Sweets of South Africa: A Journey Through Your Childhood Memories

"Sweet Slang Glossary” The language of sweets

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. Tales of sneaking into the kitchen to steal a taste of a sibling's stash or the anticipation of opening a candy wrapper are woven into the fabric of growing up in South Africa.

South-African-Sweets_Fizzer_Sucker_Bar_one_Astros

South African treats play a role in preserving cultural heritage. They serve as links to ancestors, traditions, and places that might no longer exist. Certain sweets might have been enjoyed by generations of families, acting as edible time capsules that offer glimpses into bygone eras.
 
Here's a compiled glossary of slang terms and phrases related to South African sweets and candies, along with explanations of their meanings and cultural context:

 

1. "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. The best part was licking your fingers and hands, and arms :) afterwards. 

 

2. "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. It denotes "good", "great", "sweet" and everything else you want it to mean. 

 

 

3. "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! Then the challenge was to get it back together to finally eat it!

 

4. "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. Just saying the word "Sparletta" brings back so many memories!

 

 

5. "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. He was a beloved friend to all!

 

6. "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! That did not make my mother happy!

 

 

7. "Choccy": A casual term for chocolate. It's an endearing way to refer to chocolate treats. Even biscuits were named after this term.

 

8. "Souties": This term, derived from the Afrikaans word "sout" (salt), is used to refer to people of British descent. It's sometimes playfully used to describe those who might prefer British-style sweets.

 

9. "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. There was always one that stayed intact.

 

10. "Kersfees Koekies": Translating to "Christmas Cookies" in Afrikaans, these are spiced cookies often enjoyed during the holiday season, typically featuring flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg.

 

11. "Jolly Jammers": A term for hard candies with a soft, chewy center. The "jammers" part comes from the jam-like texture of the center.

 

12. "Peppermint Crisp Tart": A classic South African dessert made with layers of crumbled "Peppermint Crisp" chocolate bars, whipped cream, and a biscuit base. Do you want the recipe? You've got it.... click here.

 

13. "Wafers": These are crispy, layered wafer biscuits often filled with cream or chocolate. The term is straightforward and describes the type of sweet. I sometimes see them here in the States, but the taste is never the same as what I remember from South Africa.

 

14. "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 nver stop after one. Perfect with hot drinks.

 

15. "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 enjo9y that perfect fizz taste! Aah.... I did it! The satisfaction was the best!

 

16. "Sour Worms": These are gummy worm candies with a sour coating. The term straightforwardly describes the flavor and appearance of these treats.

 

17. "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! I always felt sorry for the little baby hippo who missed out on the chomp because the bigger hippo swallowed it in one gulp!

 

18. "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. As children jelly tots were the perfect size to grab a handful and run off and play, all while enjoying the chewy sugar coated sensation!

 

19. "Jawbreakers": Large, hard candies that take a long time to dissolve in the mouth. The term "jawbreakers" refers to the idea that these candies are so hard that they could potentially break one's jaw.

 

20. “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! Mmmmm, delicious!

 

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! Come get some!