Okay, Gen X, Boomers, and maybe Millennials, I have a question for you. Do you remember when Southwest Airlines used to have an advertising campaign selling the virtues of only offering peanuts because they could keep travel prices low? Generation Z, I’m pretty sure, at this point, you had other things on your mind like the sippy cup, but be that as it may, it was a whole thing! While other airlines were offering meals, Southwest was doing the least gastronomically, but justifying it by letting us know we were benefitting.
I respected it because, yes, I wanna get away. (A little Southwest humor there.)
For the most part, gone are the days of those full meals for the meager coach-class. The other airlines learned quickly. Unless, you’re paying top dollar, better pack a lunch. But if you’re not that pressed and you can make it a few hours on a plane with just a few snacks and beverages, there’s good news. Some of the airlines are upping the ante with a variety of snack offerings. In other words, peanuts and pub mix aren’t your only options.
So, let’s look into this. I’m big on taking our time and doing a series. What snacks are airlines providing for in-flight service? Let’s begin the series with our former peanut-providing friends, Southwest Airlines.
On recent Southwest flights from BWI Airport to San Diego and back again—or in normal terms, a roundtrip—Southwest served the same two flight snacks. So, I’m guessing these are the ones that are in rotation right now.
Snack #1: Brownie Brittle
Yes, brittle is not just for peanuts anymore, it’s made its way to brownies. Gotta’ tell you, I wasn’t excited. But wait…dehydrated brownies, may not sound that appealing, but…aha! Not bad. In fact, it’s not bad at all. The Brownie Brittle bag claims that it’s delish to the last crumbs. Well, it’s only a bite-sized bag, but I agree with them, much like that last French fry, I searched the bottom of the bag for more.
So, I had to know just how unnatural was this Brownie Brittle? With a quick look on the back of the bag, I saw the ingredients included flour and eggs, so it’s not completely chemicalized, but I also saw the other unpronounceable words too, so don’t look for this to show up on your top 10 healthy snacks list. But don’t write it off, it is a low-calorie snack, and the brand carries all kinds of flavors like seasonal caramel apple and pumpkin.
I was pleased with it, especially because it’s the kind of snack that does not cause too much drama to your tummy during a flight. Been there…don’t need a sequel. Plus, I could use a little help after, perhaps unwisely, on the night before my flight eating that awesome curry fish and shrimp pasta from The Fish Market restaurant, right off of San Diego’s Bay, which was so conveniently close to my hotel. Dear Lord Jesus, be with me!
Snack #2: Stellar Mini Pretzel Braids (Maui Monk)
Right off the bat, it’s an ornate, colorful, and beautiful bag. It raises expectations and evokes wonder for what your taste buds could possibly be in for.
Stellar Snacks is a woman-owned, mother-and-daughter company with a short but sweet story on the back of the bag. The brand takes the time to separate itself from the normal brand marketing hullabaloo and gives the consumer an inside track to them as people, as mother and daughter—their names are Gina and Elisabeth, by the way. So now you have this visual of the brand with Gina and Elisabeth as a proud mom-and-daughter partnership ready to take on the world with a dream to make pretzels that represent their passion. I like it! And I love a good story.
Their passion shows in the product. It’s pretty enjoyable. The braided pretzels include Maui Monk seasoning, and even though I have no idea, what that really means. I do know that the pretzels have an out-of-the-ordinary flavor profile. They list garlic and onion in the ingredients, and it is very pronounced—in a good way. All the while, I could taste a light tropical flavor that was enough to say, “I’m here,” without being overbearing.
All-in-all, it’s a snack you want to learn more about. Upon a quick search, I saw that the brand has a ton of other flavors so there’s room to explore.
You can find it online or in your local store. Gina and Elisabeth aren’t slipping; they let you know. This brand covers a lot of ground on that little bag. Plus, who doesn’t want to support a mom-and-daughter business? Come on!
Both of these products have a life outside of delighting Southwest Airlines guests on their flights to and from their many destinations. Brownie Brittle and Stellar Mini Pretzel Braids, both, have QR codes readily available for scanning, so you can get more details.
I respect it. That’s just smart marketing that goes beyond the itty-bitty bag and the flight.
Editor’s note: This article was written in late 2024. Since then, a friend recently shared her thoughts about the Stellar Pretzel Braids she was served on the flight. She was traveling with three of her boys ranging from 10 to 16. She thought the pretzels were good, but the boys didn’t care for it.
So, FYI, this snack might be for more discriminating palates. Unless your kids are into more exotic tastes, bring snacks for the kids. It might be a wise decision.
Multi Cultural Cooking Network 