When it comes to South African chocolates, you get nothing but the best to nibble on. The country is endowed with a couple of mega confectionery companies saddled with the responsibility of producing different kinds of sweets. South African confectionaries are nothing short of amazing, in fact, most people tend to appreciate these homemade snacks and chocolates the more once they leave the shores of the country.
South African chocolates, sweets, and snacks are unique because they are made with the best ingredients, sourced from the land. The chocolates mostly have different varieties that are generally refreshing, creamy, and yummy. Chocolates, sweets, and snacks, which are regarded by many as comfort foods, are also loved by both young and old.
The Making Of Chocolates In South Africa Has Indeed Evolved Over Time
South Africa is listed as one of the African countries with the largest and most well-established confectionery markets on the continent, with the chocolate sector being the largest. Cadbury and Nestle hold the record as two of the oldest chocolate brands in South Africa. The duo established their factories in the country as far back as the early 1900s in the Eastern Cape.
Indeed, the making of chocolates, sweets, and snacks in South Africa has gradually changed over the years. Though accurate information on their evolution process is quite difficult to come by, we can’t agree more that the process of producing chocolates in the country has seen a commendable change whilst maintaining their homemade delectable standard.
While we may not have first-hand information on the evolution of chocolate production in South Africa, it is worthy to mention that the country’s chocolate confectionery market recorded about R7.84 billion in sales in the year 2020 – apparently an increase of 6.30% over the year 2019. This fact alone shows that the sector is indeed a multi-billion rand industry with a great impact on the progression of the economy.
As mentioned earlier, Nestle and Cadbury are some of the well-known brands in the chocolate business. However, it is important to note that over the years, the country has also seen the emergence of ‘younger’ South African confectionery brands such as Perfetti Van Melle and Ferrero. Most of these newer multinational brands manufacture their chocolates domestically and have a western origin.
The increased sales of confectionery in South Africa witnessed in recent times is believed to have been triggered by the soccer World Cup which took place in the country in 2010. Despite the presence of the newer chocolate brands in the competitive market, the old South African chocolates are still being produced and widely distributed in the country. And despite the evolution in their making, what remains constant is their ever-savory taste and quality.
Some Old South African Chocolates, Sweets, And Snacks
There are a variety of old South African chocolates, sweets, and snacks you can choose from. Whether you want to comfortably feed on them on your couch, organize a party, or even entertain some guests, it won’t be a bad idea to have one or more of them at a time. It is a known fact that South African chocolates, sweets, and snacks are very rich in nutrients that nourish the body and also ensure wellness.
Below is a detailed list of the 25 old chocolates proudly made in South Africa and more information on what these foods are made of.
1. Cadbury Chomp Chocolate Bar
- How old is it? Cadbury chomp chocolate bar was manufactured in the early 1970s in South Africa
- Where is it produced?: It is currently being produced in South Africa, Australia, and United Kingdom
- Who is the producer?: Cadbury South Africa in South Africa
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Cadbury chomp chocolate bar is one of the first chocolate brands manufactured in the early 1970s by Cadbury South Africa but it was however introduced in the year 1989. It’s currently being produced in two other countries.
The chocolate is available in different versions based on its location. So, if you’re in Australia, be sure to enjoy a layer of wafer and caramel, finely coated in compound chocolate. The new UK version has a ‘C’ shape resembling a mouth with teeth.
2. Fizzer
- How old it is?: Not available
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: Beacon Sweets and Chocolates
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Fizzer is the original taste of South Africa fruity, chewy, fizzy candy. Its original pink flavor, coupled with the green one is still being appreciated even at parties today. Fizzers began production about 20 to 30 years ago.
You can enjoy Fizzers in primarily five different flavors; cream soda, apple, strawberry, raspberry, and blue buzz. Other three varieties are orange, cola and grape. Adults and children can have a chewing treat of 278g. Fizzers are delectable and most people’s favorite.
