Droëwors 101: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About This South African Sausage
Droëwors (Afrikaans for “dry sausage”) is a traditional South African air-dried beef sausage seasoned with coriander and spices. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, flavour-packed, and perfect for sharing, travel and everyday snacking.
What Exactly Is Droëwors?
Droëwors is made from minced beef (with a little fat for flavour), seasoned with coriander, black pepper, salt, vinegar and warm spices. The mixture is stuffed into thin natural casings and air-dried until firm and intensely savoury — no smoking, no cooking.
It’s the dried cousin of boerewors (South Africa’s beloved fresh sausage) and the perfect companion to biltong.
How Droëwors Is Made — The Traditional Way
From Boerewors to Droëwors
- Blend: lean beef plus 10–15% fat for juiciness.
- Season: coriander seed, pepper, salt, nutmeg/clove, a touch of vinegar.
- Stuff: thin casings for even drying.
- Dry: cool air-drying to lock in flavour and texture.
Why Air-Drying Matters
Air-drying is a low-temperature method that preserves a clean ingredient list and a distinctive bite — typically without added sugars, nitrates, or MSG.
Flavour & Texture Profile
Expect savoury, gently tangy notes with aromatic coriander and warm spice. The texture is firm yet tender — more chew than biltong, less than most jerkies. It’s brilliant with a cold drink, in lunchboxes, or on sharing boards.
Droëwors vs Biltong — What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Droëwors | Biltong |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Air-dried sausage sticks | Air-dried sliced beef |
| Texture | Chewy, snappable | Tender, sliceable |
| Flavour | Coriander-forward, savoury | Beefy, savoury (spice varies) |
| Protein (per 100g) | ~45–50g* | ~50–60g* |
| Carbs | < 1g | < 1g |
| Best for | Sharing, road trips | Fitness, quick protein |
*Ranges vary by recipe and brand — always check the nutrition label.
Nutritional Benefits of Droëwors
High Protein, Low Carb
Each serving packs substantial protein with minimal carbohydrates — ideal for low-carb and keto lifestyles.
Iron & Zinc
Beef provides bioavailable iron and zinc to support energy metabolism and immune health.
Clean, Satisfying Fuel
Traditional recipes keep ingredients short and simple for real-food snacking you can trust.
| Nutrient (per 100g) | Typical Amount | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | ~45–50g | Builds & repairs muscle |
| Fat | ~18–22g | Satiety & flavour |
| Carbohydrates | < 1g | Low-carb & keto-friendly |
| Iron & Zinc | Present | Energy & immune support |
How to Enjoy Droëwors
On the Go
Resealable packs are perfect for commutes, hikes, school runs and road trips.
With Drinks
A natural match for craft beer, cider or South African wine.
Meal Ideas
- Chop into salads (rocket, cherry tomato, feta).
- Fold into omelettes or breakfast bowls.
- Add to grazing boards with cheeses, nuts and chutney.
Where to Buy Authentic Droëwors in the UK
Get the real taste of South Africa delivered across the UK. Explore our range:
Curious about biltong too? Discover our biltong collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “droëwors” mean?
“Droëwors” is Afrikaans for dry sausage.
What is droëwors made from?
Typically minced beef with coriander, black pepper, salt and a little vinegar, stuffed into thin casings and air-dried.
Is droëwors healthy?
Yes — it’s high in protein, low in carbs and made with a short ingredient list when traditionally prepared. As with any savoury snack, enjoy sensible portions.
Does droëwors need refrigeration?
Unopened packs are shelf-stable. After opening, store in a cool, dry place and refrigerate for longer freshness, especially for softer styles.
How is droëwors different from boerewors?
Boerewors is the fresh sausage you grill; droëwors is the air-dried version for snacking.