From a simple craving-inspired idea to a fast-growing artisanal brand and small-batch scoops to festival queues,Scoops n’ Giggles is bringing bold flavours, creativity and fun to Eswatini’s dessert scene.
What started as a simple idea inspired by a friend’s sweet cravings has grown into one of Eswatini’s most exciting artisanal dessert brands. Scoops n’ Giggles, founded by Zandile Mabaso, is redefining the local ice cream experience with handcrafted flavours, vibrant energy and a playful approach to dessert.
Zandile, who jokingly refers to herself as the brand’s “Chief Giggler” and resident scoopologist,” launched Scoops n’ Giggles in 2022. The idea was sparked by something simple, a pregnant friend craving sweet treats. At the time, the goal was modest: to make great ice cream for family and friends. But as demand grew and more people discovered the unique flavours and quality, the vision expanded.
“We started with a simple, slightly frozen dream in 2022: to prove that dessert shouldn’t just taste good; it should feel like a punchline to a great day,” she explains. We’re not just selling scoops. We’re selling a mood.”
That philosophy is reflected in every part of the brand, from the flavours to the presentation and the experience customers have when they encounter the colourful stall at markets and festivals.
Unlike many commercial ice cream brands that rely on high air content to increase volume, Scoops n’ Giggles focuses on dense, flavour-packed ice cream made in small batches. The process is slow, careful and hands-on, ensuring a rich texture and intense flavour in every scoop. For Scoops n’ Giggles, quality always comes before convenience. Each batch is crafted with patience, attention to detail and a deep appreciation for the art of dessert-making.
“Commercial brands use a lot of air to bulk up their tubs,” she explains. “We don’t sell air; we sell soul. Our process is slow, small-batch and incredibly hands-on. If a machine can do it in ten seconds, we’d rather take ten minutes to make sure the texture is perfect.”
Another important ingredient in the brand’s philosophy is local sourcing. Whenever possible, they work with local producers to source seasonal fruits and ingredients. This not only supports local suppliers but also brings a fresh, natural flavour to the ice cream. This approach not only improves the quality of the ice cream but also helps create flavours that feel authentic and connected to the region.
“We believe in ‘flavour with a zip code,’” Zandile says. “You can taste the sunshine in seasonal fruit. If the local strawberries are blushing, our ice cream is too.”
Zandile’s journey has also been shaped by international training in gelato-making, where she gained deeper insight into the science behind the craft.
From understanding the balance between sugar and cream to mastering the freezing process, the training helped refine her skills and elevate the quality of her products.
The experience, made possible with support from partners including friends from the EU in Eswatini and the ITC, provided the technical knowledge needed to experiment confidently while still respecting traditional gelato methods.
Beyond taste, Scoops n’ Giggles also places strong emphasis on visual identity and brand experience. Whether it’s the packaging or the vibrant market stall displays, every detail is designed to match the playful spirit of the brand. After all, as Zandile believes, people often fall in love with dessert before they even take their first bite.
“People eat with their eyes long before they reach for a spoon,” Zandile explains. “Our visual identity is the ‘Giggle’ part of the name. If it doesn’t look like a party, we’re doing it wrong.”
The brand’s presence at markets and festivals has also played a significant role in its growth. These spaces offer direct interaction with customers, creating instant feedback and see their reactions in real time.
One standout moment came during their participation at the MTN Bushfire Festival in 2024, where the overwhelming response confirmed that Scoops n’ Giggles had grown beyond a passion project into a brand people actively seek out.
Among the many flavours on offer, Salted Caramel stands out as one that best reflects Scoops n’ Giggles’ journey — sweet, slightly salty from the hard work and surprisingly smooth in the end.
Another favourite among customers is the ever-popular Cookies and Cream, a flavour that consistently sells out and has become something of a celebrity in the brand’s freezer.
Despite the brand’s growing popularity, Mabaso still has ambitious dreams for the future. One of them is seeing a Scoops n’ Giggles flavour served on the menu of Eswatini Air flights, allowing travellers to enjoy a taste of home while flying thousands of feet above the ground.
Closer to home, plans are also underway for expansion. While the brand has embraced the excitement of a travelling pop-up experience, a permanent boutique-style shop, a “Happy Place” where customers can always find their favourite scoops is on the horizon.
New product lines are also on the horizon, including dairy-free options that maintain the same rich flavour and quality as the traditional recipes. At the same time, the brand is preparing to introduce authentic Italian gelato, with unique and experimental flavours set to appear on their social media platforms soon.
For now, fans of Scoops n’ Giggles can find the brand at several popular spots across the country, including the Ezulwini Farmers Market every second weekend of the month and events at Malandela’s Lifestyle Centre in Malkerns.
The brand also makes appearances at outdoor movie events and pop-ups, with updates regularly shared on their Instagram page.
Whether it’s a spontaneous festival treat or a cup for your ’emergency’ midnight snack stash, ordered through social media, Scoops n’ Giggles continues to deliver exactly what its name promises, delicious scoops served with a side of joy.
