The Ultimate UK Guide to South Africa’s Iconic Dried Sausage
If you're new to droëwors, it’s time to meet your new favourite high-protein snack. This South African dried sausage is quickly becoming a favourite snack in the UK. It offers bold flavour, clean ingredients, and a strong connection to food heritage — all in one bite.
Looking for a new meat snack? Trying to eat more mindfully? Or just curious about South African cuisine? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about droewors.
What Exactly Is Droëwors?
Droëwors, pronounced droo-uh-vors, means “dry sausage” in Afrikaans. It’s a thin, air-dried meat snack made using beef, natural spices, and no added sugar or weird fillers. Unlike fresh sausages, droëwors is never cooked. Instead, it’s air-dried in a traditional curing process that preserves flavour and increases shelf life without artificial preservatives.
The result? A chewy, flavour-packed sausage stick that’s shelf-stable, nutritious, and uniquely satisfying.
Health Benefits of Droëwors
This isn’t your average snack. Here’s why droëwors is ideal for modern eaters in the UK:
✓ High in protein – Supports muscle recovery and satiety
✓ Low in carbs – Perfect for keto or paleo diets
✓ Gluten-free – Naturally free from wheat
✓ No added sugar – Unlike many jerky brands
✓ Clean ingredients – No artificial preservatives or nitrates
It’s a great snack for the gym, work, hiking, or school lunches.
How Is Droëwors Sausage Made?
The process is deceptively simple, but each step plays a key role in the final texture and flavour:
1. Meat Selection: Traditionally, lean cuts of beef are used, often sourced from grass-fed cattle and free from hormones and additives.
2. Spice Mix: A classic droëwors mix includes:
-
- Coriander (signature flavour)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Nutmeg or cloves (optional)
- Vinegar (as a natural preservative)
3. Stuffing: The seasoned mince is packed into natural casings, thinner than regular sausages, typically made from sheep intestines.
4. Air Drying: The sausages are hung for 4–7 days in a cool, dry space with good airflow. This process draws out moisture while locking in intense flavour.
This air-drying method is similar to making charcuterie or salami, but with a distinct Southern African twist.
What Is Droëwors Made From?
Ingredients & Spices
Traditional droëwors includes:
- Beef (sometimes game meat)
- Coriander
- Salt & black pepper
- Nutmeg or cloves (optional)
- Vinegar for natural preservation
- Natural sausage casings
There are no artificial fillers — just quality beef sausage with a bold flavour and clean ingredients.
Droëwors vs Biltong vs Jerky: What’s the Difference?
While all are meat snacks, droëwors is the only one in sausage form and traditionally doesn’t include sugar or smoke flavouring.
Best Pairings for Droëwors Meat
Wondering how to enjoy droëwors beyond snacking straight from the bag? Here are some ideal food and drink pairings:
Food Pairings:
- Aged cheddar or gouda
- Fresh crusty bread or sourdough
- Pickled onions or gherkins
- Cherry tomatoes or dried fruits
Drink Pairings:
- Bold red wine (Shiraz or Cabernet)
- Cold craft beer or lager
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Traditional ginger beer
Occasions:
- Casual dinner parties or wine nights
- Weekend braais or garden get-togethers
- Picnics, hikes, or road trips
- Game-day snacks for rugby or football
These pairings help elevate droëwors from snack to gourmet experience — and give your readers even more reason to try it!
How to Eat Droëwors
There are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy droewors beyond snacking straight from the pack. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with cheese and olives on a charcuterie board for a bold, savoury pairing.
- Slice into a salad to add protein and texture — great for low-carb meals.
- Include in a packed lunch or take it on hikes as a convenient, high-protein snack.
- Pair with drinks such as red wine or a craft lager for a gourmet snack moment.
- Chop and cook into eggs — try it in a scramble or omelette for a savoury twist.
This meat snack is as versatile as it is flavourful, making it easy to enjoy whether you’re entertaining, meal-prepping, or on the go.
Where to Buy Droëwors in the UK
Whether you’re looking for authentic South African droëwors or locally made versions, the UK has more options than ever. We recommend exploring our diverse droewor range here.
Physical Retailers
- Speciality butchers
- South African delis in London, Manchester, Birmingham
- World food aisles in select Tesco or Sainsbury’s stores
When shopping, check for:
- “No added sugar”
- “100% beef”
- “Air dried” or “natural drying process”
- “Gluten-free” or “clean label”
The Origins of The South African Droëwors Staple
Droewors originates from traditional South African food culture, where air-drying meat has been a centuries-old practice. It was typically made from beef or game meat, then seasoned with coriander, vinegar, and black pepper. This simple method made it easy to preserve protein without the need for refrigeration.
Over time, droewors became more than just a preservation method — it became a beloved part of South African life. It’s now commonly enjoyed at braais (barbecues), during road trips, or packed into school lunchboxes.
South African cuisine is growing in popularity across the UK. As part of that rise, droewors is becoming a go-to snack for those who want bold flavour and simple ingredients.
The Cultural Meaning of Droëwors in South Africa
Droëwors isn’t just a dried sausage — it’s woven into the cultural fabric of South African life. For generations, it’s been enjoyed at braais (barbecues), shared during family road trips, or tucked into school lunchboxes. The process of making droëwors — often a family recipe — reflects tradition, patience, and pride.
For South African expats in the UK, a bite of droëwors is more than a snack. It’s a connection to home, heritage, and memory. And for Brits discovering it for the first time? It’s a delicious insight into one of the world’s most vibrant food cultures.
Should You Try Droëwors?
If you're after a snack that’s:
- Rich in flavour
- Packed with protein
- Rooted in South African heritage
- Ideal for active, on-the-go lifestyles
…then droëwors is well worth a try. It’s not just a snack — it’s a taste of tradition that now has a place in British homes, pantries, and gym bags.
Whether you’re trying droewors for the first time or looking for the best in the UK, now you know what makes this traditional dried sausage so special.
