Each year on April 25th, as Australians and New Zealanders gather to honour the fallen, a simple, sweet treat makes its way into kitchens, schools, and community celebrations:
The ANZAC Biscuit.
But have you ever stopped to ask — what’s the real significance behind the ANZAC biscuit? How did a mix of oats, golden syrup, and coconut become an symbol of remembrance?
Where Did the ANZAC Biscuit Come From?
The origins of the ANZAC biscuit trace back to World War I, but the exact history is a mix of fact and folklore.
Contrary to popular belief, the biscuits we know today as ANZAC biscuits were not the same as what soldiers ate on the front lines. Soldiers were issued "hardtack" — a rock-hard, unsweetened cracker-like bread used as a long-lasting field ration. It was sometimes nicknamed "ANZAC wafer" but was barely edible without soaking.
The ANZAC biscuit we bake today was more of a home front creation. Wives, mothers, and women's fundraising groups in Australia and New Zealand began baking oat-based biscuits to send in care packages to soldiers abroad. The ingredients were chosen specifically because they were shelf-stable and could survive the long sea voyage without spoiling — no eggs, no dairy, but lots of home made love.
Why These Ingredients?
Each ingredient in the ANZAC biscuit was practical — and symbolic.
- Rolled oats: Affordable and nutritious, oats provided energy and texture.
- Golden syrup: Used instead of eggs to bind the mixture and ensure longevity.
- Desiccated coconut: Not always present in the earliest recipes, but became a popular addition.
- Plain flour and baking soda: For structure and a slight rise.
- Butter: A rich base for flavour, though in times of rationing, alternatives were used.
This simple combination created a biscuit that could last weeks without refrigeration — a vital factor during wartime.
Symbolism and Sentiment
While the ingredients are lower class, the symbolism is rich.
ANZAC biscuits represent:
- Care and connection: They were physical tokens of love, support, and remembrance from those at home.
- Women’s contribution to the war effort: Many women, barred from frontline service, supported through community fundraising and baking initiatives.
- National identity: Over time, the biscuit has come to symbolise shared history and unity between Australia and New Zealand.
Today, ANZAC biscuits are much more than a snack — they’re a sensory way to connect with history. The smell of golden syrup and toasted oats evokes memories and respect for those who served.
They’re often baked in the lead-up to ANZAC Day, used in classroom activities to teach children about World War I, or sold by RSLs and community groups to support veteran services. It’s a way to remember — not just with words or wreaths, but with something handmade, heartfelt, and uniquely ours.
Interesting fact:
The term “ANZAC” is protected under Australian law. The use of the word "ANZAC" is strictly regulated — you can’t call just any product an “ANZAC biscuit.” The Department of Veterans’ Affairs oversees this and ensures the name is only used with proper respect. For instance, ANZAC biscuits must not be overly commercialised or significantly altered (e.g., calling it an “ANZAC cookie” is typically disallowed).
This regulation highlights the cultural significance of the biscuit as more than just food — it's a symbol that deserves protection.
The act of making ANZAC biscuits offers a moment to pause and reflect. Whether you're baking them with your kids, sharing them at a community event, or enjoying one at a Dawn Service, each bite carries a century-old story of resilience, sacrifice, and unity.
So next time you reach for an ANZAC biscuit, take a moment to think — not just about the taste, but about the history it carries.
Want to Try Baking Them Yourself?
Here’s a classic ANZAC biscuit recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 125g butter
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp boiling water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Combine oats, flour, sugar, and coconut in a large bowl.
- Melt butter and golden syrup together in a saucepan.
- In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in boiling water and add to butter mixture.
- Stir wet mixture into dry ingredients.
- Roll into small balls and flatten slightly on tray.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden. Cool on tray.
Perfect for sharing or simply enjoying with a cup of tea as you reflect on the true meaning of ANZAC Day.
- Jaz Anna