3. Vanilla Flavored Iced Zoo Biscuit
- How old is it? Not available
- Where it is produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: Bakers South Africa
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Vanilla flavored iced zoo biscuit is one of the products of Bakers in South Africa. Its sweet, crispy taste makes it a delight for kids, but you can as well join the kids in enjoying the delicious taste if you are an adult. The biscuit is generously baked with the finest ingredients and it is well packaged with a brightly colored wrap.
4. Wilson’s Toffees
- How old is it? Not available
- Where is it produced: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: Not available
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Wilson’s Toffees has always been one of the biggest South Africa toffee brands in the heart of South Africans. Formerly known as Wilson Champion toffees, it’s now been sold by Mister Sweet. Its flavors are distinct with unique rich dark caramel tastes you can’t simply resist.
Wilson’s Toffees is made with carefully selected ingredients, ranging from corn flour, glucose syrup, non-hydrogenated palm oil, treacle, salts, emulsifiers, sugar, flavorings, etc. The product also offers nutritional benefits of proteins, energy, salt, fats, carbohydrates, etc. Wilson Toffees is currently available in banana, cola, cherry, and buttermilk flavors.
5. Cadbury Crunchie
- How old is it? Cadbury Crunchie was launched in 1929
- Where is it produced?: It is produced in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, and India
- Who is the producer?: Cadbury
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Cadbury Crunchie is a product of Cadbury. It was originally launched in the UK by J.S Fry and Sons in the year 1929. Its production spreads across seven other countries, including South Africa, and imported into other countries such as Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Lebanon, etc. The brand is well known in many African countries.
If you’re seeking to enjoy a milky honeycomb smothered crunchy chocolate, then Cadbury crunchie may just be perfect for you. Its combined taste and sound give your taste bud the desired joy it deserves.
6. Chappies
- How old is it? Over 70 years
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer? Arthur Ginsburg
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Arthur Ginsburg, while working for a Chapelat Sweet, decided to create his own brand, Chappies in the late 1940s. The Chappies then became synonymous with bubblegum and spread to other countries like Zambia, Congo, and Rhodesia in the late 1970s.
Here’s why you can’t have enough chappies chewing gum. It comes in five major flavors: strawberry, lemon, orange, cherry, and pineapple. Interestingly, Chappies has added more flavors to its catalog over the years, including assorted fruit, watermelon, spearmint, grape, and cool cherry.
Chappies is one of South Africa’s iconic sweets with its distinctive yellow cover with blue and red stripes, having a chipmunk head. Aside from being chewing gum, chappies have also been used as a currency. Back in the days, it was used as a sugar surge for children who couldn’t afford breakfast and it has always been used to hold down iron sheets of township shacks.
7. Sugus Candy
- Year established?: Sugus candy was created in the year 1931
- Where is it produced?: Produced in Asia, also available in South Africa
- Who is the producer? Produced by Wrigley Company
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Sugus Candy is a brand made and produced by Wrigley Company. It was first created by Suchard, a Swiss chocolate company in 1931. However, in 1990, Kraft Foods acquired Jacobs Suchard. After so many years, precisely in 2004, Wrigley decided to expand his business by acquiring the candy business on Kraft Food, including Sugus Candy.
The candies are square in shape and are 20 mm in length and width. Excitingly, it comes in different flavors such as orange, lemon, pineapple, raspberry, cherry, indicated by the color of the package (yellow, red, blue, bright red, and the rest).
Sugus candy enjoys popularity in Asia and the product is also sold in other countries like South Africa, Belgium, Japan, Mexico, China, Indonesia, Hong Kong, etc. So, if you find yourself in any of these countries, be sure to buy sweet Sugus for yourself if you are a fan.
8. The Sweet Taste of Home
- Year established: 1920
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: John Cadbury
- Is it still available to date? No
The Sweet taste of home chocolate is one of the oldest brands of chocolate established by John Cadbury in 1920 when he opened his chocolate brand in Tasmania, Australia. Shortly after in 1938, he began manufacturing chocolate in Port Elizabeth and other parts of South Africa.
The Sweet taste of home was one of the favorites of most South African populations at the time. Cadbury, however, decided to withdraw it from the marketplace in the 1990s for reasons best known to them.
