Which products are actually the most iconically South African? (2024)

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Published by Ashleigh Nefdt on

Biltong. Lays chips. Amarula. Chakalaka and Mrs Balls Chutney. We have many choices in the land of the rainbow, and these are the products that only South Africans can understand the deep love for. But which of the things that remind us of our parents’ homes, or the saving grace of a treat at the Tuckshop during break, are most closely linked to our heritage? Game decided to find out.

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The goal was simple: find out which products are the closest lined to our heritage as locals. In other words, which local items are most quintessentially South African?

Using a range of products from food to beauty to household items, Game devised a questionnaire that would ask locals which products they found most iconically South African, especially when thinking back to their childhood experiences.

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The results are in:

Food

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Eating together is a cultural tie. In South Africa, we have so many diverse foods thanks to all of our various heritages, so we are aptly spoilt for choice. Here are the food products that are iconic to South Africa.

  • Biltong
  • Koo Baked Beans
  • Ultra Mel Custard
  • Amarula Cream Liqueur
  • Nik Naks
  • Castle Lager Beer
  • Lay’s Potato Chips
  • Peppermint Crisp
  • Fritos
  • Flings

The braai table

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Braaing in South Africa is more than an experience, but a cultural institution. According to Game’s survey, these items usually accompanying a good ol’ local braai were ranked according to how many respondents deemed them loved accompaniments.

  • All Gold tomato sauce – 76% of respondents
  • Aromat – 71% of respondents
  • Chakalaka – 67%
  • Mrs Balls Chutney – 65%

The chosen beverage for Heritage Day

We have many beverages to choose from in Mzansi land. However, Game’s investigation uncovered an unsuspecting, yet non-surprising choice range.

Stoney was identified as our public holiday’s most popular drink according to the Free State and Northern Cape.

Oros and Amarula rolled in tied second place

Respondents from KZN, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Free State and the North West preferred Umqombothiproudly.

Personal care brands

Personal care, but make it South African. These are the brands most closely associated with South African heritage.

  • Nivea
  • Dove
  • Ingrams
  • Ponds

Interestingly enough, the above products were actually strongly connected to childhood memories.

Healthcare

We know that every aunty in the country has their own version of healthcare essentials. However, the following were the topic Heritage picks.

  • Castor Oil
  • Imbola
  • Amabele

These items were linked to products passed down over generations that to this day, form part of our everyday local lives.

Pure Heritage items

These cooking items were deemed purely South African, and if you know, you really do know.

  • Poitjie pots,
  • Weber braais
  • Cast iron pots
  • Meat and coffee grinders
  • Kenwood Mixer

Cleaning supplies

Just one small cap is enough!Without these chosen products, Mzansi wouldn’t be as spick and span or have the ads that ring in our heads years after they aired.

  • Jik
  • Handy Andy
  • Omo
  • Sunlight Soap

According to Katherine Madley, Game Vice President of Marketing:

“South Africa is a country steeped in heritage and culture, from so many different backgrounds. It is so interesting to see people from across the country come together to agree on their love for these products. Our survey respondents were passionate about their heritage, traditions and culture, and about the role that food and drink products play in celebrating these.”

Picture: Ocado group

Article written by Ashleigh Nefdt

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Which products are actually the most iconically South African? (9)

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Which products are actually the most iconically South African? (2024)

FAQs

Which products are actually the most iconically South African? ›

One of the most famous places in South Africa is Kruger National Park. It is home to many wild animals, such as elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos, leopards, etc. Spread over 20,000 square kilometres, Kruger National Park is Africa's one of the largest game reserves.

What is the most famous thing in South Africa? ›

One of the most famous places in South Africa is Kruger National Park. It is home to many wild animals, such as elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos, leopards, etc. Spread over 20,000 square kilometres, Kruger National Park is Africa's one of the largest game reserves.

What is South Africa famous for producing? ›

Resources and power. South Africa is rich in a variety of minerals. In addition to diamonds and gold, the country also contains reserves of iron ore, platinum, manganese, chromium, copper, uranium, silver, beryllium, and titanium.

What are Proudly South African products? ›

Launched in 2001, Proudly South African is the country's local procurement advocacy campaign which aims to promote South African products and services that adhere to stringent criteria and to influence the buying behaviour of consumers, private business and the public sector in favour of those locally grown produced ...

