Simba - NikNaks Flamin Hot Flavoured Maize Snack 135g

South Africa's favourite Nak. The NikNaks that you know and love still as crispy, still as crunchy... It all begins with mielies, which after milling are fried then sprinkled with our delicious flavours to bring you the fun Maize snack which you now hold in your hand.

The history of Simba Nik Naks in South Africa

Nik Naks, one of South Africa’s most iconic snacks, was first introduced in 1972 by Simba, a company founded in 1957 and now owned by PepsiCo. This maize-based, cheese-flavoured snack quickly became a household name thanks to its bold taste and crunchy texture. Over the years, Simba expanded the range to include exciting new flavours like Spicy Beef, Chilli Cheese, and Tomato Cheese. The brand’s quirky and colourful mascot, “Nik the Nak,” played a key role in its early marketing success, becoming a familiar face in ads and on packaging. Nik Naks also embraced youth culture by incorporating local slang and urban themes into its campaigns, making it a favourite among South African children and teens.

Throughout its history, Nik Naks has adapted to stay relevant in an ever-changing market. The brand underwent a few rebranding efforts, especially in the 2000s, to modernize its image and appeal to a wider audience. It also responded to concerns about cultural sensitivity by adjusting its branding to be more inclusive. Today, Nik Naks continues to dominate shelves across South Africa and is even enjoyed by fans abroad. Its nostalgic value, combined with new flavours and creative marketing, ensures that Nik Naks remains a staple in the South African snack world.

Ingredients

NikNaks Flamin' Hot Flavoured Maize Snack (135g) is made from a base of maize (corn) and is cooked using vegetable oil, typically palm or sunflower oil. To achieve its bold and spicy flavour, the snack includes a combination of salt, dextrose, cheese powder (which may contain whey and other milk-derived ingredients), and flavour enhancers such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), disodium guanylate (E627), and disodium inosinate (E631). Acidity regulators like citric acid help balance the flavour, while hydrolyzed vegetable protein adds depth. The vibrant red-orange colour is achieved using colorants such as E110 (Sunset Yellow), E124 (Ponceau 4R), and E160c (Paprika extract).