Product type Cheese puffs Country South Africa Related brands | Owner Simba Chips Introduced 1972 Markets Southern Africa | |
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NikNaks, also known as "amaNikNaks," is the brand name for a popular brand of South African Cheese puffs manufactured by the Simba Chips company since 1972. It originally only came in 'Cheese' flavour. It typically comes in 55 gram and 150 gram bags. It is primarily made from maize, vegetable oil, salt, and cheese.
Contents
Though based in South Africa and mostly consumed in the Southern African region, NikNaks are consumed internationally due to South Africa's Diaspora.
Branding
The brand features the brand mascot, Nik the Nak, on a yellow packet with different coloured diamonds arranged in a circular pattern depending on the flavour. Green for fruit chutney, brown for spicy beef, and pink for cheese. In the 2000s the image of the brand mascot was altered due to concerns over the racially prejudicial nature of the original image featuring a stylised Kaapse Klopse minstrel. The mascot was originally "introduced as a middle-aged comic-like character [that] has since evolved into a funkier more youthful male, symbolising elements of youth culture."
The new and final (as of 2016) branding was finalised in 2010 when a design from the advertising agency Graffiti by Mzwandile Buthelezi was chosen after members of the public voted it the best of 3 possible new options.
In 2014 British importers of South African Niknaks were issued with legal letters informing them not to import the snacks into the country as they infringed on the brand name of the British brand Nik Naks manufactured by KP Snacks.
Flavors
Niknaks currently come in three flavours.