Your Guide to Authentic South African Biltong

 

South African biltong is a protein-rich, air-dried beef snack made with vinegar, salt, and spices. Unlike jerky, biltong is never smoked or cooked just naturally cured. It comes in several styles, including sliced, slab, and bite-sized pieces, and pairs perfectly with droëwors, rusks, and boerewors for a full South African snacking experience.

If you've never tried Biltong, you're missing out on one of South Africa's most beloved food traditions. Tender, flavorful, and packed with protein, biltong has been satisfying snack cravings for centuries and now it's making serious waves in the US.

What Makes Biltong Different From Beef Jerky?

A lot of people assume biltong is just jerky with a fancy name. It's not.

The two are fundamentally different products. Jerky is smoked or cooked at high heat, which gives it that chewy, slightly tough texture. Biltong, on the other hand, is marinated in vinegar and spices, then air-dried at room temperature over several days. No heat. No smoking. Just time, patience, and good seasoning.

The result? A softer, richer, more tender snack that's naturally high in protein, low in carbs, and completely sugar-free. It's Keto and Paleo-friendly, making it a go-to for health-conscious snackers who don't want to compromise on taste.

The Main Types of South African Snacks You Need to Try

Biltong — The Classic

Biltong comes in a few different forms:

• Sliced biltong — thin, tender strips that melt in your mouth
• Slab biltong — thicker cuts for those who like to tear into it
• Biltong bites — perfect for snacking on the go
• Chili bites — for anyone who likes a little heat with their protein fix

Each style uses the same traditional recipe: quality beef, vinegar marinade, and a blend of coriander, salt, and spices.

Droëwors — The South African Beef Stick

Droëwors (pronounced droo-wars) are thin, air-dried beef sausage sticks. Think slim jims, but with an authentic South African recipe and none of the artificial ingredients. Available in traditional and spicy varieties, droëwors are the perfect grab-and-go snack—whether you're at the office, on a hike, or just raiding the pantry.

Boerewors — The Farmer's Sausage

Boerewors (literally "farmer's sausage") is a thick, coiled South African sausage made from beef and a blend of traditional spices, including coriander and cloves. It's the centerpiece of any South African braai (barbecue) and a must-try for anyone who loves bold, savory flavor.

Rusks — South Africa's Favorite Dunking Snack

No South African snack guide would be complete without Rusks. These twice-baked, crunchy biscuits are traditionally dunked in coffee or tea until they soften a ritual South Africans take very seriously. Flavors range from classic buttermilk and healthy bran to indulgent cranberry & almond and choc chip. Once you start dunking, you won't stop.

How to Build the Perfect South African Snack Spread

Getting the full experience means mixing and matching. Here's a simple lineup to get started:

1. Pick your biltong — sliced for easy snacking, slab if you prefer something more substantial
2. Add droëwors — traditional or spicy, depending on how adventurous you're feeling
3. Grab some rusks — pair with your morning coffee for an authentic South African breakfast moment
4. Round it out with koeksisters — syrup-soaked pastry twists that are sticky, sweet, and impossible to resist

Or skip the guesswork and go straight for a bundle. Howdysnax offers curated combos like the South African Feast and The Ultimate Howdysnax Experience designed to give you the full range of flavors in one order.

Where to Get Quality Biltong in the US

Searching for biltong near me and coming up empty? That's a common problem. Authentic South African biltong can be hard to find at your local grocery store, which is exactly why Howdysnax ships fresh, made-to-order biltong straight to your door across the US.

Every product is crafted using traditional South African recipes by two South African meat-loving snacking guys who know exactly what great biltong should taste like.

Ready to make the switch from ordinary snacks to something genuinely special? Shop the full Howdysnax range today and taste the difference.