Arnott’s Jatz vs Savoy crackers: What’s the difference?

They look exactly the same but can you tell the difference between these Arnott’s crackers? Turns out it’s a topic that sparks much debate.

When I spotted a box of Savoy in the local IGA (in NSW) the other day I was very confused.

They looked like Jatz - did they taste the same? What’s the difference?

Only days earlier had I seen someone post to a Facebook thread a picture of what I know to be a Jatz cracker, calling it a Savoy. What was going on?

Little did I realise, debate on this topic stems back YEARS.

If you search Twitter there are endless tweets and threads about the golden crackers - namely which is more superior.

Dear Queensland,
Savoy crackers are far superior to Jatz and you are missing out.
Sincerely, a Victorian.

— Jess. (@CaptainJessFace) March 15, 2020

Oh my @banny1010 we can finally do the taste test!
I’ll admit, ingredients are different.
Will report on findings shortly...#jatzvsavoy pic.twitter.com/e11hXA8cyq

— LaurÆ PivÆ (@PivaLasVegas) March 15, 2020

I ought add, being Victorian, I love the taste of Savoy with its golden syrup and find Jatz not in agreement with one's palate. So no cross-border substitution please.

— Edmund Carew (@EdmundCarew) March 23, 2020

okay so apparently jatz and savoy are NOT the same thing? and they taste slightly different??? i never knew this hello how can i try jatz i’m so shook by this rn

— amy (@blckbeartrsh) May 5, 2020

They’ve also become embroiled in a State of Origin type war, with Victorians claiming the Savoy reigns supreme, brushing off the Jatz to Queensland and NSW.

SO WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE, OTHER THAN THE NAME?

Arnott’s have previously addressed the conundrum.

“Jatz and Savoy crackers are reasonably similar but you can tell the difference immediately as ‘SAVOY’ is embossed on the Savoy cracker,” they said.

“There are also some recipe differences between the two crackers – the most obvious ones are that Jatz contains full cream milk powder and malt while Savoy contains golden syrup instead of malt.”

The company said Savoy were on the market in Victoria and Tasmania before Jatz.

“They were then made in Melbourne by the Brockhoff biscuit company. Arnott’s joined with this company in the early 1960s and adopted many of its products. It was decided to keep Savoy and Jatz because consumers in Victoria and NSW were equally passionate about their local brands.”

The company said even today, sometimes Jatz and Savoy end up across the border in places such as Albury and customers think Arnott’s have changed the recipe, not realising there are two variants.

The description on the Arnott’s website actually reads exactly the same, saying both crackers are an Aussie favourite.

“With their tasty base and great crunch, Jatz (or Savoy) are versatile enough for any cheese, dip or topping you can throw at them, making them perfect for all your entertaining occasions,” the site says.

One woman on Twitter concluded Savoy was the “lesser” cracker.

But another said, “I feel SO BAD for anyone who has to buy JATZ and not SAVOY’s. SAVOY biscuits are far more superior. I genuinely am so sorry for all you JATZ consumers. Melbourne knows where it’s at, just sayin”.

And this isn’t even throwing Ritz and Clix into the debate!

Excuse random question.

Who da fuq calls Jatz - Savoy? pic.twitter.com/mQKXpRHzBx

— Smallzy 🎧 (@Smallzy) November 27, 2017

in nsw jatz are jatz but in vic jatz are savoy and this makes me uncomfortable pic.twitter.com/TbM5SBrKWM

— ✧･ﾟ:* ❁ melina ❁ *:･ﾟ✧ (@melina_ferr) September 17, 2017

DO YOUR BISCUIT RESEARCH. A JATZ AND A SAVOY ARE NOT THE SAME THING. IT'S INSANITY TO SUGGEST OTHERWISE. WE KNOW BISCUITS. https://t.co/mIWeYsXtsW

— The NT News (@TheNTNews) March 3, 2019

Jatz contains full cream milk powder and malt while Savoy contains golden syrup instead of malt.

— Arnott's Biscuits (@ArnottsBikkies) May 6, 2019