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SAO (biscuit) facts for kids

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SAO
SAO crackers.jpg
Three SAO crackers
Type Snack food
Owner Arnott's Biscuits Holdings
Country Australia
Introduced 1904

SAO biscuits are a type of savoury cracker biscuit. They were first made in Australia in 1904 by a company called Arnott's. The name "SAO" was officially registered as a trademark in the same year. These crackers are known for their light, crispy texture and are a popular snack in Australia.

What Are SAO Biscuits?

SAO biscuits are thin, square-shaped crackers. They have a slightly salty taste, which makes them a "savoury" food. People often enjoy them as a quick snack or as part of a meal. They are a classic Australian biscuit that has been around for over a hundred years.

How People Enjoy SAO Biscuits

Many people like to eat SAO biscuits with different toppings. A very common way to enjoy them is with butter and Vegemite, which is another popular Australian spread. You can also add other ingredients like cheese, jam, or even avocado. In the past, SAO biscuits were also a popular base for making homemade vanilla slice, a sweet dessert.

The Story Behind the Name

The exact reason for the name "SAO" is a bit of a mystery! There are two main ideas about where the name came from.

A Family Connection

One popular idea is that "SAO" stands for "Salvation Army Officer." This story suggests the biscuits were named after Arthur Arnott, who was one of the Arnott brothers and an officer in the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army Australia even mentions this idea on their website, calling it "Arguably Fact." It's believed that the brothers wanted to honour Arthur with the biscuit's name.

A Sailing Boat Inspiration

Another story comes from a book called The Story of Arnott's Famous Biscuits, written by Ross Arnott in 1993. In this book, Ross Arnott says that his grandfather, William Arnott (who started the Arnott's company), saw a sailing boat named "Sao" on Lake Macquarie. He supposedly thought, "That would make a good name for a biscuit!"

THE SAVELOY CLUB of the Salvation Army (cropped) Arthur Arnott
Arthur Arnott, who might have inspired the biscuit's name.
SAO advertisement, 1905
An advertisement for SAO biscuits from 1905, published in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Images for kids

  • SAO crackers

    Three SAO crackers

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