What are Chili Bites?
Chili Bites (also known as snap sticks) are thin, air-dried strips of beef seasoned with a traditional South African chili spice blend. They share the same roots as biltong, but with a few key differences that give them their own identity.
Where biltong is cut into thick slabs and sliced after drying, Chili Bites are cut into much thinner strips before the curing process begins. Thinner strips mean a crisp, firmer texture and a more concentrated punch of flavor and heat in every bite.
Think of them as biltong's younger, spicier sibling — same clean ingredients, same air-dried craft, just with a bold chili kick running all the way through. In South Africa, Chili Bites are a staple at Rugby watch parties, braais, and anywhere good company and cold beers come together.
How are Chili Bites made?
Chili Bites start the same way all great South African meat snacks do: with a good cut of beef and a legendary spice blend.
We begin with premium USDA-certified beef, sliced into thin strips before curing. The meat is seasoned with Oupa's original spice blend and a generous handful of chili, coating every surface before the drying process begins. From there, the strips are arranged in sheets to slowly air-dry until they reach that perfect crispy-chewy texture and a fiery finish.
The result is a shelf-stable, heat-forward snack that packs a punch in every bite.
Think you can brave the heat?