Chappies Splash is bringing a new burst of flavour to one of South Africa’s most recognisable bubblegum brands. The latest addition to the Chappies range introduces a liquid-filled centre that releases a burst of fruity flavour when chewed, giving consumers a new way to enjoy a product that has been part of South African childhood memories for generations.
Available from 1 November 2026, the new range arrives in two flavours, Tutti Frutti and Strawberry, alongside refreshed packaging designed to stand out on retail shelves. The launch reflects Chappies’ efforts to introduce something different while preserving the playful personality, nostalgia and familiarity that have helped make the brand a household name.
Chappies Splash Introduces a New Bubblegum Experience
For generations, Chappies has been associated with its familiar yellow wrapper, Chappie Chipmunk mascot and the popular Did You Know? facts printed inside its packaging. These elements have helped the brand maintain a recognisable identity among South African consumers, connecting childhood memories with a product that continues to occupy a place in local popular culture.
With Chappies Splash, the brand is introducing a new product experience built around the idea of chew, then splash. Unlike traditional bubblegum, the new range features a juicy liquid centre designed to release a burst of flavour when bitten into. The innovation gives consumers something new to discover while maintaining the fun and surprise associated with Chappies.
The launch also demonstrates how established consumer brands can introduce product innovations without abandoning the characteristics that made them popular in the first place. Rather than replacing the original Chappies experience, the Splash range adds a new option for consumers looking for a different flavour and texture.
Two Fruity Flavours Lead the Chappies Splash Launch
The new Chappies Splash range debuts with two flavours designed to deliver a distinctive fruity chewing experience. Tutti Frutti combines mixed-fruit flavours with a liquid centre, while Strawberry offers a sweeter, berry-inspired option intended to appeal to consumers who enjoy familiar fruit flavours.
Both variants feature a liquid-filled centre that releases flavour during chewing, creating the product’s signature splash effect. The range is also presented in modern, colourful packaging designed to attract attention in supermarkets, convenience stores and spaza shops.
The packaging plays an important role in introducing the product to consumers. By combining a refreshed visual appearance with the recognisable Chappies identity, the brand is aiming to make the new range noticeable without losing its connection to the original product.
Chappies Balances Nostalgia With Product Innovation
One of the most interesting aspects of the Chappies Splash launch is how the brand is balancing innovation with nostalgia. Chappies has built decades of recognition through its distinctive packaging, mascot and playful communication style, making it a familiar name across different generations of South African consumers.
Introducing a liquid-centred bubblegum allows the brand to offer a new experience while continuing to draw on that heritage. For younger consumers, the product introduces a playful flavour format, while longtime Chappies fans may recognise the familiar personality behind the new packaging.
Ayesha Hassim, Senior Brand Manager for Chappies South Africa, explained that the new range was developed around the brand’s established association with fun and surprises. She highlighted the liquid centre, fruity flavours and updated appearance as elements that introduce something new while retaining the character consumers associate with Chappies.
From a brand strategy perspective, the launch illustrates how product innovation can help established brands remain relevant in competitive categories. A recognisable brand identity provides familiarity, while new flavours, formats and packaging give consumers fresh reasons to engage with the product.
Chappies for Champs Takes the Brand Into Football Culture
The Chappies Splash launch follows another development for the brand: its entry into football through the Chappies for Champs campaign. The initiative introduced Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau as a Chappies brand ambassador, connecting the bubblegum brand with one of South Africa’s most popular sporting cultures.
The campaign celebrates people who bring the Yoh! factor to everyday moments, extending Chappies’ playful identity beyond the product itself. By partnering with Mudau, the brand is using a recognisable football personality to connect with supporters and introduce its message to audiences who share an interest in the sport.
The association also creates opportunities for Chappies to participate in conversations surrounding football, fandom and everyday South African culture. For a brand built around affordable moments of enjoyment, the partnership provides a way to connect its familiar personality with an activity that brings communities together.
Fans Can Win Football Jerseys Through Chappies for Champs
As part of the Chappies for Champs campaign, consumers have an opportunity to win a jersey representing their favourite football team. According to the campaign announcement, participants can enter by purchasing any five Chappies products, including the original range or Chappies Splash, and submitting their entry through WhatsApp.
Consumers are instructed to send a selfie featuring their Chappies products or an image of their till slip to 082 876 8470. Eligible participants then stand a chance to win their soccer team’s jersey, adding a consumer participation element to the brand’s football partnership.
The promotion connects everyday product purchases with football fandom, encouraging consumers to engage with the brand beyond the point of sale. Full competition terms, eligibility requirements and closing dates should be confirmed through Chappies’ official campaign channels.
Why Chappies Splash Matters for the Brand
The introduction of Chappies Splash and the Chappies for Champs campaign highlights two different but complementary approaches to brand growth. On one hand, Chappies is refreshing its product offering through a new bubblegum format and updated packaging. On the other, it is expanding its cultural presence through a partnership with a South African football personality.
Together, these initiatives give the brand opportunities to connect with consumers through both product experience and shared interests. The liquid-centred gum provides a tangible innovation, while the football campaign introduces storytelling and participation around a familiar national pastime.
For Pat on Brands, the significance lies in how Chappies is using its established brand equity as a foundation for something new. The company is not abandoning the nostalgic elements that made the product recognisable; it is building on them to create additional reasons for consumers to notice and purchase the brand.
The effectiveness of these initiatives will ultimately depend on consumer response, repeat purchases and campaign engagement, which have not been disclosed in the announcement.
Where to Buy Chappies Splash in South Africa
Chappies Splash became available from 1 November 2026 at leading retailers and local spaza shops across South Africa. The launch includes both Tutti Frutti and Strawberry variants, giving consumers two options to experience the new liquid-centred bubblegum.
With its refreshed packaging, fruity flavours and connection to the wider Chappies for Champs campaign, the new range adds another chapter to the brand’s longstanding presence in South African confectionery.
For a product remembered by generations of South Africans, Chappies Splash demonstrates how a familiar brand can continue introducing new experiences without losing the identity that made it recognisable.
The Chappies Splash launch highlights how heritage brands are finding new ways to stay relevant through product innovation. Discover more South African brand launches on Pat on Brands, or read the original Chappies Splash announcement on HYPE Magazine.
