South African treats play a significant role in preserving cultural heritage. They serve as links to ancestors, traditions, and places that might no longer exist. No South African treat is complete without a story or memory attached to it. Grandparents passing down recipes, parents sharing tales of their childhood treats, and friends bonding over shared candy adventures - these stories breathe life into the sweets.
Here at South African sweets, we foster a sense of connection and nostalgia while also satisfying the taste buds of long ago childhood tastes and smells. Mmmm…. Bringing South Africa home with you! The sweets you love!
Let's explore some of the most popular and cherished candies and sweets that South Africa has to offer.
Iconic South African Sweets
South Africa boasts a variety of unique and beloved sweets that hold a special place in the hearts of its people. Here are some of the most popular:
- "Koeksister": A traditional South African sweet treat made from fried dough, usually dipped in syrup. The term "koeksister" is derived from the Dutch word "koekje," meaning "cookie" or "small cake." As a very young child I remember my Mom making the syrup and letting it stand, getting ready to dip in the "twisted sisters" into the syrup.
- "Lekker": This Afrikaans word means "delicious" or "tasty." It's often used to describe food that's not only good in flavor but also enjoyable in general. The word "lekker" is used everywhere in South Africa.
- "Fizzers": Fizzers are effervescent candies that dissolve in the mouth, releasing a fizzy sensation. The term comes from the fizzing sound these candies make when consumed. As a child I remember twisting them and pulling them apart, especially in the hot Durban sun. That stringy fizzer would go on forever!
- "Sparletta": A popular South African brand of soft drinks, known for its fruity flavors. The term "Sparletta" has become synonymous with flavored soda in South Africa.
- "Chappies": Chappies are iconic chewing gum squares that to every child and adult's delight often included a fun comic strip and trivia inside the wrapper. The term "Chappies" is a reference to the brand name. A very dear friend of our family got the name "Chappie" early on in his life, and was forever known by that name to all he encountered.
- "Jungle Oats": While not a candy, "Jungle Oats" is a popular South African brand of oatmeal that's sometimes used to make homemade sweets like oat bars. I did not like Jungle Oats at all! But it was often times the staple breakfast for every South African child. The only way I managed to eat a very little bit, was if I drowned it in sugar! Yikes!
- "Choccy": A casual term for chocolate. It's an endearing way to refer to chocolate treats.
- "Souties": This term, derived from the Afrikaans word "sout" (salt), is used to refer to people of British descent.
- "Smarties": In South Africa, "Smarties" refer to a brand of colorful, sugar-coated chocolate confections. The name is internationally recognized, but the product might vary slightly in different countries. Smarties in South Africa is a favourite with every child. As children we loved placing 2 smarties together and squishing them to see which color would crumble under the pressure.
- "Jolly Jammers": A term for hard candies with a soft, chewy center.
- "Peppermint Crisp Tart": A classic South African dessert made with layers of crumbled "Peppermint Crisp" chocolate bars, whipped cream, and a biscuit base.
- "Wafers": These are crispy, layered wafer biscuits often filled with cream or chocolate. The term is straightforward and describes the type of sweet.
- "Eet-Sum-Mor": This term is the name of a popular South African biscuit brand, and its name translates to "Eat Some More" in Afrikaans. It's a playful invitation to indulge in these delicious biscuits. These are square shortbread biscuits made with real butter and a touch of magic ... because you can never stop after one.
- "Fizz Pop": Referring to candies or suckers that pop and fizzle in the mouth when consumed. It's a whimsical description of the sensation created by fizzy candies. We would always suck on the sucker in a circular movement by twisting the stick over and over again. Eventually the sides of the sucker would become thinner, revealing a crack in the side wall for the fizz to seep out of in a bubbling fashion. That's when you quickly lick up the fizzing fizz to enjoy that perfect fizz taste! Aah.... I did it!
- "Sour Worms": These are gummy worm candies with a sour coating.
- "Chomp": A term used to describe a type of chocolate-covered caramel bar. The name "chomp" conveys the idea of satisfyingly biting into the bar. I remember the Chomp advert with two hippos, and everyone could almost quote it verbatim!
- "Jelly Tots": Small, chewy, fruit-flavored candies often enjoyed by both children and adults. The name "Jelly Tots" reflects their small size and the fact that they're popular treats.
- "Jawbreakers": Large, hard candies that take a long time to dissolve in the mouth.
- “Simba chips”: A distinct type of flavored chip (or crisp) that brings childhood memories flooding back. From Mrs. Balls Chutney flavor, to Mexican Chilli, to Smoked Beef, to Cheese & Onion, everyone has their favorite! Which one is yours? Mexican Chilli and Smoked Beef are my absolute favourite! As a child I would gobble them up under the satisfying crunch of every bite! The flavor was divine! As an adult I used to chop up tomato and add some salt and pepper. Then I'd dip the chip in the tomato to enjoy the smoked beef combination!
Cadbury Astros: Colorful Chocolate Delights
Cadbury Astros are a popular South African candy made by Cadbury. These bite-sized, colorful chocolates consist of a crispy, candy-coated shell filled with a smooth and creamy chocolate center. Astros are known for their fun and playful appearance, making them a favorite treat for both children and adults. The combination of crunchy candy shell and creamy chocolate inside provides a satisfying and enjoyable snacking experience. A pack of Cadbury Astros typically contains small, disc-shaped chocolates that resemble mini "flying saucers" due to their shape and vibrant colors.
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Bar One: A Chocolate Bar Classic
Bar One or Bar•One is a popular chocolate bar invented and manufactured in South Africa by Nestlé and sold in South Africa and India. It is similar to the English Mars Bars and consists of a layer of malted nougat with a caramel topping and covered in milk chocolate.
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