When it comes to Australian snacks, Arnott’s biscuits hold a special place in the pantries and hearts of many Aussies. From the iconic Tim Tam to the humble Milk Arrowroot, these biscuits have been the cornerstone of morning teas and the unsung heroes of school lunch boxes for generations.
However, not all biscuits are cut from the same dough, and some have sparked more debate than others. While I might have originated from England, my love for biscuits knows no bounds. I’d confidently bet that I’ve consumed more Australian biscuits in the eight years I’ve lived here than many native Aussies have in a lifetime.
Here I rank some classic Arnott’s biscuits from worst to best. So, grab a cuppa and a couple of bikkies and let’s dive in.
10. The ‘crunch with caution’ biscuit: Ginger Nut
“Oh, I haven’t had one of these for ages,” I thought as I snaffled a couple of Ginger Nuts from my in-law’s pantry. I knew I’d made a mistake the moment I took a bite and three heads simultaneously swivelled to look in my direction. These are not the biscuits to try to eat discreetly.
It was so hard, the snap sounded like a clap of thunder and there was no way I was going to get away with eating the other one without a cup of tea. And without making a cup of tea for everyone else in the room.
So, it’s with a heavy heart that I place the Ginger Nut so low on the list. The flavour profile is spot-on, with a delightful ginger kick that warms the soul. However, the biscuit’s density is akin to that of a brick, posing a genuine risk to dental health. It’s a biscuit that’s best enjoyed with caution, if at all.
9. The ‘childhood nostalgia’ biscuit: Iced VoVo
Iced VoVo – apparently the name alone brings back memories of childhood parties and school lunch boxes. With its pink icing, raspberry jam, and desiccated coconut, it’s a sugary trip down memory lane. But, hopefully, as an adult your taste buds have evolved.
However, I don’t have the nostalgia factor. And while the jam does add some sweetness that complements the coconut – and it is a very pretty biscuit – that’s about all it has going for it in my opinion.
8. The ‘I guess I’ll have another cuppa’ biscuit: Milk Arrowroot
The Milk Arrowroot is a classic, not too sweet, subtle in flavour and a dependable dunker. But in the world of biscuits, being a classic isn’t enough to secure a top spot.
It’s a versatile biscuit, sure, and it can be livened up with a spread of butter or with a dunk in a cup of tea, but it is pretty bland on its own. It’s also easily overshadowed by its more flavourful cousins. It’s the biscuit you settle for with a cuppa, not one that sets your taste buds alight.
7. The ‘slightly confused’ biscuit: Monte Carlo
Ah, the Monte Carlo. It’s like the biscuit version of that distant cousin you forget to invite to family gatherings. Sure, it’s there, but does anyone really get excited about it?
With its odd combination of home-style coconut and honey biscuits, smooth vanilla cream and chewy jam, it’s the biscuit equivalent of a confused identity crisis. Unfortunately, it’s a biscuit that tries to be too many things at once and fails to excel at any of them.
6. The ‘staple in every pantry’ biscuit: Scotch Finger
The epitome of simplicity done right; the Scotch Finger is a testament to the power of understated excellence. Sure, there are fancier biscuits, but the Scotch Finger is terrific and doesn’t try to be something it isn’t.
It’s the perfect companion to a cup of tea and a biscuit that’s made for sharing – though you might find it hard to part with even half.
The only way they can make a Scotch Finger better is by covering it in chocolate … oh wait.
5. The ‘minty fresh delight’ biscuit: Mint Slice
Ah, the Mint Slice – a refreshing twist in the world of Aussie biscuits. Cool, mint cream layered over a crunchy biscuit and coated in rich chocolate, what more do you want?
This biscuit knows how to leave a lasting impression, with its satisfying snap and burst of minty flavour. It’s the kind of biscuit that leaves me reaching for “just one more” until the whole packet mysteriously disappears.
4. The ‘chocolate lovers’ biscuit: Choc Ripple
Enter the Choc Ripple, a biscuit tailor-made for chocolate aficionados. These delectable treats boast a rich cocoa flavour infused into every crumb, providing a decadent experience with each bite. Its texture is pleasing, and the chocolate flavour is satisfying.
Whether enjoyed on its own as a midnight snack or used as a base for a luscious chocolate ripple cake, this biscuit is a solid choice for chocolate lovers. The Choc Ripple is a dependable biscuit that rarely disappoints.
3. The ‘zesty delight’ biscuit: Lemon Crisp
Now, I’m a chocolate lover, but a Lemon Crisp has the perfect balance of sweet and salty. With a crisp texture and a subtle sweetness, they are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of afternoon tea or a picnic in the park.
A burst of tangy lemon-flavoured cream with a pinch of sea salt in between buttery biscuits offers a zestiness that really tickles the taste buds. Also, they’re an option that’s a little bit different from the rest of the bunch.
2. The ‘rustic charm’ biscuit: Butternut Snap
A nod to the Anzac biscuit, the Butternut Snap Cookie is a triumph of texture and taste. The combination of oats, coconut, and golden syrup creates a comforting and satisfying experience that’s hard to beat. It’s a biscuit that’s both familiar and exciting, where rustic charm meets delectable flavour.
1. The ‘fit for a royal’ biscuit: Kingston
At the top sits the biscuit fit for a king.
A generous layer of rich, velvety chocolate cream sandwiched between two crunchy coconut-oaty biscuits.
Take a bite and enjoy the symphony of flavours made by the smooth chocolate cream filling mixing with the crumbly, buttery biscuits. It’s a biscuit that transcends the ordinary, offering a moment of pure indulgence with every bite, that’s why it’s my favourite.
So, there you have it, my ranking of some of Arnott’s classic biscuits. Whether you agree or disagree, one thing is certain: Arnott’s has a biscuit for every taste, and the debate over which is best is a testament to the brand’s enduring place in Australian culture.
Now, I turn to you, what is your favourite Arnott’s biscuit? Which is your least favourite? Do you agree with this list? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Interesting biscuits to bake from around the world
For some unknown reason I keep finding Venetian’s in the shopping cart 🛒
I think Honey Jumbles are sadly missed.
Now trying to find a biscuit (not sure if it’s Arnotts as that seems to be the story) but these biscuits are thin and snaps??? I’m thinking probably originated from Holland or somewhere over in Europe (so probably not eligible for this story)
I do like those pillows filled with fruit???
Ellie, I’ll let you into a secret, the Ginger Nut has a different recipe in different States. Different thickness and hardness apparently.
Recently I munched on a Kingston and something became apparent. The biscuit is, I’m sure, physically smaller than it was a decade ago.
One flavour missing is the old Date Slice. Last time I looked, not on the Arnott’s product list anymore.
Everyone will have different favourites. Mine are Vo-Vos, Venetians, and Kingstons. I like Granitas too.
The Shredded Wheatmeal is my pick. Hasn’t changed much over the years and it’s better for the waistline. Two of them together with a bit of butter is perfect.