In the Land Down Under, where the love for a good snack is as vast as the outback, a debate has erupted that's dividing snack enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike.

It's the classic tale of David versus Goliath, but in this case, it's ALDI's home-brand snack versus the iconic Australian Shapes.

The battlefield? The internet, where one man's claim has sparked a fiery discussion about taste, value, and national snack loyalty.



Michael took to social media to share his controversial opinion. Armed with a box of ALDI's Barbecue 'Snako' biscuits, he declared them superior to the beloved Barbecue Shapes.

'Undeniable proof ALDI’s Barbecue Snakos are better than Barbecue Shapes,' he proclaimed, showcasing the snack's generous coating of red seasoning.


His argument hinges on two points: price and flavour.

‘They’re not only cheaper, but they also have heaps of red powder [on] each biscuit,’ he said.

The online community is split. Some snackers reminisce about the good old days, suggesting that Snakos are reminiscent of the original Shapes recipe.

‘Looks like Shapes in the ‘90s,’ one said.

‘This looks like the one Shape that you hope you find in the whole box!’ another commented.

‘That’s why I eat the whole box in one sitting because they never have enough flavouring on them, you have to keep going to get that “flavour hit”.’

‘ALDI home-brand knockoffs punch way above their weight,’ a third wrote.

‘They're also saltier tasting than BBQ shapes and have more flavouring.’



Yet, some remain sceptical, with one critic saying, ‘Last time I tried them, they tasted like depression in a box.’

‘I tried them based on a recommendation…and was horribly disappointed,’ another agreed.

‘Un-Australian behaviour, in my opinion,’ a third wrote.

To settle the debate, the Kidspot team conducted a taste test.

The 200 g Snakos, priced at $1.69, offered a clear financial advantage over the $4 box of Shapes, which contained 175g. Both are oven-baked.

But when it comes to flavour, the Snakos hit the palate with an intense saltiness that, while initially impressive, soon becomes overpowering.



The texture, too, was a point of contention; the Snakos were harder and lacked their competitor's buttery mouthfeel.

The Shapes, on the other hand, deliver a more complex and balanced flavour profile without the salt assault.

The texture is softer, more in line with what many expect from a savoury biscuit.

But what about the health aspect? Shapes boast a two-star health rating, while ALDI's Snako lags with half a star.

So, does the budget-friendly Snako usurp the throne?

According to the Kidspot team, ‘Not really. Sorry, but I’m team Arnott’s here. (But that won't stop me from devouring the entire box to myself in the early hours of the morning.)’
Have you tried ALDI's Snakos, and do you think they hold a candle to the original Shapes? Or is this all just 'Un-Australian behaviour', as one passionate critic put it? Share your thoughts and your snack showdowns in the comments below!