NikNaks (South African snack) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids ![]() A bowl of NikNaks
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Product type | Cheese puffs |
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Owner | Simba Chips |
Country | South Africa |
Introduced | 1972 |
Related brands | Simba Chips |
Markets | Southern Africa |
Website | Official website: https://simba.co.za/flavours?brand=NikNaks |
NikNaks, also known as "amaNikNaks," are super popular Cheese puffs from South Africa! The Simba Chips company has been making them since 1972. When they first started, NikNaks only came in a "Cheese" flavour.
You can usually find NikNaks in 55 gram or 135 gram bags. They are mostly made from maize (that's corn!), vegetable oil, salt, and cheese. Even though they started in South Africa and are mostly eaten there, people all over the world enjoy NikNaks. This is because many South Africans live in other countries.
The NikNaks Look: Mascot and Packet Design

The NikNaks brand has a cool mascot called Nik the Nak. You'll see him on the yellow packet! The packet also has different coloured diamonds in a circle. These colours tell you what flavour is inside. For example, green means fruit chutney, brown is for spicy beef, and pink is for cheese.
Over the years, the look of Nik the Nak has changed. In the 2000s, the mascot's image was updated. The original design was inspired by a Kaapse Klopse minstrel, and the company wanted to make sure the mascot felt modern and welcoming to everyone. Nik the Nak went from looking like an older, comic-book character to a younger, more energetic guy. This new look was meant to show off youth culture.
The newest design for Nik the Nak was chosen in 2010. People got to vote on their favourite from three new options! The design by Mzwandile Buthelezi from Graffiti advertising agency won.
Did you know there's another snack called Nik Naks in the United Kingdom? It's made by a company called KP Snacks and has been around since 1981. In 2014, British companies that imported South African NikNaks were asked to stop. This was because the names were too similar, which could confuse customers.
NikNaks Flavours
NikNaks come in lots of yummy flavours today! Here are the ones you can find:
- Original Cheese – This is the very first flavour. It comes in a yellow and pink packet.
- BBQ flavour – This used to be called Spicy Beef. It was launched in October 2013 for the brand's 40th birthday! You'll find it in a yellow and brown packet.
- Fruit Chutney – This flavour comes in a yellow and green packet.
- Grilled Chicken – This flavour was launched in 2020 and comes in a yellow and tan packet.
- Sweet Chili – Look for this one in a yellow and blue packet.
- Ama-Collision Cheese & Sweet Chilli – This flavour mixes two great tastes! It's in a yellow, pink, and blue packet.
- Ama-Collision Cheese & BBQ – Another cool mix of Cheese and BBQ. This packet is yellow, pink, and brown.
- Flamin' Hot – If you like spicy, try this one in a black and red packet!
Some NikNaks flavours are no longer made. These include:
- Chilli Cheese – This flavour was launched in November 2015 and came in a yellow and red packet.
- Spicy Tomato – This flavour was launched in 2010 and also came in a yellow and red packet.
NikNaks Nutrition Facts
It's interesting to see what's in your favourite snacks! Here's a table showing some nutritional information for a few NikNaks flavours. This helps you understand the energy, protein, and fat in each serving.
Cheese Flavour | Spicy Beef | Fruit Chutney Flavour | ||||
Average Values | Per 100g | Per Bag | Per 100g | Per Bag | Per 100g | Per Bag |
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Energy (kJ) | 2335 | 1284 | 2375 | 1284 | 2335 | 1284 |
Energy (kCal) | 564 | 307 | 564 | 307 | 559 | 307 |
Protein | 6.2g | 2.5g | 6.2g | 2.5g | 6.2g | 2.5g |
Carbohydrate | 53g | 29g | 53g | 29g | 53g | 29g |
of which Sugars | 1.3g | 0.7g | 1.3g | 0.7g | 1.3g | 0.7g |
Fat | 36g | 17.9g | 36g | 17.9g | 36g | 17.9g |
Sodium | 0.839g | 0.461g | 0.8g | 0.461g | 0.992g | 0.461g |