Air New Zealand's New In-Flight Snacks Include Kiwis' Favourite Cookie, Crunchy Cheese and Feijoa Popcorn

Following rigorous rounds of testing by Air New Zealand's team of snack experts, the airline's new in-flight domestic and international snacks have been revealed, with everyone's favourite Cookie Time cookie standing strong on the menu.

Earlier in 2023, Air New Zealand made the callout to food-loving and food-producing Kiwis, asking them to be part of the 'Great Kiwi Snack Off'. This saw more than 9000 hungry New Zealanders apply to become the carrier's official taste testers, which was eventually cut to just five experts — or, as Air New Zealand likes to call them, "snacksperts'.

As well as the snack tasters, 400 New Zealand snack makers from across the country threw their hats in the ring to be part of Air New Zealand's snack menu overhaul, with the final choices whittled down to 14 tasty treats.

While some snacks may sound familiar, like the aforementioned Cookie Time, others will be taking their first Air New Zealand flight. Unique snacks like crunchy dried cheese and lemon meringue popcorn are just some of the choices that will be appearing on the inflight snack list. Even Cookie Time will be getting a makeover, with classic New Zealand flavours like pavlova, lollie cake, and chocolate fish and chips making an appearance. Not all of the new snacks will be on offer on every route, with some of the offering popping up on domestic flights only, while others will be served in premium cabins.

Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty said the team had been "amazed by the quality and calibre of suppliers" while searching for their perfect snacks. "We've been extremely impressed and making a decision hasn't been easy," Geraghty said.

"We know how passionate New Zealanders are about all things snacks, so we've really tried to mix it up with some unusual flavours and textures — from freeze-dried cheese to lemon, white chocolate and popcorn flavour combinations, we wanted to be a bit playful with some of the snack options."

The 14 new snack options will be rolled out across Air New Zealand's flight services and cabins from December 2023, with Graze chocolate-dipped raspberry almonds the first new snack.