What are the ingredients in BBQ shapes? A deep dive into Arnott's snack

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

Arnott's sells more than 53 million packs of Shapes annually in Australia alone, and a key reason for their enduring popularity is the "flavour you can see". But what are the ingredients in BBQ shapes that create this distinctive taste? This classic oven-baked snack is made from a combination of a wheat-based cracker and a savoury seasoning mix.

Quick Summary

Arnott's BBQ Shapes consist of a cracker base made from wheat flour and vegetable oil, coated in a seasoning blend of tomato, garlic, onion powders, and spices. Flavor enhancers and emulsifiers are also used to create the distinct savoury profile and texture.

Key Points

Base Ingredients: Classic BBQ Shapes are made from a wheat flour-based cracker, vegetable oil, and yeast.
Key Seasoning: The distinctive savoury flavour comes from a blend of powdered tomato, garlic, onion, and parsley.
Flavour Enhancers: Additives like Disodium 5′-ribonucleotides (E635) are used to intensify the savoury, umami flavour.
Texture and Stability: Antioxidants (E300, E307b) and emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin, E322) are included to maintain the texture and freshness of the crackers.
Gluten-Free Option: A separate gluten-free version exists, using tapioca, maize, and rice flours instead of wheat, and is endorsed by Coeliac Australia.
Allergen Information: Standard BBQ Shapes contain wheat, gluten, and soy, while both versions may contain traces of other allergens like egg and milk.

The Classic Cracker: A Foundation of Flour and Oil

At its core, a BBQ Shape is a savoury biscuit, and its base is built from a few simple components. The biscuit dough primarily consists of wheat flour and vegetable oil. Arnott's notes the crackers are oven-baked, not fried, giving them a distinct crunch. A variety of vegetable oils are used, including palm, canola, and sunflower, often with added antioxidants like tocopherols (E307b) to maintain freshness.

Other essential baking ingredients give the cracker its texture and flavour. Starch, derived from both wheat and maize, contributes to the biscuit's structure. Salt and yeast are also fundamental components, providing seasoning and leavening. A touch of malt extract from barley is added for colour and a subtle flavour note.

The “Flavour You Can See” Coating

The vibrant orange-red coating is what sets BBQ Shapes apart, and it’s a mix of multiple flavourings and spices. The most prominent flavours come from a trio of dehydrated vegetables in powder form: tomato, garlic, and onion. These create the sweet, tangy, and pungent notes that define the flavour. Fresh herbs are also included, with parsley being a noticeable ingredient.

For a deeper, more complex flavour, Arnott's incorporates Worcestershire sauce, spices, and vegetable protein extract. A touch of sugar balances the saltiness and acidity, while spice extracts intensify the overall profile without adding bulk.

Artificial Additives and Enhancers

Modern food production often uses additives to improve taste, texture, and shelf-life, and BBQ Shapes are no exception. While Arnott's states the product contains no artificial flavours or preservatives, several food additives are used.

Flavour Enhancer (E635): Disodium 5′-ribonucleotides (E635) is a powerful flavour enhancer commonly used in savoury snacks to amplify the savoury, or umami, taste.
Emulsifier (E322): Soy lecithin (E322) is used to help combine the fat and water-based ingredients, ensuring a consistent texture and seasoning adhesion.
Antioxidants (E300, E307b): Ascorbic acid (E300) and concentrated tocopherols (E307b) are added to prevent the vegetable oils from becoming rancid and spoiling the product.

Original vs. Gluten-Free BBQ Shapes: A Comparison

In recent years, Arnott's has introduced a gluten-free version of their popular BBQ Shapes, designed to cater to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. The ingredient list differs significantly to achieve a similar taste and texture without wheat.


Ingredient Category	Original BBQ Shapes	Gluten-Free BBQ Shapes
Base Flour	Wheat Flour	Starch (Tapioca, Maize), Rice Flour
Thickener/Binder	Starch (Wheat)	Thickener (Xanthan Gum), Modified Starch
Main Oil	Vegetable Oil (Palm, Canola, Sunflower)	Vegetable Oil
Flavour Blend	Tomato, Garlic, Onion, Parsley, Spices	Tomato, Garlic, Onion, Parsley, Spices
Flavour Enhancer	Flavour Enhancer (E635)	Flavour Enhancer (E635)
Allergens	Contains Wheat, Gluten, Soy, Barley	Contains Soy; May contain Egg, Milk

Allergic and Dietary Considerations

Understanding the ingredient list is crucial for individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies. For standard BBQ Shapes, the primary allergens are wheat and soy. As the biscuits are produced in a facility that also handles other products, the packaging carries a warning that traces of egg, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame may be present.

For those with celiac disease, the gluten-free version offers a safe alternative, but it still contains soy and may contain traces of egg and milk. The manufacturer's label is the most authoritative source for the latest allergen information, and consumers should always check the package before consumption.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Cracker

The distinctive flavour of Arnott's BBQ Shapes is not a simple blend but a carefully crafted recipe. Beyond the fundamental cracker ingredients of wheat flour, vegetable oil, and yeast, the magic lies in the savoury seasoning. This blend of tomato, garlic, and onion powders, complemented by spices and flavour enhancers, creates the addictive taste that has made it a staple snack. With the introduction of gluten-free options, a wider audience can now enjoy a version of this classic snack, though a careful reading of the label for allergens remains paramount. For those interested in seeing the full, official list of Arnott's products and their ingredients, the company's website is a helpful resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the standard Arnott's BBQ Shapes contain wheat flour and barley malt extract, which contain gluten. A gluten-free version is available for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

E635 is the code for disodium 5′-ribonucleotides, a flavour enhancer used to boost the savoury, or umami, taste of the biscuit seasoning.

Yes, most versions of Arnott's BBQ Shapes are suitable for vegetarians, as they do not contain meat products. However, it is always best to check the latest packaging for specific dietary information.

Soy is included in BBQ Shapes in the form of soy lecithin (an emulsifier) and sometimes as an antioxidant (E307b from soy) and vegetable protein extract. It is a listed allergen.

Arnott's confirms that their BBQ Shapes are oven-baked, not fried. This gives them their characteristic crispy texture.

Yes, the recipe has undergone changes throughout its history. Some consumers have noted shifts in flavour, and Arnott's has released updated versions, including the popular gluten-free variant.

The distinct savoury taste comes from a mix of ingredients, primarily powdered tomato, garlic, and onion. It is enhanced further by spices, Worcestershire sauce, and the flavour enhancer E635.