Suggestions for Air New Zealand's new inflight snacks include several thoroughly Aotearoa-themed items like hangi pies, pavlova bites, L&P gummies and even Kiwi onion dip, the company has announced.
The airline is potentially looking to dump its traditional Cookie Time cookies in favour of a new range of snacks on its domestic services.
Air NZ said it has received more than 250 submissions so far as part of its Great Kiwi Snack Off, a campaign launched last week to help it determine the new onboard snacks.
"We're loving the creativity, passion and diversity that's coming through. It's clear that Kiwis are serious about their snacks and are eager to see their favourite treats onboard our flights," said Air NZ chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty.
"Chips in all shapes and flavours are a hot topic, along with nutty and grainy options, and products made from locally sourced fruits and veggies. High-protein snacks are also whetting appetites, along with a really great response from diet diverse companies, particularly plant-based food entrepreneurs, and approaches from social enterprises working with disabled New Zealanders and those reducing food waste.
"We're excited to have discovered so many new and exciting boutique-type food and snack suppliers that we might not have come across otherwise. It's great to see so many small, local businesses putting their best foot forward and putting their products on the national stage."
Air NZ revealed the 13 most imaginative suggestions so far as:
- Kiwi Onion Dip with Veggie Dippers: A crowd favourite, this classic Kiwi dip is made with onion soup mix and reduced cream, served with a colourful array of fresh vegetable dippers.
- Sausage Sizzle Snag Roll: The time-honoured Bunnings BBQ sizzle snag rolled up in soft bread, Heinz ketchup and topped with an authentic mix of raw and burnt onions.
- L&P Gummies: Gummy bears infused with the iconic Lemon and Paeroa soda flavour.
- Spaghetti Toastie: Melted cheese sandwiched between two slices of toast with a hearty serving of Wattie's spaghetti inside.
- Lemon Meringue Pie Flavoured Popcorn: A mash-up of two crowd favourites, coated in with a white chocolate drizzle.
- Snifters Slice: A nostalgic chocolate and peppermint slice reminiscent of the original Kiwi candy.
- Marmite and Cheese Scones: Savoury scones made with classic Kiwi spread and cheddar cheese.
- Hokey Pokey Popcorn: Popcorn coated with honeycomb chunks, another iconic Kiwi flavour.
- Māori Fry Bread: Soft, fluffy fry bread filled with a choice of flavourful fillings, such as whitebait, pāua or spiced taro.
- Pavlova Bites: Mini meringue bites topped with fresh kiwifruit and whipped cream.
- Hangi Pies: A take on the classic New Zealand pie, filled with savoury beef mince seasoned with traditional hangi spices.
- Hemp Chocolate Bar: A chocolate bar infused with hemp seeds, a nod to New Zealand's growing hemp industry.
- Kai Moana Chowder: A creamy and flavourful chowder made with a variety of fresh seafood, perfect for warming up on a chilly flight.
Submissions will be accepted in the campaign up until May 1.
The domestic inflight snack shakeup follows an overhaul in 2021 that saw the usual cookies added to a rotating menu of cereal bars, crisps, chips, popcorn, bliss bites and cracker bites.
