Anzac biscuit

Anzac biscuits are a cherished treat in Australia and New Zealand. These sweet biscuits are made from rolled oats, flour, sugar, butter, golden syrup, baking soda, boiling water, and desiccated coconut. They hold a special place in history, being linked to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) from World War I. There’s some debate about whether these biscuits were sent to soldiers or enjoyed locally to raise funds for the war effort.

The first recipe that combined the words "Anzac" and "biscuit" appeared in 1916, but it didn’t include oats. The version we know today first surfaced in an Australian publication in 1917. By 1924, desiccated coconut had been added to the mix. New Zealand had a similar recipe called Anzac Crispies, which emerged in 1919.

Nowadays, Anzac biscuits are commercially produced and sold, often to raise funds for organizations like the Royal New Zealand Returned Services' Association and the Returned and Services League of Australia. Special collectors' tins are released for Anzac Day, and there are strict regulations about using the term "Anzac" in Australia and New Zealand, especially for commercial products.

In the UK, a British version of the Anzac biscuit is available, with proceeds supporting the Royal British Legion. Interestingly, the Subway chain ran into legal trouble in 2008 and had to remove the biscuit from their menu due to these naming restrictions.