United is copying American and Delta, but in this case the news good: biscoff cookies will soon be available onboard for free.
Stroopwafels, which United introduced onboard in 2017, have become a household name in the USA in part due to their wide availability on United. But these Dutch cookies are not the only crowd-favorites. In neighboring Belgium, cinnamon-sugar biscoff biscuits have been a perfect coffee accompaniment for nearly 100 years. Biscoff is short for biscuit-coffee. These cookies have been available on American and Delta for years and will now be offered as part of the complimentary snack basket in United economy class.
Lotus Biscoff cookies replace Byrd’s maple wafers. Although the maple wafers were unique to United, I was not a fan of them…perhaps others were not either. You may still see the Byrd’s maple wafers for a couple more weeks as the supply is depleted. But the Lotus biscoff cookies will begin to appear as soon as this week.
United has had an on again, off again relationship with biscoff cookies over the years. I recall enjoying these biscoffs in green wrappers over a decade ago. Then they disappeared, then they briefly re-appeared in first class snack basket, then disappeared again. It is nice to see them back.
CONCLUSION
Now the only question left which is a better choice with coffee, stroopwafels or biscoffs? My biggest issue will be resisting the temptation to take one of each and load up on the extra carbs…
I do think it is worth mentioning that the positive imagery associated with both of these cookies and inextricably tied to U.S. airlines is a powerful testament that little things do make a lasting impression. Ultimately, it is the little things that build loyalty.
Are you excited to see biscoff cookies return to United?
image: United
I was on a much delayed, then diverted UA KOA-DEN flight last month and FAs went through the cabin with a big basket of “Biscoff” cookies. I wonder whether they took them from first class catering?
By the way, it is worth pointing out that “Biscoff” isn’t actually a type of cookies. It is merely a trademark for speculoos biscuits sold by Lotus Bakeries in the English-speaking world. As a Belgian I have never, ever heard the name “Biscoff” being used in Belgium. They are called spéculoos (French), speculaas (Dutch) or Spekulatius (German). Next time you are in Brussels, I advise you to try the Dandoy ones, they are exceptional.
If I fly often, that’s great. Alternate between stroopwafel and Biscoff. If infrequent, I would be tempted to want both. Luckily, Biscoff can be purchased in stores now.
Stroopwafel McFlurry is now at McDonalds, albeit a limited summer time only item.
I loved the Biscoffs at Continental. Glad this one thing is making a comeback at the merged airlines. Most of the maple wafers were ending up in the trash.
Yum. Stroopwafel placed over a steaming cup of coffee just until the caramel melts. As I said … yum.