9. Cadbury Lunch Bar
- Year established: 1920
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: John Cadbury
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Cadbury Lunch bar is another close favorite of South African chocolate lovers. In Australia, it’s called the Picnic bar. Here is why it’s loved by all; it is a perennial favorite with Saffers everywhere, it also has a crunchy and milky chocolate taste, making it the favorite of most kids.
Cadbury Lunch Bar is available in different sizes, depending on your serving preference. The Lunch Bar treat size is 144g, however, it is also available in 23g, 46g, and 62g. Its best ingredients are Wheat flour (gluten), Full cream milk powder, cocoa butter, shea nut, sal seed, barley malt, whey permeate, sunflower seed (an antioxidant), insert sugar, emulsifier, and several other useful ingredients. The content of the chocolate bar is inexhaustible, which explains why it is really yummy and everyone loves it.
10. Provita
- Year established: Not available
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: BAKERS Provita
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Bakers Provita is a smart choice for you if you’re looking for a snack that has high fiber content, low IG, and less than 100 calories per serving. Bakers Provita Crispbread gives consumers a healthy-focused snack through their carefully sourced best ingredients.
The desire to create the most nutritious and nourishing biscuit has also propelled its producers to source the finest ingredients, which are also suitable for vegetarians.
11. Hertzoggies
- Year established: 1920s
- Where it is produced: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: Unknown
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Hertzoggie, a light, puffy tartlet served on a cup-shaped pastry base with a yummy apricot jam meringue filling and coconut topping, is often taken with a cup of English tea. This cookie is deeply rooted in South African history and is still popular to date.
Also known as a Hertzogkoekie in Afrikaans or a Hertzog Cookie in English, Records have it that this delectable food was Hertzoggies General Hertzog’s favorite teatime dessert. Hertzog was a Boer War hero, as well as South Africa’s Prime Minister from 1924 to 1939; hence the name “ Hertzoggie.”
This jam and coconut tart is baked with nutritious ingredients such as Flour, salt, butter or margarine, sugar, eggs, apricot jam, baking soda, and desiccated coconut. Herzoggies has multiple variations and is prepared from a pastry base with an open top that is filled with apricot jam.
12. Cadbury Tempo
- Year established: Not available
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: John Cadbury
- Is it still available to date? No
A Cadbury chocolate brand once produced by Cadbury South Africa, Cadbury Tempo is a shortcake biscuit coated with smooth, creamy caramel, then smothered in Cadbury dairy milk chocolate.
As of 1986 when Tempo was still being marketed by Lois Wagner, the brand was one of the people’s favorite chocolate biscuits following its introduction into the market that decade. However, Tempo was overthrown in 2017 by a snack called 5 Star, leading to its exit from the competitive market.
13. Chocolate Log
- Year established: Not available
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: Nestle
- Is it still available to date? No
The discontinuation of the production of Chocolate Log by Nestle was greatly felt by most South Africans in and outside the country. Most people were not happy with the development as the product was loved by almost all and sundry.
The announcement of the ‘sad’ development on social media didn’t go down well with many lovers of chocolate. Though the company stated that they fully understood that Chocolate Log’s discontinuity would discourage some of its loyal customers, they revealed that the purpose of the action was to satisfy their customers with healthier and tastier products.
Chocolate Log was made with a marshmallow center sitting on a crispy wafer and immersed in chocolate. Before its production was discontinued, the product was well-known and even graced the corner of stores, school stuck shops, and sweet aisles for over the past 50 years.
Interestingly, Nestle South Africa has announced that it has new chocolate varieties for its loyal customers coming out soon.
14. Milo Bar
- Year established: 1934
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: Thomas Mayne
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Milo bar is malted flavored chocolate produced by Nestle. You can still settle down to a lovely delicious beverage even if you decide to mix it with milk and hot water. The Milo bar has four major ingredients: milk powder, malted barley, sugar, and cocoa, making it healthy and nutritious.
Milo bar was originally developed in Australia in 1934 and was introduced into the market on August 29 the same year. It is popular in many continents around the world, including Asia and Africa.
