The SA Rooibos Council (SARC) interviewed more than 1 000 South Africans from diverse cultures and ages about the popular brew.
According to the survey, Rooibos has moved beyond a mere beverage with more than half of respondents enjoying it at least three times or more a day.
A cup of Rooibos makes for interesting tête-à-tête (dialogue) among South Africans… Almost 40% said a shared cuppa among friends or family gave them clarity on how to not only deal with their own personal challenges. A good gossip and updates on the love-front also counted among the conversations shared.
Twelve percent also cited it a great after-dinner nightcap to help them relax and unwind after a stressful day.
It’s clear that South Africans have a fondness for Rooibos, but exactly what is it about this humble brew that draws us to it?
Apart from its naturally sweet taste and fruity, woody undertones, the majority (84%) of South Africans who participated in the SARC poll cited Rooibos’ health benefits as the number one reason they can’t get enough of it.
A nostalgic 31% said drinking the iconic South African product always brings back memories of good times spent with family and friends, having grown up with Rooibos as children.
What flavour Rooibos do South Africans like?
When it comes to the type of Rooibos tea product South Africans prefer the most, a whopping 44% said they still like the standard cup of Rooibos the best, while 56% cited Rooibos cappuccinos, espressos, flavoured, chai and iced-tea among their new favourite Rooibos indulgences.
How d
o South Africans prefer their Rooibos tea?
The majority of survey participants (41%) like to drink their Rooibos in its purest form with nothing added, while 39% add dairy. When it comes to sweetening things up, 21% and 34% does so with a teaspoon of sugar/sweetener or honey respectively, while 17% foregoes sugar entirely. Twenty percent like their Rooibos zesty by adding a touch of lemon, 7% spice it up with cinnamon, while 2% of respondents experiment with fruit for a unique flavour. Some also confessed to adding a tot of whisky or gin for a bit of extra ‘skop’ in their Rooibos.
What do South Africans enjoy eating most with their national brew?
According to the survey, good old rusks topped the list, followed by toast and jam, biscuits and cake.