For most people in the Northern Hemisphere, Australia is regarded as a mythical country on the other side of the world, where people live on the beach, have pet koalas in their backyards, and ride kangaroos to school. As an Australian, I can confirm that this is pretty much how most people here live (I joke, I joke).
However, what you may not know is that Australia has some of the best food in the world. Multicultural cities mean that many different waves of immigration brought their culinary delights and foodie culture to the land down under. Some of the best coffee, for instance, can be sampled on the streets of Sydney and Melbourne,
But I’m here to discuss more important matters. Allow me to introduce you to the top ten Australian ultra-processed, absolutely delicious, 100% kosher snacks that you need to try.
1. Cadbury Vegemite
Vegemite, the ubiquitous salty, dark brown yeast spread, has divided people from around the world since Australia has practically existed. It has its serious lovers and haters. In 2017 Cadbury, one of Australia’s best known chocolate brands, released a highly controversial snack — their classic chocolate block with a caramel-vegemite filling. With many declaring this one step too far, the limited-edition block bucked all assumptions and was a resounding success, selling out completely. Rumor has it that there are further plans to resurrect this ephemeral Australian creation…I am ready and waiting.
2. TimTam
TimTams are made up of two chocolate cookies stuck together with a huge glob of thick chocolate frosting and then coated in a layer of milk chocolate. Calorific but delicious, they’re an undisputed crowd pleaser.
But the kosher situation is a little complicated. While these biscuits are exported en-masse to Israel with a kosher certification, the locally produced TimTams in Australia have slightly different ingredients, so are not considered kosher. It’s basically anti-Semitism in its chocolatiest form.
3. Caramello Koala
Consisting of a thin dairy chocolate shell filled with oozing caramel, these koalas have a lot to love about them. With over 50 million of these bad boys sold each year across Australia, there is no question that this is one of Australia’s favorite chocolates. Rest assured, this is one koala you will not feel bad to behead and eat.
4. Cobs Lightly Salted, Slightly Sweet Popcorn
This popcorn is a snacker’s delight. It is hard to tell if you’re eating a savory or sweet snack, so equal and enmeshed are the flavors. Go easy on the bag size because the stakes are high that you will finish it in a single sitting.
5. Darrell Lea Licorice
This soft, chewy licorice entices with each bite. Made by one of Australia’s oldest confectionary companies, it comes in traditional flavors like black and strawberry, as well as unusual flavors like mango, blueberry, and pomegranate.
6. DJ&A Shiitake Mushrooms Crisps
You may think that freeze-dried mushrooms are a gross snack that’s totally not for you, but frankly you are wrong because you have never tried these chips. Whole mushrooms coated in salt, this scrumptious snack is crispier than the crispiest chip you have ever crunched.
7. Fairy Bread
You cannot get more Australian than this. Find the softest, most delicious white bread you can. Slather it in butter. Cover it with rainbow sprinkles. Cut into triangles (never squares, you absolute savage!) and voila! You have the ultimate party snack that will leave your guests, from 3-year-olds to 99-year-olds pleased you brought a plate.
8. Ajitas Vege Chips
If you like the texture of the Israeli peanut snack bamba, you will love these gluten-free chips. Aerated but crunchy, you have the option of letting them dissolve in your mouth or biting down with a hearty crunch. With almost the entire range kosher certified, you can enjoy these vege chips in a range of flavors including sweet and sour, barbecue, and salt and vinegar.
9. Milo
Do not be fooled, mere mortals, this malted chocolate drinking powder is not like other ones you may have tried. With its ability to never fully mix into your hot milk, the layer of bitty chocolaty wonderfulness that remains at the top of the glass is part of the allure.
Developed by an Australian in 1934, Milo has gone global and retains popular status in many countries including South Africa and India, but the Australian original is where it is at. The proper way to drink this is with an 80% Milo, 20% milk ratio.
10. Whittaker’s Chocolate
While not technically Australian, these New Zealand chocolates are claimed on this list because, like Russell Crowe, why shouldn’t Australians claim all the good things in our sparsely populated corner of the world?
Available widely across New Zealand and Australia, these are some of the most delicious high-quality mass-produced chocolates, with unconventional flavors like Nelson pear and Manuka honey as well as classic peppermint, almond, and peanut.
