Air New Zealand is changing up its snacks again - and this time not even the cookie is safe

Air New Zealand is launching a nationwide search for a selection of new snacks to serve onboard its flights, which could replace existing favourites like the cookie.

The airline is calling for New Zealand snack providers to submit their products for consideration, in a campaign it has dubbed the “Great Kiwi Snack Off”.

The new snacks are being sourced for both domestic and international flights. The only treats that won’t be touched are the , and the famous .

“We’re seeking a diverse range of snacks that cater to different dietary needs and time-of-day appetites,” said Air New Zealand chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty.

“Think sweet, savoury, healthy, indulgent, and everything in between, and catering for a greater range of dietary requirements and preferences.”

The airline wanted to showcase the best snacks New Zealand had to offer, particularly from Māori or Pasifika businesses, social enterprises or those celebrating the provenance of our regions, Geraghty said.

Snacks with sustainable packaging and ingredients would get “extra brownie points”, she added.

The airline has opened an expression of interest process, with providers given until May 1 to make a submission.

All New Zealand-made food and snack suppliers would be eligible to participate, including Kiwi companies or social enterprises making homegrown snacks, or offshore companies making products using New Zealand ingredients.

Successful snacks were expected to be onboard by the end of the year.

Existing suppliers of snacks – such as Cookie Time – would be automatically considered, without having to go through the expression of interest process.

Air New Zealand last revamped its snack options on domestic flights in 2021, and currently offers cookies, cereal bars, crisps, chips, popcorn, bliss bites and cracker bites on its domestic jets, on a rotating basis. .

Customers on turboprop flights are served cookies, bliss bites and fudge pieces.

On international flights, snacks on offer between meals currently include cookies, cereal bars, crisps, chips, popcorn, and chocolate.

The airline is , so customers will be able to help themselves to the treats that make the cut.

Air New Zealand’s snack offering has provoked some strong opinions over the years, ranging from , to .

Here were the team’s thoughts on this latest development.

“I know the prices are through the roof, but surely it’s time for a cheese scone producer to step up to the mark? With lashings of butter.” –

“Viva la cheese roll! The time is right for a nationwide takeover.” –

“Forget solid food, Air New Zealand will forever have my heart if it finds a way to serve a creamy flat white onboard. Humans went to the moon in 1969, perhaps 54 years later we can finally take one giant leap for caffeine and serve something that’s actually drinkable when flying.” –

“Keep the cookie, but store them in a warming drawer to improve their crumbly nature.” –

“Ditch the ghastly beetroot cracker bites, but definitely keep the cookie. I wouldn’t say no to some pineapple lumps, either.” –