If you’re an Aussie, you already know that our snacks are far superior to anywhere across the globe. If you’re not an Aussie, well, we’re truely sorry you didn’t grow up with such damn delicious snacks. We have compiled a list of the greatest snacks from our pantry (and freezer) for your nostalgic trip down memory lane. Be sure to comment your faves!
Arnott’s Shapes
Arnott’s shapes were the favourite in every kid’s lunchbox… and we mean, EVERY kid. the baked biscuits come in a variety of flavours and each year, we still see more and more flavours grace the shelves *ahem* Vegemite is one the greatest collaborative Shape flavour of all time. But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves, we know the OG is always the best, and in this case, nothing really beats BBQ or Chicken Crimpy.
Vegemite
We wouldn’t be truely Australian if Vegemite wasn’t on our list of ultimate snacks. This staple isn’t just a breakfast condiment, lunch time sandwich spread or a mid-afternoon snack (spread on warm toast with butter, of course – we’re not animals, and this ain’t Nutella), Vegemite is an icon.
Fairy Bread
If you had fairy bread for lunch at school, you were the winner. Hands down. End of story. Basically, fairy bread is the unhealthiest of snacks, but it tastes like it was made by the gods. Grab some white bread, slap on a whole lot of butter and sprinkle the shit out of it with coloured sugar balls… mmmmmm.
Milo
“Mum mum gave me Milo, to go and go and go”… the tune will never be forgotten by 90’s and naughties kids around Australia. We were convinced that Milo was healthy (maybe if we all stuck to the recommended dose of one teaspoon per glass of milk), but let’s be honest, we all got the ratio wrong and ended up with 10 teaspoons of Milo per 1 teaspoon of milk. The chocolatey-malt drink is still a staple in my household.
Weet-Bix
We’ve tried the European version ‘weetabix’ and trust us, nothing beats Sanitarium’s Weet-Bix.
Fantales
These little bursts of jaw breaking caramel were one hell of a road trip treat! The candies are still available today and come wrapped in individual papers with fun facts and trivia written all over them. You can actually convince yourself that Fantales are an educational, learning tool while you continue to contribute to your diabetes. Great result.
Paddle Pops
Sweet, creamy deliciousness. Anyone who grew up in Aus knows the joy of being allowed to CHOOSE the weekend ice cream treat (pro tip for reasons to go grocery shopping with mum). Banana, chocolate, RAINBOW!? Yeah, this one was a no brainer. P.s does anyone know if rainbow is even a flavour?
Twisties
The real sibling argument growing up was ‘are we getting chicken or cheese!?’. Obviously, chicken is the real MVP of the Twistie world and anyone who says otherwise is wrong. Let’s move on.
TV Snacks
Can we just get this out in the open now – original is best. Arnott’s recently collaborated with Krispy Kreme to create donut flavoured TV Snacks and let us tell you, it did not go down well in my house. After trying every flavour, it’s best to say, stick with the originals – they are the best!
Now, if all those incredible flavours and ridiculously delicious snacks weren’t enough to convince you that Australian’s do, in fact, have culture, you have to try them yourself. If you’re overseas, you can enjoy (most of) these treats shipped to you from right here in Australia with the Down Under Box. This company gives Aussies living abroad the will to carry on, knowing they can order their faves straight to their door.
If you’re suuuuuper sweet on Aussie snacks, Bianco Bosso has a range of Australian snack threads which is sure to get you some attention on any occasion.
*Image credit: Bianco Bosso