The Best Vegan Travel Snacks in South Africa

This guide will discuss the best vegan travel snacks in South Africa.

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As a South African who had recently switched from meat to plant-based foods, I had many questions. What would I eat while discovering this beautiful country?

Will I get vegan snacks when I travel? Biltong has been my go-to snack in the past.

Here are my top picks that energised me on long bus rides in the Karoo, hikes in the Drakensberg, and walks through the busy streets of Durban and Pretoria.

Why Vegan Snacking in South Africa Is Amazing

Before I give recommendations, let’s clear up a common myth: Many travellers think South Africa isn’t vegan-friendly.

I couldn’t disagree more!

Traditional South African cuisine is known for its meat, such as braai and biltong. However, the country’s fresh produce and growing health food scene make it welcoming for vegans. More people are also becoming aware of plant-based diets.

South African vegan snacks stand out because they blend flavours from the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Cuisines from Africa, India, the Netherlands, and Malaysia mix to create unique flavours.

Fresh Fruits: Nature’s Perfect Travel Snack

South Africa’s climate is excellent for growing some of the tastiest fruits I’ve ever had. During my travels, I made it a habit to stop at local farmers’ markets whenever possible.

Avocados

The avocados in South Africa are unique.

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They’re creamy, buttery, and often much larger than the ones I’m used to back home. When flying, I usually grab a few and a small knife (which I pack in my checked luggage). I enjoy them with a sprinkle of sea salt at rest stops or viewpoints. Pure heaven!

Cape Gooseberries – The Perfect Vegan Travel Snack

Cape gooseberries (or physalis) became another obsession of mine. These small orange berries have paper-like skins, making them perfect for travel. They stay fresh for days and don’t need refrigeration. Their tangy-sweet flavour is incredibly refreshing during hot South African afternoons.

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Naartjies for Vitamin C – Your Best Travel Vegan Snack in South Africa

Naartjies (local mandarin oranges) were my go-to citrus snack. They peel easily, are super juicy, and boost vitamin C while travelling. On my trip, I saw them at almost every supermarket and roadside fruit stand.

Nuts and Dried Fruits: Traditional and Modern Varieties

South Africa’s nut scene blew me away with familiar and unique offerings. The macadamia nuts from the northeast are some of the best I’ve ever had. I grabbed their bags at farm stalls in Mpumalanga. Rationing them was an option, but not well—they’re just too addictive!) throughout my trip.

I found terrific dried fruit options in Cape Town and Johannesburg. They had much more than raisins and apricots. Dried persimmons, mangoes, and pineapples made wonderful energy-boosting treats during long drives. My favourite find was dried Cape gooseberries. They are intensely flavorful and chewy, making them perfect hiking snacks.

I was surprised to find the marula nut at a small health food store in Johannesburg. Local communities have gathered these protein-rich nuts for generations. They have a unique taste similar to that of walnuts or cashews.

Biltong… But Make It Vegan!

If there’s one snack South Africa is famous for, it’s biltong—a type of dried, cured meat. As a vegan, I assumed this cultural staple would be off-limits.

Mushroom Biltong for Your Vegan Travel Snack in South Africa

That is, until I stumbled upon mushroom biltong at a farmers’ market in Stellenbosch!

This plant-based biltong uses thick strips of king oyster mushrooms. Like traditional biltong, the mushrooms soak in a spice mix containing coriander, black pepper, and vinegar. Then, they are dried. This method captures the savoury, umami flavour of the original. The chewy texture and bold flavour make it my top protein snack for long hikes in the Drakensberg mountains.

I later discovered that several companies produce vegan biltong alternatives across South Africa. Brands like Herbi Vohr and Urban Vegan sell packaged versions. I found these in health food stores in major cities. They cost a bit more but are worth it for an authentic South African snack experience.

Indigenous Plant-Based Treasures

One of the best parts of my South African trip was finding native plant foods, which local communities have eaten for centuries.

Rooibos Energy Balls

On a guided walk in the Western Cape, I tasted rooibos-infused energy balls made with local seeds and dried fruits.

Rooibos is a well-known red bush tea from South Africa. Its subtle earthy flavour complements the dates’ sweetness and the seeds’ crunch.

Amaranth Grain Bars

In KwaZulu-Natal markets, I found amaranth grain bars. They are a modern twist on traditional food.

These ancient grain snack bars combine nutritious amaranth with tangy baobab powder. I ate them for breakfast on many early morning game drives when I didn’t have time for a proper meal.

Sorghum Puffs

The most surprising find was sorghum puffs. They are like rice cakes but made from local sorghum grain. Light and crunchy, these snacks are often flavoured with herbs like wild garlic or African basil. They became my favourite for aeroplane trips within the country.

Supermarket Finds: Vegan Convenience Foods

Exploring local and traditional foods was a highlight. But I also relied on supermarket finds for convenience. This was especially true during long bus rides or when I stayed in places without kitchens.