15. Romany Creams
- Year established: Late 1800’s
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: John Pyott
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Romany Creams is a classic South African snack formerly made in the UK in the late ’60s and ’70s. Its producer, John Pyott moved to South Africa in the late 1800s and decided to start his own company. The Scottish producer would name the company Pyott’s Biscuit and also began the production of Romany Creams.
A serving of Romany creams with hot coffee or cocoa takes you out of this world. The snack is a delicious crunchy coconut chocolate cream that is easy to make. All you need to make the delight include, oats, sugar, baking soda, plain flour, cocoa powder, eggs, desiccated coconut, golden syrup, boiling water, and chocolate for filling.
16. Willards Flings Chips
- Year established: Not available
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: National Brands Limited
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Willards Flings are the South African loved puffed maize snacks sharing similarity with the American cheese puffs. Willards is a brand name that operates under National Brands Limited in South Africa, a company that produces chips and snacks.
Willards has a blend of natural spices different from the cheese powder with an amazing, light, melty texture. Eating flings will definitely remind you of your childhood snacking days.
17. Simba Chips
- Year established: Introduced in 1957
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: PepsiCo
- Is it still available to date? Yes
If you are a lover of potato chips, then you will have to form an alliance with PepsiCo to constantly supply you with Simba chips. It is a popular potato crispy snack introduced in 1957 by the Greyvensteyn family. Simba is synonymous with a lion.
Simba, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, also has a wide variety of products, snacks, and beverages in the South Africa market. Its chips are made from the best potatoes.
18. Melktert
- Year established: Not available
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: Not available
- Is it still available to date? Yes
The Milk Tart, also known as Melktert, originated among the settlers in the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, back in the 17th Century. It is known to have developed from the Dutch mattentaart, a cheesecake-like dessert.
This South Africa Milk Tart, which is a delightsome but decadent dessert, is a traditional sweet pie loved by many South Africans. A bite of Melktert tastes like a custard tart but with a different consistency. Milk tart is made from a different variety of crusts, which consists of flakey or puffs pastry; sweet shortcrust type pastry, and tennis biscuit laid at the bottom of the supposed pie dish.
19. Ouma Rusks
- Year established: Introduced 1939
- Where is it produced: South Africa
- Who is the producer: RCL Foods
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Ouma is commonly referred to as Ouma Rusks. It is a rusk made from a traditional buttermilk recipe. Ouma rusk was first produced in Molteno, a small town in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, by Elizabeth Greyvenstyn in 1939. Despite its age, it still dominates the small local rusk market and it’s still manufactured in the same town of initial production.
In the 1970s, Ouma became part of Fedfood while in 1992 it became the sole ownership of Foodcorp in South Africa. The Ouma Rusks factory in the small town of Molteno seems to be the largest employer of labor with 250 employees.
If you’re seeking to shed some weight then you should stay off Ouma rusks. Don’t mistake it for a weight loss diet as it contains 135g of calories per serving (30g). It is known to contain more calories than bread, according to research.
20. Beacon Fizz Pops
- Year established: 1931
- Where is it produced?: Beacon, South Africa
- Who is the producer: Mr. Zulman
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Beacon was in existence back in 1931 when Mr. Zulman bought the Durban Confectionary and Spice Works in South Africa. With his wealth of experience in tea rooms and confectionery, Zulman dedicated himself to his company and was able to achieve a lot through hard work and great determination.
Following many years of partnerships and creativity in South Africa, Beacon has grown to become a leading confectionery company in the country with different brands and flavors including the Fizz pops.
The Beacon fizz pops come in little balls of different flavors and colors. The sucker with a fizzy sherbet center is greatly loved by most South African kids.
21. Mebos
- Year established: Not available
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer: Not available
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Mebos is one of the oldest confectionaries being made in Cape Town, South Africa. It’s best you try this sweet because it is made from dried apricot, pulped, and flavored with sugar and salt.
