Shocking Label: How 'Cookies' Sparked Outrage at a Royal Event over Anzac Biscuits!

In a world where cultural sensitivity is more important than ever, a recent oversight at a royal event has left Australians feeling a mix of disbelief and indignation. The cause of the uproar? The humble Anzac biscuit – or should we say, the not-so-humble 'Anzac cookie'.


During a Parliamentary Reception held in honour of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's visit to Australia, a menu item triggered a wave of nationalistic pride and protectiveness. Among the array of canapés and sweet treats, the Anzac biscuit was mistakenly labelled as an 'Anzac cookie', a term that not only deviates from tradition but also an illegality.


anzac biscuits.PNG
The items served for King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla included an 'Anzac cookie' which drew ire from Aussies. Image Credit: X/Andrew Greene


The term 'Anzac' holds a special place in the hearts of Australians and New Zealanders, commemorating the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought during World War I. The Anzac biscuit, a culinary tribute to these soldiers, is steeped in history and protected by legislation that dictates how it should be named and prepared.


The Department of Veterans' Affairs is clear on the matter: Anzac biscuits must be called 'biscuits' and not 'cookies'. This distinction may seem trivial to some, but to many Australians, it's a matter of honouring their heritage and the sacrifices made by the Anzacs. The guidelines also stipulate that the biscuits should not deviate substantially from the traditional recipe and shape, preserving the authenticity of this wartime staple.

The online reaction to the 'cookie' label was swift and severe, with social media users expressing their dismay and disappointment. Some called the mislabelling an 'abomination' and 'sacrilege', while others pointed out that it could technically be a violation of government regulations. The term 'cookie' is seen as an Americanism, and its use in this context was perceived as a cultural misstep, especially at an event with such high visibility and significance.

The outrage underscores the broader issue of cultural appropriation and the importance of respecting and preserving national symbols and traditions. The Anzac biscuit is more than just a sweet treat; it's a symbol of national pride and remembrance. To miscategorise it as a 'cookie' is to disregard its cultural significance and the legal protections in place to safeguard its legacy.


The incident at the royal event serves as a reminder that even small details can carry great weight. It's a call to all, from event planners to multinational corporations, to be mindful of cultural heritage and to approach it with the respect it deserves.

As the story unfolded, the Parliament House and the Department of Veterans' Affairs has yet to comment, highlighting the seriousness with which this issue is taken. For Australians over 60, who grew up with the Anzac biscuit as a staple of national identity, the error is particularly jarring.

So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, let's take this moment to reflect on the importance of our traditions and the ways in which we can all contribute to their preservation. Whether it's through respectful language or the sharing of history with younger generations, every action counts.

Key Takeaways

  • Anzac biscuits were incorrectly labelled as 'cookies' at a royal event, causing outrage and being deemed disrespectful and illegal.
  • There are explicit Australian regulations that protect the use of the term 'Anzac,' particularly in food, and Anzac biscuits must not be referred to as 'cookies'.
  • The incorrect labelling at the Parliamentary Reception for King Charles III and Queen Camilla has prompted widespread criticism and claims of insult to Australian veterans.
  • The Department of Veterans' Affairs has specific guidelines on the production and sale of Anzac biscuits, which must follow the generally accepted recipe and shape, and violators could face fines or imprisonment.
Have you ever encountered a similar situation where a cultural symbol was misrepresented? How did you respond, and what do you believe is the best way to educate others about the significance of such symbols? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – let's keep the conversation going and ensure that the legacy of the Anzac biscuit, and all it represents, remains intact for generations to come.
 

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Surely if you are a “true blue” Aussie you’d know they were Anzac biscuits not cookies. What an embarrassment!
 
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What I've always thought is funny is why do we call them Anzac Buscuits and not Anzac cookies. I'm guessing because biscuits are English and Cookies are American although similar are two very different things

A biscuit is a dough that you roll out where as a cookie is more sticky eg like the Anzac Biscuit which is very sticky and no way can be rolled.

So technically an Anzac biscuit is a cookie 🍪

Cookies are sweet, baked treats often made with sugar, flour, and additional ingredients like chocolate or nuts. They are soft and chewy, originating from the United States. In contrast, biscuits, popular in British and American cuisines, are flaky and buttery, served with savory dishes or enjoyed for breakfast.

Unlike a chewier cookie, biscuits are made with a dough, they can be cut into any shape and their firmer, snappier and flatter constitution provides the perfect blank canvas for icing and decorating.
Excuse me! American 'biscuits' are what we call scones! Different animal! What is the provenance of your dictionary quote!
 
What I've always thought is funny is why do we call them Anzac Buscuits and not Anzac cookies. I'm guessing because biscuits are English and Cookies are American although similar are two very different things

A biscuit is a dough that you roll out where as a cookie is more sticky eg like the Anzac Biscuit which is very sticky and no way can be rolled.

So technically an Anzac biscuit is a cookie 🍪

Cookies are sweet, baked treats often made with sugar, flour, and additional ingredients like chocolate or nuts. They are soft and chewy, originating from the United States. In contrast, biscuits, popular in British and American cuisines, are flaky and buttery, served with savory dishes or enjoyed for breakfast.

