Air New Zealand has renamed its popular Anzac biscuits as “chewy oat” biscuits, possibly to avoid breaking the strict rules governing the iconic treat.
Both New Zealand and Australia have laws about what an Anzac biscuit can contain, forbidding ingredients like chocolate or almonds and even the term “cookie.” These rules aim to protect the biscuit’s historical and cultural significance.
The airline says it changed the name a year ago to comply with these guidelines, though New Zealand’s Ministry of Culture and Heritage and Australia’s Department of Veteran’s Affairs have not confirmed involvement. The Returned and Services’ Association suggests Air NZ might be using a recipe or supplier that doesn’t meet the legal definition of an Anzac biscuit.
Historically, Anzac biscuits trace their origins to World War I, though the story of them being sent to soldiers or baked at Gallipoli is likely a myth. Early versions, such as a “rolled oats biscuit” in a 1917 cookbook, evolved into the recognisable recipe by the 1950s. These biscuits became part of a broader trend of naming foods after significant events or figures, reinforcing national identity.
Despite the name change, the biscuit’s connection to history remains strong. Renaming them might seem small, but it highlights how carefully the legacy of Anzac is protected today.