What is the most needed product in South Africa? ›

High Demand Products in South Africa
  • South African wines.
  • Fruits and nuts.
  • Clothing and footwear.
  • Gems and precious metals.
  • Vehicles.
  • Rubber.
Nov 1, 2022

What is worth buying in South Africa? ›

South Africa is a paradise for those looking to buy crafts.

It is also one of the best countries to buy jewellery, gold or diamonds since it has a large industry and in some locations such as Cape Town or Johannesburg, there are a large number of jewellers where you can buy the stones either rough or finished.

What is uniquely South Africa? ›

South Africa is the only country in the world with three capital cities. The Union Buildings in Pretoria are home to a larger than life Nelson Mandela statue. Three different destinations make up South Africa's capital cities. This is to represent the South African government being divided into three sections.

What is South Africa's top export? ›

Yearly Trade

The most recent exports are led by Gold ($22.7B), Platinum ($19.1B), Coal Briquettes ($12.7B), Cars ($6.89B), and Diamonds ($6.22B). The most common destination for the exports of South Africa are China ($23.4B), United States ($10.9B), Germany ($9.96B), India ($9.14B), and Japan ($8.85B).

What is South Africa's biggest food export? ›

The major export crops continued to be maize, wine, grapes, citrus, berries, nuts, apples and pears, sugar, avocados, and wool. These products have been the drivers of exports over the past couple of decades. In particular, fruit and wine have increasingly become the leading export products.

What food is South Africa known for? ›

Traditional South African Dishes
  • Bobotie. Considered by many to be the South African national dish, Bobotie (pronounced ba-bo-tea) is a meat-based dish and one of the most well-known examples of Cape Malay cuisine. ...
  • Boerewors. ...
  • Biltong. ...
  • Vetkoek. ...
  • Potjiekos. ...
  • Chakalaka and pap. ...
  • Durban bunny chow. ...
  • Malva pudding.
Jan 4, 2023

What can only be found in South Africa? ›

Other endemic plants include the Bird of Paradise Flower (SANBI), the Red Disa (iNaturalist), the Rhinoceros Bush (SANBI), the Cushion Restio (SANBI), the Clanwilliam Cedar (RBGE), the False-waterberry (SANBI WM), the Kammanassie Erica (SANBI), Bergeranthus multiceps (iNaturalist), Conophytum violaciflorum (IUCN), the ...

What is the product of South Africa? ›

Economy of South Africa
Statistics
Exports$147 billion (2022)
Export goodsgold, diamonds, wines, iron ore, platinum, nonferrous metals, electronics, machinery and manufactured equipment, motor vehicles, fruits, various agricultural foodstuffs, ground and air military hardware.
36 more rows

What is a popular brand in South Africa? ›

Takealot.com was elected the best brand in South Africa in 2022, according to consumers' perceptions. The e-commerce company based in Cape Town scored 58.5 points in the BrandIndex score. Woolworths came in second with a score of 55.9 points.

What do South Africans buy online the most? ›

Clothing and Shoes

Clothing and shoes reign supreme as the leading categories for online purchases in South Africa, according to Statista.

What is the most wanted job in South Africa? ›

Business & Management professionals are currently in highest demand when looking at advertised vacancies online. Managerial and leadership skills are in particularly high demand in the local employment market. For 2023, Finance is ranked the 2nd most in-demand job sector.

What food does South Africa import the most? ›

1. Grain Imports. In this category, South Africa's main imports include wheat, rice, and maize. The increasing demand for wheat is seldom met by local production, which usually covers only half of the demand.

What is South Africa popular about? ›

The vibrant culture and scenic beauty of South Africa make tourists from all over the world visit the country. Moreover, the opportunity to experience adventure sports and water activities at different beaches is what South Africa is famous for.

What is the most special thing about South Africa? ›

South Africa is renowned for its natural beauty, culture and history, and the country boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage sites. Our top pick is Robben Island. Anchored off the shores of Cape Town, this famous prison is a must-visit.

What are South African people known for? ›

South Africa is known for its ethnic and cultural diversity. Almost all South Africans speak English to some degree of proficiency, in addition to their native language, with English acting as a lingua franca in commerce, education, and government.

What is Africa best known for? ›

The continent has 40 percent of the world's gold and up to 90 percent of its chromium and platinum. The largest reserves of cobalt, diamonds, platinum and uranium in the world are in Africa. It holds 65 per cent of the world's arable land and ten percent of the planet's internal renewable fresh water source.

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