Unlike a chewier cookie, biscuits are made with a dough, they can be cut into any shape and their firmer, snappier and flatter constitution provides the perfect blank canvas for icing and decorating.
American "biscuit/s" are what we would call "scones", the way they have them is an insult to biscuits AND scones.
 
cookie (noun).

1. A small computer file produced by a web server when a computer user browses the internet.

2. Term of endearment used to describe a person, usually female, e.g. you're a cute cookie.

There is no third definition.

KEEP AMERICANISMS OUT OF AUSTRALIA!!
Cookie is stll an american word not an australian word
 
Who cares? I am tired of this time wasting mock shock nonsense. Desist and publish things that are important.
If you don't mind becoming a part of America, good on you. But I am/was proud to be an Australian and how we used to be. Why should we change our way of talking, writing because America can't get their heads around something different?
 
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What I've always thought is funny is why do we call them Anzac Buscuits and not Anzac cookies. I'm guessing because biscuits are English and Cookies are American although similar are two very different things

A biscuit is a dough that you roll out where as a cookie is more sticky eg like the Anzac Biscuit which is very sticky and no way can be rolled.

So technically an Anzac biscuit is a cookie 🍪

Cookies are sweet, baked treats often made with sugar, flour, and additional ingredients like chocolate or nuts. They are soft and chewy, originating from the United States. In contrast, biscuits, popular in British and American cuisines, are flaky and buttery, served with savory dishes or enjoyed for breakfast.

Unlike a chewier cookie, biscuits are made with a dough, they can be cut into any shape and their firmer, snappier and flatter constitution provides the perfect blank canvas for icing and decorating.
It's about why they were made. Why they became so popular. It's the background to the story. Not if they were rolled or made with a dough. They were called Anzac biscuits when they were sent overseas to the ANZAC's and they had to be edible when they got there. And all this time in Australia we have called them biscuits so why change now
 
To those who complain about “America taking over”, why not try to do something about it instead of complaining?

America is not taking over. Australia is giving in.

Have your own personal protest by refusing to watch American productions and entertainers, eating American style foods, ignore anything American or American influenced.

My post won’t be popular, but it’s how I feel. 😊
What ideas do the disgruntled people have?
My husband and I are giving it a good go but unless we stand united we might as well bend over and kiss our a**e goodbye.
 
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Why oh why do people insist on calling biscuits "cookies" We have always called our biscuits, biscuits. Especially Anzac Biscuits. It annoys me that all our Australian terminology is being replaced by American words. We now celebrate Halloween but we can't celebrate Australia Day. We have most fast foods shops that are American and our fast food shops are disappearing because the bigger companies can keep their prices down to eliminate our small shops. Welcome to the 51st state of America
Bless you friend.. I couldn't agree with you more. Shops being taken over by them, Halloween thought to be American..IT ISN'T. IT'S AN IRISH RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL that's been going before the discovery of this mongrel country. When I see "cookie" even written in books or magazines, I see red. Im not racist.. I actually have friends from 17 different nationalities inc my doctor from Burma (EVEN HE CALLS IT BURMA).
A tip for the readers... if you wish to read a brilliant, eye opening book get ALL IN THE FAMILY by Donald Trump's brother and you will learn so much about what they are like. I think Ted is one for very few of them who is not greedy and does give a damn about the everyday man. I am so glad I decided to buy it.
 
Well it just goes to show how Americanised this country has become. By slow and incremental progression, since the advent of Television into our homes in the 1960’s in every way. Here is an example of how confused our grandchildren are. Two boys passing by our house with Australian flag raised for AANZAC day, were heard to say “ why have they got that flag flying, it should be the Stars and Stripes “
 
Biscuits are Cookies.
Chips are Fries.
Lollies are Sweets.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR AUSTRALIAN VERSION OF FOODS ???
I was always proud to be Australian & always will be, but it seems we should be ashamed.
I always use Australian terms when talking & always will. I also fly the Australian flag on our Caravan when we are on holidays.
How dare migrants come to our country & try to change it. If they don’t like our way of life then they should go back to where they come from & leave us to our way of life. 🇦🇺 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Our Government has a lot to answer to!!
 
Bless you friend.. I couldn't agree with you more. Shops being taken over by them, Halloween thought to be American..IT ISN'T. IT'S AN IRISH RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL that's been going before the discovery of this mongrel country. When I see "cookie" even written in books or magazines, I see red. Im not racist.. I actually have friends from 17 different nationalities inc my doctor from Burma (EVEN HE CALLS IT BURMA).
A tip for the readers... if you wish to read a brilliant, eye opening book get ALL IN THE FAMILY by Donald Trump's brother and you will learn so much about what they are like. I think Ted is one for very few of them who is not greedy and does give a damn about the everyday man. I am so glad I decided to buy it.
You honestly think Donald Trump represents the typical American? 😂🤣 There are more Ted Trumps over there than there are Donalds.
 

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