The Top 12 Snack Foods You'll Find In Australia

What Americans think of when they hear the term "snack," they think of common staples such as chips, cakes, cookies, candy bars, and sodas. But when you're in Oceania, snacks can look a little bit different and come in a lot of different varieties.

In Australia, tourism isn't just confined to your typical Crocodile Dundee souvenir or cringey tchotchkes themed around koalas and kangaroos. A lot of the great things in the country is the snack foods! While not all flavors you can find are all that different from American snacks, there are some that are different enough to make your head tilt to the side. Let's take a look at the top Australian snacks!

12. Anzac Biscuit

On the Oceania national holiday, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day, these sweet oat biscuits are a historical staple. Baked by wives and mothers of soldiers off to war, these biscuits are comprised of oats, coconut, and golden syrup. If you want to make these, you better make sure you get the name right. The Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs has strict regulations around the recipe and the name.

11. Lamington

One of the most popular, well-known desserts in Australia, a Lamington is a sponge cake covered in chocolate sauce and coconut coating. They are typically paired with coffee or tea.

10. Cheezels

Imagine if Funyuns and Cheetos had a baby. Got it? Good, then you have a Cheezel. These tube-shaped circles deliver the same flavor profile of a classic Cheetos puff - no doubt free of the chemicals we're accustomed to. They're even a bit crunchier since Cheezels are made with both puffed rice and corn.

9. Tim Tams

In the classic form, Tim Tams are chocolate biscuit pieces stuffed with mousse-like chocolate. Throughout the year you can find seasonal flavors as well as double coated chocolate, caramel, and dark chocolate. Lucky for Americans, you can actually find Tim Tams at some international markets, like World Market.

8. Caramello Koala

While the Cadbury brand is pretty much a staple in the United States, it's hard to say you really seek it out unless it's Easter. With this version of caramel-stuffed Cadbury chocolate, you can enjoy a treat in the shape of a cute, smiling koala. What is more Australian than that?

7. Sirena Tuna

If there is one thing that Australians apparently love, it is canned tuna. While there are many brands, similar to American grocery stores, Sirena is considered to be the "crown jewel." The iconic yellow packaging holds the tuna with olive oil, giving it a less mushy consistency. You can even get it in flavors such as sweet chili, springwater, lemon pepper, triple chili, and basil.

6. Milo

Nestle produces Milo worldwide, including in the United States, but it is a beloved snack in Australia. The malted chocolate powder is intended to be mixed with milk and it gives a similar taste and consistency to Ovaltine. Aside from mixing it in milk, it's commonly used down under as an ice cream topping.

5. Shapes

Shapes is just another word for cracker in Australia. These baked snacks come in a variety of flavors and, yes, shapes. They are marketed as being dusted with "flavor you can see" including pizza, barbecue, chicken, nacho cheese, Vegemite, and cheese & bacon.

4. Minties

When you're in Australia and want a sweet candy, you'll typically find a variety of "lollies." Minties are a staple in the candy category as they are loved for being a overpoweringly minty granny-candy.

3. Allen's Cheekies

Who doesn't love chocolate and gummy candy? Chicos are basically a dark brown gummy shaped like a baby. Oh, don't forget it's chocolate flavored. Bonus points to Nestle Australia for the name being changed to Cheekies from "chico's" in 2020 due to racist overtones.

2. Cherry Ripe

If you're a fan of cherry and chocolate in a candy bar, you might find your perfect match with Cherry Ripe. The bars are filled with ripe cherries, shredded coconut, and dark chocolate and it's said to be one of Australia's oldest candy bars.

1. Vegemite

Ah, yes... the world famous Vegemite spread. As an American who has tasted Vegemite, there really isn't much to say except I don't know why people eat this stuff on purpose. This spread made from brewer's yeast gives a bomb of salt, but native Australians insist that it's because the world isn't eating it correctly. If you want to try this beloved snack, it's supposedly best on toast with some type of fat like butter, cheese, or avocado.