The taste of sugar, salt, and sour may initially throw your system off balance but as you consume more of it, you’ll definitely get to fall in love with it. Interestingly, Mebos’ high sugar content gives you a better way to boost your energy when worn out.
22. Fruit Dainties
- Year established: Not available
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: Not available
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Fruit dainties are one of the famous South African treats with orange, green, and red fruit cubes. Fruit dainties are made from minced mixed dried fruits (pears, apricots, peaches, figs, colorants, flavorings), which are molded into classic shapes, with coloring and sprinkled with sugar.
Fruit dainties are the perfect snack at school, office, and work because it’s naturally high in fiber, and free of fat and gluten, making them a satisfying fruity snack. If you’re allergic to Sulphur dioxide, then you may need to stay away from fruit dainties as it contains Sulphur dioxide and sodium metabisulphite used to preserve it.
Regardless, fruit dainties are loved by almost everyone.
23. Nestle Tex
- Year established: 1955
- Where is it produced?: South Africa, Canada
- Who is the producer: Nestle
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Tex is a South Africa candy bar made by Nestle. The product was manufactured around 1955 by Rowntree’s but launched into the South African market in the year 1956. Its first sales came in Canada just around the same time as Coffee Crisp, though it has discontinued sales in Canada. Later in the year, Nestle acquired Tex from Rowntree’s, making Nestle the sole owner of the brand.
For nutrition, wholeness, and wellness, then you should consider Nestle Tex. It is a crispy delicious wafer, aerated with creamy Nestle chocolate with an irresistible taste. The aerated chocolate center gives it a light and crispy texture. It is also healthy for people of all ages.
24. Biltong
- Year established: Not available
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: Not available
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Do you need to enjoy meaty-like snacks of South African origin, then look no further because Biltong is one product that will give you something perfect to nibble on. It is made in the form of dried cured meat. The meat used in producing it ranges from beef to game meats which include kudu or ostrich.
The meat cut may also be either fillet of meat sliced into strips following the muscle of the grain or flat pieces sliced along the grain. It is worthy to mention that the ingredients, tastes, and production processes influence the outcome of the snacks.
25. Malva Pudding
- Year established: Not available
- Where is it produced?: South Africa
- Who is the producer?: Not available
- Is it still available to date? Yes
Malva pudding is a sweet and rich South African pudding of Cape Dutch origin. It has a spongy caramelized texture containing apricot jam. If you’ve tasted tres leches cake, then your taste bud should not be new to malva pudding, because both have similar tastes.
The best way to enjoy Malva Pudding is to pour a cream sauce over it while it is still hot and serve it hot with custard and/or ice cream. With this, you’ll be on your way to the dreamland of wonders. If you also visit many restaurants in South Africa, you’re sure to get this amazing wonderful pudding. It is simply a delight and an amazing food item.
Recap of Old South African Chocolates, Sweets, and Snacks
Nothing beats the yummy taste of South African chocolates, snacks, and sweets. Whether you are at home or abroad, you can always find most of them close to you in shops and elsewhere. These confectionaries have been around for many decades, but their quality has never diminished; loyal customers still appreciate them.
Are you a lover of the old South Africa chocolates, sweets, and snacks or you have missed the treats for some reason? Do not worry because most of them are not leaving the competitive market anytime soon. If your favorite is no longer available in the market, there are other varieties of old South African chocolates to choose from or you could try out the new brands around.
Here’s a comprehensive list of some oldest confectionaries (South African chocolates, sweets, snacks) discussed above.
- Cadbury Chomp Chocolate Bar
- Fizzers
- Vanilla Flavoured Iced Zoo Biscuits
- Wilson Toffees
- Cadbury Crunchie
- Chappies
- Sugus Candy
- The Sweet Taste of Home
- Cadbury Lunch Bar
- Provita
- Cadbury Tempo
- Chocolate Log
- Milo Bar
- Romany Creams
- Willards Flings Chips
- Simba chips
- Melkert
- Ouma Rusks
- Beacon Fizz pops
- Mebos
- Fruit dainties
- Nestle Tex
- Biltong
- Malva Pudding
