snacks deliver the same signature flavour, satisfying crunch and their moreish taste - minus any gluten. After being flooded with messages and requests from Coeliacs and gluten-avoiding Aussies alike, Arnott's has officially delivered the goods. 'Please do gluten free chicken crimpies, I'm beggin',' wrote one die-hard fan. 'Hope you will be making other flavours like pizza and chicken in gluten free' said one mum. 'My little girls love them and can't have them at the moment.' Chicken Crimpy has consistently ranked among Arnott's top five Shapes flavours, and the call to create a gluten free version was deafening. The announcement of a new gluten-free flavour sparked a frenzy online, with social media users flooding comments sections with excitement and anticipation Now, following the huge success of Gluten Free Shapes Barbecue and Gluten Free Jatz, the Aussie biscuit giant has expanded their savoury range again, with fans already scrambling to get their hands on a box. The announcement of a new gluten-free flavour sparked a frenzy online, with social media users flooding comments sections with excitement and anticipation. 'Mum how did we get so rich…? 'Well son, your dad was the CEO of Shapes and he release GLUTEN FREE Chicken Crimpys… the company made billions,' one fan joked. Good news for those with serious dietary needs, the new launch is endorsed by Coeliac Australia and New Zealand. This makes them safe for those with diagnosed Coeliac disease and anyone avoiding gluten altogether. They join Arnott's already stacked gluten free lineup, which includes sweet and savoury favourites like Gluten Free Tim Tams, Scotch Fingers, Mint Slice and TeeVee Snacks, which have all been reformulated without compromising on taste or texture. From later this month, shoppers will be able to pick up the new Arnott's Gluten Free Shapes Chicken Crimpy at Coles, Woolworths and independent retailers across the country, for $5.50. Whether you are gluten intolerant, avoiding it for health reasons, or just like feeding everyone at the party without excluding anyone, these new savoury crackers be your new pantry MVP.
Time Out
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
A Bar with Shapes for a Name
Yes, it's inspired by the Bauhaus design school of interwar Germany, and yes, it has three colourful shapes instead of a name over the door. But for all its braininess, this neighbourhood bar in Haggerston (previously acclaimed among the World's 50 Best) never forgets that you're here to have fun. The menu focuses on a short run of pre-bottled, affordable house cocktails, many served with massive, geometric ice cubes (and oblongs, and spheres) and molecular garnishes like a tiny cube of Campari jelly. The actual mixing stuff – including some wacky experiments in flavour and form – happens up the road at a multifunctional sister space called the Warehaus. Friendly staff clad in colourful boiler suits are happy to explain the science. True to Bauhaus principles of function dictating form, the space is bright and breezy with a lino floor, lots of chrome and the faint air of a science lab – especially in the back room and capacious downstairs bar. In many ways it's the polar opposite of your classic cocktail bar: no velvet drapes, no backlit bottles, no flamboyant shaker action. But despite the stripped-back décor, it's no less a vibe once the lights are turned down. Order this If there's a single signature cocktail here, it's probably the kazimir: a short, elegant blend of vodka infused with peach yogurt (yes, really) and absinthe. It's a grown-up drink with the faintest delightful hint of a kid's fromage frais – not a bad way to sum up Shapes's playful-yet-rigorous approach to bartending. Time Out tip One key USP of ABWSFAN is that it us open until very late (4am!) and takes walk-ins all night long, making it an ideal spot for that very last round… or two or three… of the evening/morning.
