Ed Sheeran has his own brand of biltong
We bet you didn't see this one coming…
South Africa's favourite snack has stood the test of time in many taste challenges as one of the tastiest snacks around.
The local staple has become so popular that it's now available in shops across the world, and even celebrities are getting involved.
Good Things Guy founder and editor, Brent Lindeque, is currently travelling through the UK, visiting villages, markets, and even the odd celebrity farm shop. He reported that he was surprised to see biltong being sold in many British shops and even some farm stalls.
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"Well, perhaps more specifically, British biltong that has been inspired by South Africa," he said.
His most shocking find? A brand of biltong that had been "mixed by Ed Sheeran".
Biltong and Ed Sheeran are not two things you'd expect to hear in the same sentence, so how exactly did Ed Sheeran end up making biltong?
Ember Snacks
According to Lindeque, it all started with the British brand Ember Snacks, owned by brothers Jack and Harry Mayhew.
The two, who grew up in Suffolk, grew frustrated as they couldn't find many natural, high-quality protein snacks that matched their lifestyle while training for Ironman triathlons.
That is, until they discovered biltong.
Jack and Harry finally found the perfect snack and decided to make their own. That's how Ember Snacks were born. Inspired by South Africa, they brought biltong to UK stores.
Ed Sheeran and Biltong
British superstar Ed Sheeran, who is also from Suffolk, developed and launched his own hot sauce brand in 2021: Tingly Ted's.
The brand was reportedly inspired by his love of hot sauces.
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While also looking for a healthier, high-protein snack during his fitness journey, Sheeran discovered Ember's biltong.
One day, the Shape of You singer decided to add a splash of his hot sauce to his new favourite snac and, as he put it, "it just hit different."
Sheeran knew he had stumbled onto something special, so he reached out to the Mayhew brothers for a collaboration.
"Our Ember biltong marinated in Ed Sheeran's hot sauce, called Tingly Ted's," says the official website. "It's a combo that packs the natural protein your body deserves, but with an extra kick."
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So, although this is a British brand, it proves just how far South Africa's culinary roots stretch.
And if you’re wondering, according to The Good Things Guy, Ed Sheeran's hot sauce biltong is, indeed, lekker.
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Images: Entertainment Weekly