Air NZ is looking for the best snacks in Aotearoa to add to their menu

Air New Zealand has launched 'The Great Kiwi Snack Off' and is on the search for the best Kiwi snacks to add to their in-flight menu by the end of the year.

According to Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty, the bites should “surprise and delight” customers across “different dietary needs and time-of-day appetites.”

The judging criteria include how well a snack represents and celebrates the history and “provenance of NZ, Māori and Pasifika or social enterprises”; how inventive and tasty the flavours are; whether the packaging and ingredients are sustainable; and whether the foods cater to customers with allergies and dietary needs.

There's only one small catch - the snacks must be made in New Zealand or with ingredients from NZ.

This means that snack suppliers across the country, including boutique suppliers who currently serve a smaller customer base, are eligible to submit an expression of interest. Air New Zealand is hoping that the wide criteria will encourage bespoke suppliers to submit their products too.

It’s the first time since 2018 that the company has had a full review of the onboard snack options for domestic, short-haul and long-haul flights.

Last year, Air NZ did update the in-flight snack options for domestic flights to include popcorn, crisps, muesli bars and chocolate, however, this snack hunt will result in bigger changes, as the chosen bites will also be rolled out across short- and long-haul international flights too.

The expressions of interest will be open until May 1, and the new range will be chosen before the end of the year.

The airline has also waived any concerns for die-hard Air New Zealand fans – the end-of-flight lolly and the Koru hour cheese and crackers will be sticking around.

We can't wait to see what new snacks will be added!