Winnipeg Free Press
01-05-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘Anything we do here as a business is done with the province in mind': Shapes looks to build on three-decade run in Winnipeg
A few years ago, Kevin Richardson came up with a slogan to use when telling people about Shapes Fitness Centres: 'Created by a Winnipegger in Winnipeg for Winnipeggers.' The former biochemist, who has worked at the chain since 2017, admits as far as a motto goes, it's unwieldy. But it expressed something he wants people to know: Shapes, which has gyms across the city, is locally owned and operated. 'I was telling people we're only in Winnipeg and people would be surprised,' Richardson says. 'Over and over they would say, 'I didn't know it was local only, and I grew up here.'' RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS Kevin Richardson plans to raise awareness about the company's Winnipeg roots with a new 'shop local' social media campaign launching later this month. Chris Rousseau opened the first Shapes gym on Nairn Street in September 1994. Today, there are six: three women's-only locations and three co-ed locations, all of them open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They include hundreds of pieces of fitness equipment, offer more than 380 group fitness classes each week and employ almost 200 people. Rousseau's son and daughter-in-law, Lyle Rousseau and Christina Teixeira, handle the company's day-to-day operations. 'Chris wanted to offer something made for Manitobans. Anything we do here as a business is done with the province in mind,' Teixeira says. 'In the 31 years, Shapes has withstood time and competition and is still standing, stronger than ever.' One reason the company has lasted is because it's changed with the times. If you walked into a Shapes gym in 1994, you would have encountered free weights, weight lifting machines and treadmills. Those things are still there today, but they're only part of what the business offers. Take for example the company's 1910 Pembina Hwy. location, which underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation five years ago. It includes a cycle room for spin classes, hot yoga studio, room dedicated to high-intensity interval training, monkey bar-like contraption called a Queenax rig for functional training, and a climbing wall. Patrons can relax in massage chairs and the changing rooms include saunas and tanning booths. 'Our goal is to offer what you would find at multiple standalone facilities under one roof at the best possible price,' Teixeira says. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS An instructor checking out the ropes at their new climbing wall. 'We believe we're the right place and we believe it just has to be the right time for customers,' she adds. 'It's our job to help them when they realize it's time to put themselves first.' Teixeira was a university student when she started working at Shapes 17 years ago. 'I fell in love with the people and that's really what this job is: being excited for people actually seeing their fitness goals through or incorporating fitness into their life.' People don't enter a gym on a whim, Teixeira adds. Something is motivating them. It could be someone's made a comment about their appearance or their clothes don't fit the way they want or they're not sleeping well. Shapes staff aim to put newcomers at ease and create an environment where everyone feels welcome. 'When someone walks through that front door, I want them all to understand we all start somewhere. There's a Day 1 for all of us,' she says. 'Put all that hesitation and all those worries behind you. 'Just come and have a talk with someone and you'll be surprised by how you feel when you leave. Nobody's worth it more than you are, when it comes down to it.' Richardson understands. As a university student, he enjoyed working out with friends and ran a few marathons. But by the time he was in his mid-40s, health had taken a backseat to a demanding career in the pharmaceutical industry. He was sedentary, working late nights and eating a lot of fast food. 'I was developing drugs for Type 2 diabetes and at the same time, I was developing Type 2 diabetes myself,' he says. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS The company's 1910 Pembina Hwy. location, underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation five years ago and includes a High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) room. In 2016, when he found out he was going to become a father for the first time, Richardson decided to invest in his health. Through a combination of exercise and changes to his diet, he lost 100 pounds. The next year, he started working at Shapes as a trainer. Today, he's the company's wellness manager — a nebulous title that allows Richardson to take on a variety of duties, including leading corporate wellness initiatives that help businesses support the health of their employees. For Richardson, the mental health benefits that come from working out are just as important as the physical outcomes. One of the things he likes about Shapes is it allows people to get away from their homes and where they work and come together with people of all ages who are working toward a common goal: improving their health. 'I know how hard it is to start living a healthier lifestyle and I don't have any secrets — there are none,' he says. 