Chocolate fish
Fish-shaped marshmallow covered in milk chocolate, from New Zealand
Chocolate fish are a New Zealand sweet shaped like a fish, made of pink or white marshmallow coated in a thin layer of milk chocolate. They are commonly given as a reward and have been made since at least the early 1900s. Smaller versions are called 'sprats', and there are also solid chocolate varieties.
- Chocolate fish are a classic New Zealand sweet shaped like a fish
- Made from pink or white marshmallow covered in milk chocolate
- 'Sprats' are the name for smaller, fun-sized versions
- First made in New Zealand at least as early as 1903
- Commonly given as a reward for a job well done
What is Chocolate fish?
Chocolate fish are a classic New Zealand treat shaped like a small fish, usually about 5 to 8 centimeters long. They have a soft, airy marshmallow center that is pink or white, covered in a thin shell of milk chocolate. The surface is rippled to look like fish scales, made by blowing air over the unset chocolate. Some versions use solid orange-flavoured chocolate instead of marshmallow. The overall look is playful and instantly recognizable in New Zealand.
Where does Chocolate fish come from?
Chocolate fish have been made in New Zealand since at least 1903, with marshmallow-based versions appearing by 1937 in Dunedin. Early types may not have used marshmallow. Over the years, several companies have produced them, with Cadbury becoming the most recognized maker. The chocolate fish has become a symbol of reward and encouragement in New Zealand culture, and its presence has continued through various changes and new versions.
How is Chocolate fish made?
To make a chocolate fish, marshmallow is shaped into a fish form, then coated with a thin layer of milk chocolate. As the chocolate is still unset, the fish passes under a blower, which pushes the chocolate back and forms the appearance of scales. The process results in a glossy, rippled finish. Some versions are made entirely from orange-flavoured milk chocolate instead of marshmallow.
How and when is Chocolate fish eaten?
Chocolate fish are usually eaten as a snack or sweet treat. In New Zealand, they are often given as a reward for good work or as a gesture of thanks. They are sold in various sizes, with smaller ones called 'sprats'. The treat is enjoyed by children and adults alike, and is sometimes included in mixed confectionery boxes. There are no special accompaniments or rituals for eating them.
Kinds of Chocolate fish
Besides the standard marshmallow-filled fish, there are smaller 'sprats' and larger versions. Some chocolate fish are made from solid orange-flavoured milk chocolate. Over the years, different companies have produced their own takes, such as Queen Anne's larger and smaller 'fish bites'. Chocolate fish have also appeared as an ice-cream flavour for a time.
What Chocolate fish means
In New Zealand, chocolate fish are more than just a sweet; they are a familiar way to say 'well done'. The phrase 'Give that kid a chocolate fish' is widely recognized. The treat has featured in Parliament discussions and charity events, such as the 'Great New Zealand Cadbury Chocolate Fish Day'. Even as some versions have been discontinued, the chocolate fish remains a cultural icon.
Questions people ask about Chocolate fish
What is a chocolate fish made of?
A chocolate fish is made of pink or white marshmallow shaped like a fish, covered in a thin layer of milk chocolate. Some versions are made from solid orange-flavoured milk chocolate.
Where does the chocolate fish come from?
Chocolate fish are a traditional confectionery from New Zealand and have been made there since at least 1903.
Why are chocolate fish shaped like fish?
The fish shape is a playful design that has become traditional for this sweet in New Zealand. The surface is rippled to look like scales, created by blowing air over the unset chocolate.
Are there different sizes or types of chocolate fish?
Yes, there are smaller versions called 'sprats' and larger ones. Some are filled with marshmallow, while others are made from solid orange-flavoured milk chocolate.
When are chocolate fish usually eaten?
Chocolate fish are eaten as a snack or sweet treat and are often given as a reward for good work in New Zealand.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Chocolate fish", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryThali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.
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