Nikki Birrell
Nikki Birrell is a seasoned food and travel publishing expert with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry. As a contributor to various publications, she has shared valuable insights on kitchen management, cost-saving tips, and innovative culinary hacks. Her recent work includes advice on preparing barbecues for summer grilling and enhancing budget ingredients, showcasing her passion for making cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
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Recent news mentions
Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
Best and worst muesli bars: How to spot a healthy lunchbox snack
New Zealand· 2026-03-06
Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
The vegetables that are healthier to buy frozen – and the one you should avoid buying freshNew Zealand· 2026-02-26Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
The household appliances that last for decades – and the ones you should always upgradeNew Zealand· 2026-02-20
Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
Are homemade sauces, dips and dressings really cheaper? What the NZ supermarket maths showsNew Zealand· 2026-02-12Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
Which NZ cooking oils are healthiest – and the one you shouldn’t be using every dayNew Zealand· 2026-02-06
Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
Which supermarket fruit yoghurts are healthy, and which should you avoid?New Zealand· 2026-01-29Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years, sharing helpful advice.
Which milk alternative is the healthiest? Expert advice on what to buy and avoidNew Zealand· 2026-01-11Nikki Birrell is a contributor who has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
The healthiest supermarket breads – and how to spot the ones to avoidNew Zealand· 2025-12-02
Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
8 hacks to help you skip takeaways and save cashNew Zealand· 2025-10-02Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
Beat food fatigue: Small changes to elevate your weeknight dinnersNew Zealand· 2025-09-05Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
The unspoken rules of ‘bring a plate’ - and how to know if you’re breaking themNew Zealand· 2025-09-01
Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
Functional drinks surge: Kiwis embrace gut and brain health beveragesNew Zealand· 2025-08-02
Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
Soup boards are winter’s messiest new food trend – will they catch on here?New Zealand· 2025-07-20
Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years, sharing helpful advice on various topics.
How to make cooking for one and solo dining a joy not a choreNew Zealand· 2025-06-14
Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
Sunday roast revival: Kiwi families embrace tradition with a twistNew Zealand· 2025-06-08
Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
Unusual food combos: Kiwi chefs and their ‘culinary crimes’New Zealand· 2025-04-25
Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
The five pantry staples present in nearly every NZ kitchenNew Zealand· 2025-04-04Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years.
Mince on toast: The great Kiwi comfort classicNew Zealand· 2025-03-22