The idea of fairy bread is an unusual concept to most countries, but in Australia, it’s a sweet slice of nostalgia, an ode to simpler times, and a national icon. Growing up in Australia, fairy bread covered party tables and most of us have memories of watching cartoons after school, snacking on fairy bread before dinner. It’s one of those classic Aussie treats, every kid grew up eating. But where did it come from?
The first known reference of fairy bread was recorded in the Hobart Mercury, in April 1929. The article referred to a party for child inmates of the Consumptive Sanitorium, which said “children will start their party with fairy bread and butter and 100s and 1000s, and cakes, and tarts, and home-made cakes.”
Fairy bread then became known as ‘accepted kids fare,’ which was mentioned in an advertisement from the Plaistower confectionery company of Perth in the late 1900s. As for the name hundreds and thousands, it’s said to be a British, Australian, and New Zealand terms. They call them sprinkles in America and ‘jimmies’ in parts of the north-east.
In 1935, Sydney Morning Herald recommended it as a festive treat for young children on Christmas Day. Today, it remains predominately a children’s treat, although many adults who grew up eating it, will still make fairy bread for themselves as a snack or treat.
With its popularity rising, fairy bread became part of Australian culture. On November 24, 2014, founder of Fairy Bread Day, Adam Schell jokingly said over a slice of fairy bread: “there should be a day to celebrate this!”
His friend responded in true Aussie fashion, “well mate, why don’t you make one?”
Since then, Fairy Bread Day is celebrated on November 24.
In 2020, Fairy Bread Day partnered with mental health service, ReachOut to raise money to support Australia’s youth. This year, they will continue the partnership, and you can get involved by making fairy bread at home and raising money.
All you have to do is get together (either in person or virtually) to make the colourful Australian staple and raise money for ReachOut.com. Donors can pledge their donations from the day here till 1 December, with all proceeds going to ReachOut.com directly.
During November, 10 cents from every sale of Dollar Sweets’ 100s and 1000s products will also go to ReachOut.com.
So what are you waiting for? Sprinkle kindness this November by gathering your friends and family to pave a better future for our youth over a sweet slice of spotty goodness.
Fairy Bread Recipe
Ingredients – White sliced bread -Spreadable butter – 100s and 1000s
Method 1. Butter bread slices. 2. Sprinkle 100s and 1000s over buttered slices. 3. You can cut pieces into triangles, soldiers, or eat as is.
The cold weather in most parts of Australia coinciding with EOFY celebrations is the closest thing that we’ll get to snowy Christmas vibes. And if you’re in dire need of some festive cheer after the first six months of 2023, grab your ugly sweater and head to your nearest Red Rooster for Xmas in July deals.
From June 29 – July 31, 2023, Red Rooster is serving up free food items, a chance to win $10,000 or one of 10 merch packs valued at $400 and other fun prizes. All you have to do is sign up as a Red Royalty member and spend $5 on at a location near you or online.
Each week there’ll be new delicious deals and prizes to win. The week one deals have already dropped and they’re looking pretty tasty. You can get access to them via your Red Royalty account. The more you purchase, the more chances you have to win.
Spoiler alert: you can get 10 chicken nuggets for free, right now. Brb running to Red Rooster.
