Anzac biscuit
Oat biscuits from Australia and New Zealand, linked to World War I soldiers
Anzac biscuits are sweet oat biscuits from Australia and New Zealand, made with oats, flour, sugar, butter, and golden syrup. They became connected to the ANZAC troops of World War I, as they could be sent overseas and kept well. Today, they are found in shops and often used for fundraising by veterans’ groups.
- Linked to World War I soldiers from Australia and New Zealand
- Main ingredients are oats, flour, sugar, butter, and golden syrup
- Sold in shops and used for fundraising by veterans’ groups
- The name is legally protected in Australia
- Coconut is a common but optional addition
What is Anzac biscuit?
Anzac biscuits are round, golden-brown sweets made with oats as a main ingredient, along with flour, sugar, butter, golden syrup, baking soda, and sometimes coconut. The texture is usually crisp, though some versions are chewier. They have a mild, sweet flavor with a hint of caramel from the syrup. These biscuits are well known in both Australia and New Zealand, and are often enjoyed with tea or as a snack.
Where does Anzac biscuit come from?
Both Australia and New Zealand claim the Anzac biscuit, and its history is closely tied to the First World War. Early recipes appeared before the ANZAC Corps was formed, and the name 'Anzac biscuit' was first printed in 1916, though that version did not include oats. The recipe changed over time, with oats becoming standard and coconut added in some later versions. The biscuit’s link to the military comes from its reputation for keeping well during long journeys, making it suitable for sending to soldiers abroad.
How is Anzac biscuit made?
To make Anzac biscuits, dry ingredients such as oats, flour, and sugar are mixed together. Butter and golden syrup are melted, then combined with baking soda dissolved in hot water. This mixture is stirred into the dry ingredients, and sometimes coconut is added. The dough is shaped into rounds and baked until golden. The result is a biscuit that holds its shape and stores well.
How and when is Anzac biscuit eaten?
Anzac biscuits are eaten as a snack or with tea, both at home and at community events. They are commonly found in shops and bakeries across Australia and New Zealand. Because they keep well, they are often made in batches and stored in tins. The biscuits are also sold to raise funds for veterans’ organizations, especially around Anzac Day, a day of remembrance for soldiers.
Kinds of Anzac biscuit
Some recipes include coconut for extra flavor, though this was not part of the earliest versions. Early recipes sometimes used eggs, fruit, or jam, but these are not typical today. The basic ingredients remain largely unchanged due to regulations protecting the traditional recipe. Commercial versions must stick closely to the classic formula, though homemade recipes may vary slightly.
What Anzac biscuit means
Anzac biscuits are more than just a treat; they are a symbol of remembrance and national pride in Australia and New Zealand. The name is legally protected, and only products called 'biscuits' or 'slices' can use it. They are a common feature of fundraising efforts by veterans’ groups, and their connection to World War I is widely recognized. The biscuits are especially popular around Anzac Day.
Questions people ask about Anzac biscuit
What are Anzac biscuits made of?
They are made from oats, flour, sugar, butter, golden syrup, baking soda, water, and sometimes coconut.
Where do Anzac biscuits come from?
They are from Australia and New Zealand, with both countries claiming the biscuit as part of their food traditions.
Why are they called Anzac biscuits?
The name comes from their connection to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during World War I.
Are Anzac biscuits vegetarian?
Yes, the standard recipe does not include meat or eggs, making them suitable for vegetarians.
When are Anzac biscuits usually eaten?
They are enjoyed as a snack or with tea and are especially popular around Anzac Day.
Good reading and sources
- Anzac biscuit on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Anzac biscuit", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali 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 2026-10-03.
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