11 Local Brands All South Africans Love

Amarula cream liqueur, made from the fruit of the African Marula tree, is a favourite South African drink. Delicious served over ice, it’s also the perfect accompaniment to a cold bowl of vanilla ice cream. When visiting a local’s home you’re sure to find a bottle (or two) in the drinks cabinet.

From Sydney to London, South African House DJ Black Coffee is breaking barriers in the global music industry. He won ‘Breakthrough DJ of the Year’ at the 2015 DJ Awards in Ibiza and his music is heard on radio stations all over South Africa.

No South African braai is complete without a few beers on ice. Castle Lager, first brewed in Johannesburg in 1895, is one of the beers of choice. Today, the beer is brewed outside of South Africa as well and sold in over 40 countries; it’s still, however, a local gem.

South Africa’s much loved clothing and lifestyle brand, Mr Price, is known for its competitive prices (staying true to the name) and wide range of products. From casual wear to bedding, kitchenware and decorative items, Mr Price often collaborates with local designers to produce one-of-a-kind items.

Many homemade meals are complemented with a healthy serving of Mrs H.S. Ball’s Chutney. From stews to curries and everything in between, this is a condiment unlike any other. The fruity chutney is a household staple and its signature octagonal shaped jar has become iconic.

As far as fast food goes, Nando’s is the place to feed your hunger. Known for their tasty peri-peri chicken, the large menu also includes burgers, wraps, desserts and more. Nando’s is so popular that branches have popped up all over the world. They’re also known for their clever television ads, often commenting on the political atmosphere in the country.

Every South African is familiar with the Oros mascot, a tubby orange man with a bit of a quiff. The sweet yet tangy orange juice concentrate is the ultimate thirst quencher and, similar to most of the products mentioned here, it’s found in pretty much every South African home. It might not be healthy but it’s definitely delicious.

Just as much as South Africans love their morning coffee or tea, they also love dipping a rusk in it for breakfast. Ouma Rusks (ouma meaning grandmother in Afrikaans) is a popular brand sold in supermarkets country wide and their range includes buttermilk rusks (a firm favourite), muesli, raisin and much more.

If you’ve been to South Africa, you’ve no doubt tasted Rooibos tea. This proudly South African product is enjoyed daily by locals and is currently sold in over 60 countries. The delicious tea is naturally sweet and caffeine-free, plus it’s packed with antioxidants and has many healing properties.

Few things beat a classic Wimpy breakfast. The standard is consistent and locals flock to the many branches over weekends. The fast-food restaurant also serves hearty burgers and milkshakes, and the food is very well priced. Since the first restaurant opening in Durban in 1967, over 490 branches have popped up in South Africa.

Grocery shopping can be a tedious exercise, but a trip to Woolworths is anything but. Although the supermarket is more upmarket than others, the quality is unmatched and each item tastes as good as it looks. It’s no wonder then that many locals are willing to spend a bit more cash when shopping here.