Summer is here in full force! South Africans love the outdoors, especially outdoor cooking – and for many, that means braais. As we soak up the sun and gather around the braai, it’s hard not to notice the price tags. The cost of meat, fish, poultry, and other essentials for a good braai has definitely gone up. But what about braai charcoal? Has it heated up in price too?
After a little digging, we found out that braai charcoal has actually remained pretty steady – though admittedly, it’s about double what it was a few years ago. Still, it’s affordable, especially if you use it wisely. These days, it’s quite common to be invited to a braai where you’re asked to bring your own meat, salad, and drinks. The one thing you usually don’t have to bring is the charcoal, so at least that’s a bit of luck for guests! Gone are the days when an invite meant you could show up with just your smile and a good story.
In terms of price, the cost of a 5 kg bag of briquettes hasn’t budged much since 2023, even if other essentials have. Here’s how the 2023 prices compare with the current 2024 prices:
Here’s a price comparison:
- Geo Culture: R45 (Same as 2023 for Surebraai range)
- Tj’s Lekka Braai Briquettes: R54.99 (Same as 2023)
- Woolworths: R104.99 (Same as 2023 for premium charcoal briquettes)
- Nam-Char Charcoal: R38.00 (New entry, offering a lower price)
Overall, prices for a 5 kg bag of briquettes have stayed steady from 2023 to 2024, with a new, affordable option from Nam-Char making things even easier for braai enthusiasts.
So, despite price hikes on most other braai items, charcoal has managed to stay hot yet stable. It’s good to know that one part of the beloved South African braai tradition hasn’t changed too much – now, if only the meat would follow suit!