'But I want people to rethink the gym … It's not what you think it is. You don't have to do as much as you think and the benefits are better than you think it could be.' Richardson plans to raise awareness about the company's Winnipeg roots with a new 'shop local' social media campaign launching later this month. Rather than just put Shapes in the spotlight, the campaign will highlight other Manitoba businesses, too — companies that people might not know originated in the keystone province. Coal and Canary, Stella's and Chocolatier Constance Popp are a few of the businesses that will be featured. Constance Menzies has been passionate about promoting local products ever since she started Chocolatier Constance Popp in 2007 — her offerings include two Manitoba-shaped confections — and appreciated getting Richardson's invitation to participate. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS Shapes member Alp Vaid makes his way across the Queenax training system Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. 'Kevin has just got great energy around him. It's easy to get motivated by the work that he does,' Menzies says. 'I think he appreciates local, Manitoba-made work and I think he has a respect for local business owners, as well.' In Menzies' experience, consumers are increasingly interested in buying local because it allows them to meet the people who make the products they're purchasing. 'Kevin gets that, so that's very cool.' Richardson wants to highlight as many companies as he can with the campaign. 'We're not looking for anything in return,' he says. 'We're just happy we've been successful for 31 years. Maybe we can help you be successful for 31 years or more.' Aaron EppReporter Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
SBS Australia
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
These Instagrammers want to try every Australian dish. Their favourite might surprise you
Aus Foodiee has become one of the more wholesome accounts on the internet. A narrator who seems to be a newcomer to Australia tries iconic dishes like a vanilla slice, pavlova, supermarket hot chook, Bubble O'Bill ice cream and a Bunnings 'sausage sizzle'. The comment section is full of Australians praising the narrator's calm Korean commentary and sense of wonder at everyday foods, with fans offering recommendations for more classics, such as Arnott's Shapes and Milo. After feedback about how they prepared a hot cross bun "wrong", Aus Foodiee thanked fans and gave it another go in a second video, where they were judged to have prepared it properly — toasted with lots of butter. What fans don't know is that the account is actually the work of two Korean men — Mingoo Lee and Jungho Choi. In their first-ever interview — where they revealed their faces and names — the Aus Foodiee creators spoke to SBS News about how life in Australia has been a surprising treat since arriving two months ago on working holiday visas. "Some people don't use shoes here. I don't know why," Lee said, laughing. "The traditional Aussie has a hairstyle like yours." He pointed to this author's mullet and laughed even harder. Lee, who worked as a videographer in Korea, is typically the one who directs, films and edits the videos. But he doesn't cook, leaving that job to Choi, who has worked as a chef in his day job for over seven years. The reason they don't show their faces is that the videos are easier to edit if there are no shots of people, they said, half-joking. The pair said they have been "best friends for 20 years". They met as eight-year-olds and have maintained a close friendship despite moving to separate cities — Lee lived in Seoul and Choi lived in Busan. It's a far cry from regional Victoria where they're living now, juggling foodie shoots in between work and travel to Melbourne to film at restaurants. Lee said he created the account to help people understand and connect with other cultures, and said what he's learned along the way has helped him adapt to life in Australia. "I didn't expect lots of people's interest, but I think I want to make a very helpful account. And I think food has a very special energy," he said. "I didn't expect us to have an encouraging and powerful effect, but someday we are going to make this channel bigger and bigger and bigger." Their most popular video, with nearly a million views on Instagram and TikTok combined, is the homemade sausage sizzle. Choi caramelises onions, pan-fries a packet of sausages and serves them on white bread with ketchup. Speaking in Korean with auto-generated English captions, Lee says in the video: "This is said to be the national dish of Australians ... I think it's also called Bunnings sausage sizzle. "How to make it is easier than you think." As is often the case with their dishes, fans who frequently comment on their posts gave them another idea, so they filmed a trip to get a sausage in bread from Bunnings, describing it as "meaningful food". Choi and Lee said they weren't sure why so many people loved the sausage video in particular, but they thought the meal was one of the tastiest they've had. The duo laughed, saying they were surprised the sausages were so thin. So what's Lee's favourite dish he discovered in two months in Australia? Choi's favourite is the hot cross bun, though he really enjoys Japanese food. They said Australia's food scene should be described as multicultural. "You can try every country's food, but some are not as good as others," Lee said. He said the Korean food they tried in Melbourne was nice but not spicy enough. The duo plan to make as many videos as they can while in Australia, most likely whatever their audience suggests Choi should cook.