South African Grocery Chains

Major South African grocery chains, like Woolworths, Pick n Pay, and Checkers, offer many clearly labelled vegan products. Here are some of the supermarket staples that never failed me:

Woolworths’ vegan samosas are a must-have for road trips. They’re filling and tasty; you can find them in most stores nationwide. The spicy lentil variety was my favourite, reminding me of the significant Indian influence in South African cuisine.

ProVeg biltong chips—These potato chips, flavoured with traditional biltong spices, satisfied my craving for a distinctive South African flavour profile without any animal products.

Kauai for Your Health-Focused Vegan Snack in South Africa

Kauai is a health-focused chain found in many shopping centres. It offers pre-packaged vegan snack pots, including hummus, crudités, and seed crackers. These helped me during long travel days.

I was happy to see coconut yoghurt becoming more common in big supermarkets. This was a great hotel room breakfast when vegan choices were few. It paired well with a bag of granola and fresh berries.

Health Food Store Gems

The health food store scene in South Africa’s major cities deserves special mention. In Cape Town, I found several stores that focused on plant-based diets.

Wellness Warehouse became my go-to chain, with locations in most major cities. Their vegan protein bars, trail mixes, and crackers filled my backpack for adventures. I liked their house-brand seed crackers. They arrived in compostable packaging. This was perfect for my snacking and better for the environment.

In Johannesburg, I discovered “The Vegan Grocer.” There, I found locally made tempeh chips. They were game-changers: crunchy, rich in protein, and spiced with African peri-peri.

Simple, Portable Sandwiches and Wraps

Sometimes, the best travel snacks are the ones you make yourself.

During my journey, I often made simple sandwiches and wraps in my place before going on day trips.

South African bread deserves a shout-out. The “seed loaf” varieties in bakeries are hearty and nutritious. They’re perfect for travel since they don’t get soggy quickly.

These snacks, filled with avocado, hummus, and fresh vegetables, helped me stay energised during long sightseeing days.

I found Mrs. Ball’s chutney for spreads. Many of its varieties are vegan, so check the label. It adds a sweet-tangy kick to any sandwich. This traditional South African condiment became a staple in my food bag.

Hydration Heroes

I can’t discuss travel food without mentioning the fantastic vegan drinks that kept me hydrated in South Africa.

Rooibos tea is caffeine-free, packed with antioxidants, and distinctly South African. I carried tea bags everywhere and asked for hot water at cafes and rest stops. Many places also offer rooibos as a standard option.

I also fell in love with locally produced fruit juices. Brands like Sir Juice and Elgin provide preservative-free choices. These are great for quick energy boosts. The guava juice became a favourite during hot days in Kruger National Park.

Tips for Vegan Snacking Success in South Africa

Here are my top tips for vegan travellers based on my journeys through this beautiful country:

• Always bring a reusable container, utensils, and a small cutting knife. Pack the knife in your checked luggage when flying. You can prepare fresh fruits and veggies bought from markets and stores.
• Learn a few key phrases in the main languages spoken where you’re travelling. Being able to ask, “Does this contain animal products?” in Afrikaans, Zulu, or Xhosa went a long way in helping me communicate my dietary needs.
• Download the HappyCow app before your trip. It’s mainly useful for urban restaurants, but some rural health food stores and vegan-friendly businesses are also included.
• Visit local markets whenever possible. You’ll find fresh produce and unique local products that you won’t see in regular stores.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. South Africans are very welcoming. When I shared my dietary needs, they were eager to help.

My Ultimate South African Vegan Snack Pack

For a day of exploring South Africa, I’d pack these vegan snacks:

• A container holds mixed dried fruits and nuts. It features tasty macadamias and dried Cape gooseberries.
• A packet of mushroom biltong for savoury protein.
• Seed crackers with a small container of hummus or avocado.
• Fresh naartjies or seasonal fruits.
• A few rooibos tea bags.
• Refillable water bottle (South African tap water is safe to drink in urban areas)
• A small bar of local dark chocolate (I found amazing vegan chocolate in the Western Cape wine region)

This mix balances proteins, healthy fats, carbs, and treats. It helps keep energy steady on long travel days.

Embracing the Adventure

What I first worried about would be being strict about travelling in South Africa as a vegan, but it turned out to be one of the best parts of my trip.

I searched for the best vegan snacks in South Africa. This took me to local markets, where I talked to vendors and found foods I might have missed.

Cape Town’s Neighbourgoods Market had vibrant, fresh produce, and Durban’s Victoria Street Market had intense, spicy scents. Warm chats with farm stall owners along the Garden Route also created incredible memories for me.

So, if you’re a vegan planning a South African adventure, you won’t go hungry.

Bring your sense of adventure, a camera, and hiking boots. Get ready to discover delicious plant-based snacks from South Africa. They’ll fuel your adventures in this incredible country!

South Africa amazed me with its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. I also enjoyed a diverse and delicious vegan culinary scene. These experiences are as memorable as the beautiful sunsets and safari sightings.