
Trying iconic Aussie snacks for the first time is like going on a quirky cultural road trip. You’re not just eating; you’re discovering. And like any good trip, it needs the right soundtrack. Whether you’re biting into a Tim Tam, sipping a cup of Milo, or cautiously nibbling Vegemite toast, the music in the background can turn your taste test into a full-blown experience. So here it is: your unofficial playlist for exploring Australian foods Americans need to try. One bite. One track at a time.
1. Tim Tams + “Electric Feel” by MGMT
There’s no better intro than the Tim Tam. Chocolate on the outside, creamy on the inside, and addictive as hell. It’s a snack that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is why MGMT’s “Electric Feel” fits perfectly. Play this while you do your first “Tim Tam Slam,” biting off both ends and sipping coffee or hot chocolate through it like a straw. It’s weird. It’s great. You’re in.
2. Milo + “Daydream” by Tame Impala
Milo is somewhere between hot chocolate and malted milk. It’s not exactly sweet, more like nostalgic comfort in powdered form. Tame Impala’s dreamy, layered vibe mirrors the slow-building flavor of Milo. Whether you stir it into milk or pile it dry on ice cream (a real thing, trust us), this track makes the moment feel like a cozy daydream down under.
3. Vegemite on Toast + “Back in Black” by AC/DC
Okay. It’s time. Vegemite. Australians love it, while most Americans are unsure what to make of it. The secret: use it sparingly—just a thin scrape over buttered toast. The flavor is bold, salty, and totally unapologetic, much like AC/DC. Crank up “Back in Black,” take a bite, and feel the full force of Aussie flavor. It might not be love at first taste, but it earns your respect.
4. Fairy Bread + “Electric Blue” by Icehouse
Now for something completely different. Fairy Bread is slices of white bread, smeared with butter, and covered in rainbow sprinkles (called “hundreds and thousands” in Oz). It’s a party snack for kids, but adults secretly love it too. It’s colorful, slightly ridiculous, and oddly satisfying. Pair it with the synth-pop sweetness of Icehouse’s “Electric Blue,” a retro classic that matches the vibe.
5. Lamingtons + “Chandelier” by Sia
Lamingtons are soft sponge cakes coated in chocolate and rolled in coconut. Sometimes they’re filled with cream or jam. They’re messy. They’re decadent. They’re kind of over the top, in a good way. Sia’s powerful voice and dramatic production on “Chandelier” capture that same mix of elegance and chaos. Try not to get coconut everywhere.
6. Meat Pie + “Beds Are Burning” by Midnight Oil
Hot, flaky, and filled with beef gravy, a meat pie is the ultimate Aussie comfort food. Best eaten at sporting events, truck stops, or frankly, anywhere. Midnight Oil’s “Beds Are Burning” brings a bit of grit and purpose to the meal. It’s political, proud, and unmistakably Australian, much like the humble meat pie.
7. Shapes (BBQ or Pizza) + “Youth” by Troye Sivan
Shapes are flavored crackers that come in boxes and pack a surprising amount of punch. They’re salty, tangy, and highly snackable. “Youth” by Troye Sivan matches that energy. Light, catchy, and easy to consume in large amounts without noticing. You’ve been warned.
8. Cherry Ripe + “Scar” by Missy Higgins
Cherry Ripe is one of Australia’s oldest chocolate bars. Dark chocolate, cherries, and coconut. It’s rich, bittersweet, and a bit polarizing. You might love it or not, but it definitely leaves an impression. Missy Higgins’ “Scar” brings that same emotional depth. Moody, melodic, and a little raw around the edges.
9. Anzac Biscuits + “Riptide” by Vance Joy
Made with oats, golden syrup, and coconut, Anzac biscuits are a chewy, historical tribute to the soldiers of WWI. They’re hearty and satisfying, with a story behind every bite. Vance Joy’s “Riptide” has that same easygoing, heartfelt feel. Play it while sipping tea and imagining a sunny afternoon somewhere in the bush.
10. Golden Gaytime + “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” by Kylie Minogue
Golden Gaytime is an ice cream bar with toffee and vanilla, dipped in chocolate and coated with biscuit crumbs. Yes, it’s as over-the-top as it sounds. And yes, the name is very much real. It’s playful, sweet, and instantly unforgettable, just like Kylie’s disco-pop anthem. Once you try it, you’ll never look at ice cream the same way again.
Final Track: “Down Under” by Men at Work
As the snacks disappear and the wrappers pile up, there’s only one way to close out your Aussie taste test: with the anthem. “Down Under” isn’t just a song, it’s a vibe. A tongue-in-cheek tribute to Australia’s quirks, pride, and laid-back charm. Just like this whole food adventure.
So, cue up the playlist, grab a few Aussie treats, and take your taste buds on a trip. You might be thousands of miles from Sydney or Melbourne, but with the correct bite and the right song, you’re just a beat away from the Land Down Under.