“We’re Always in the Fast Lane”: US Woman Flabbergasted by SA’s Massive Variety of Energy Drinks

• An American tourist browsed a Cape Town convenience store and could not believe the sheer number of energy drink brands lining the fridges
• She spotted rows of Switch, Score, Monster and Red Bull before deciding to try a Super C drink with her companion
• South Africans flooded the comments with hilarious explanations for why they need so much energy

An American visitor to Cape Town got more than she bargained for during a routine stop at a local convenience store on 31 August 2026. Instagram user @itsamberbarnes posted a reel that quickly captured attention across South Africa, showing her wandering through the fridges of a convenience store, stunned by the sheer wall of energy drinks staring back at her.

SA energy drink culture baffles the visitor

Switch, Score, Monster, Red Bull — the labels kept coming. She could not wrap her head around why so many options existed in one place, laughing as she scanned the seemingly endless selection. Before leaving, she and her companion settled on a Super C to try for themselves. South Africans watching the video had no shortage of explanations.

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Watch the moment she discovered Cape Town's energy drink aisle in the Instagram reel below:

Mzansi viewers respond with humour to the post

The comments section turned into a comedy show, with locals offering reasons ranging from long working hours to defending their favourite celebrities online. One viewer even suggested the country's famous dance moves have the fridges to thank.

@best_lifeofzm:

"So we can defend Tyla online 😂."

@_itszaza:

"So that we can keep up the energy in responding to the West for coming at us for aeroplanes 😅."

@xhosadelik_1030:

"Living in this country, you need that 🍀. Sometimes we drink one to sleep 😂😂."

@m.y.s.t.e.r.y.77:

"You missed one. How can we forget dragon 🍓?"

@just_us_team

"We are always in the fast lane. lol."

@duzzy032:

"Where do you think all those dance moves come from 🤣?"

3 Briefly News articles about Americans in SA

• A US tourist had South Africans in stitches after struggling to stay awake during a Cape Town wine tasting tour due to the strong local wines.
• A US couple living locally expressed surprise after learning that shopping malls in Mzansi allow shoppers on the premises even when the stores are closed.
• An interracial South African/American couple shared videos of their joyful wedding celebrations in Mzansi, successfully blending three distinct cultures and moving social media users.

Source: Briefly News