by: Becky Mead
Looking back at 2024, the PLAY team discovered plenty of products that stood out on the shelf. Sometimes, all they needed to do was give us a clever twist on an old favourite. Sometimes, they stood out for being completely unexpected and making life a little easier—or a lot more fun.
From healthier snacks to surprising toothpaste flavours, these finds reflect the trends shaping how we shop and what we love.
Here are the products we couldn’t stop raving about in 2024.
Katherine | Honest Sea Roasted Seaweed Snack Barbecue
These might be the perfect snack. Absolutely delicious, they come in a range of flavours, and when they say guilt-free, I almost believe them! (Sadly, there isn’t an alternative with less packaging).
Becky | Bounce Curl Define Styling Brush
My sister got married this year, and I wanted to naturally improve the look of my curls for her wedding. I didn’t realise that I had been struggling with stringy curls, but looking back at the photos, I clearly was!
The bounce curly hair brush has been a game changer in my ability to “style” my curls and have a bit more of a guaranteed look.
An added bonus is that I’ve bought the brush in pink, so Holly is finally happy for me to brush and style her hair.
Emma | P!ckers – frozen bite-sized snacks
We nearly always have a box or two of P!ckers sitting in our freezer. We bring them out pre-dinner to keep the family happy until dinner is ready, or my husband and I will heat them up as a cheeseboard accompaniment at the end of a long week.
Our favourites are Jalapeno Cheese Nuggets and Italian Herb Mozzarella Mini Sticks.
Helen | Polycool Ice Maker
Living in a household of seven, I was tired of opening the freezer only to find an empty ice cube tray. That’s why I can’t live without our POLYCOOL ice maker! Now, I always have fresh, bullet-shaped ice whenever I need it. It quietly produces 12 ice bullets every seven minutes, with the option to choose between small and large sizes. It’s perfect for protein shakes, smoothies, iced coffee, or simply chilling a glass of water. Plus, watching the ice form through the clear window is surprisingly mesmerising!
Taryn | HiSmile Toothpaste
I was apprehensive about trying a non-minty toothpaste, but I gave it a go and tried the watermelon flavour. (Controversial, I know, because watermelon is notoriously hard to get right!)
It was surprisingly refreshing, with the right amount of watermelon pop and a light, minty freshness at the end (not the killer mint that makes your mouth numb).
I love the creative flavour range and the colourful packaging that pops on the shelf. It is also super sturdy and convenient for travelling (no accidental explosions).
Naomi | Keep It Cleaner Plant Based Protein Bars Mint Crisp
I’d been looking for healthier snacks when I came across Keep It Cleaner protein bars on sale at Woolies.
I gave them a go and loved them as an afternoon snack to get through the rest of the workday; I love dark chocolate.
I’ve started to eat more plant-based and want to make sure I eat enough protein in my diet, so this is a perfect indulgence.
Ed | My Muscle Chef
My Muscle Chef is really convenient, and the food is genuinely tasty. Their pre-prepared meals save me much time and effort after getting home from work, especially after fieldwork. The pricing is reasonable for the amount of food they send each week. You do have to be diligent about managing your subscription and the meals that come with it.
These products didn’t just catch our eye — they captured the essence of what consumers were craving last year: smarter choices, everyday indulgences, and a splash of creativity.
Those trends didn't disappear when the calendar flipped to 2025. The products we loved last year offer clues about the opportunities and challenges brands will face this year.
We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store (literally) — whether it’s doubling down on these trends or discovering the next big thing.
Got a product you think will shape this year’s trends? Let us know—we’re always on the lookout!
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