The Sweet Legacy of Anzac Biscuits

Culinary historian, Allison Reynolds, took on the challenge, searching through old family recipe books and war files in search of the origins of Australia’s favourite biscuit, the Anzac Biscuit.

Her journey took her as far back as 1823 when a basic biscuit made using rolled oats first appeared. Throughout the century, the biscuit went by various names, such as ‘crispies’ and ‘surprise biscuits’. Then, in the early 1920s during World War I, the name evolved to ‘red cross biscuits’ and ‘soldier biscuits’. It wasn’t until Australian and New Zealand troops landed in Gallipoli that they became known as Anzac Biscuits.

Traditional Anzac Biscuits were crafted from simple, readily available pantry staples – rolled oats, flour, sugar and butter. Golden syrup was used to bind the biscuits, as eggs were in short supply, resulting in a biscuit that didn’t easily spoil. Which was just as well, as Anzac Biscuits were lovingly baked by mothers, wives and women’s groups on home soil in an effort to boost the spirits of our troops stationed thousands of kilometres away.

Baking Anzac biscuits has become a cherished tradition for Australians to commemorate Anzac Day, with the biscuits also being sold over the years to raise funds for Legacy Australia.

For the fifth consecutive year, The Source Bulk Foods is proudly supporting Legacy Australia on a heartfelt mission to honour ‘The Promise’ made from one digger to another, to “look after the missus and the kids.”

Legacy Australia’s story traces back to the aftermath of World War I. Since then, they have worked tirelessly with the families of our veterans to provide financial support in times of hardship, ensure emotional health and well-being and help these families to grow and thrive with new opportunities.

This April, we invite you to honour The Promise with us by indulging in Australia’s favourite biscuit – the Anzac Biscuit!

For every jar of our Organic Traditional Anzac Biscuit Recipe in a Jar sold, we will donate $2 to Legacy Australia.

It’s a delicious way to give back and support those who gave their lives or their health for our country.

Crafted from the same timeless recipe passed down from generations, our Organic Traditional Anzac Biscuit Recipe in a Jar is a tribute to our great-grandmothers’ baking prowess. Each jar contains just the right amount of flour, sugar, oats and coconut. Simply add butter, golden syrup, water and bicarb soda, mix, bake and enjoy!

Find your nearest The Source Bulk Foods store and pick up your Organic Traditional Anzac Biscuit Recipe in a Jar or buy one online and have it delivered to your door! Not only will your taste buds thank you, but you’ll also be honouring the sweet legacy of Anzac Biscuits.

Bake and support Legacy Australia this April, one jar of Anzac Biscuit goodness at a time. The only question left to ponder: crunchy or soft?