Canadian Products List

Canadian Products List

Canadian Grocery Swap Guide

Choose Canadian at the Grocery Store


Looking for Canadian alternatives to familiar American food and beverage brands?There are Canadian companies producing everything from cereal and cookies to frozen foods, dairy products, snacks, coffee and beverages. This guide is designed to make finding those alternatives a little easier.

Important: A familiar Canadian brand name doesn’t necessarily mean the company is Canadian-owned. Likewise, some internationally owned companies manufacture their products in Canada.Whenever possible, check the package for Product of Canada or Made in Canada, and look for information about where the company is actually owned and operated.

Breakfast & Cereal

Instead of Kellogg’s or General Mills Try:
  • Nature’s Path
  • One Degree Organics
  • Sunny Boy
  • Rogers Foods
Instead of Quaker oatmeal and cereals Try:
  • One Degree Organics
  • Rogers Foods
  • Sunny Boy
Instead of Nature Valley snack and granola bars Try:
  • MadeGood
  • Taste of Nature
  • SunRype
  • Nature’s Path

Cookies, Crackers & Snacks

Instead of Nabisco / Mondelez brands such as Ritz and Oreo Try:
  • Dare Foods
  • Breton
  • Vinta
  • Leclerc
  • Celebration
  • MadeGood
Instead of Lay’s potato chips Try:
  • Covered Bridge
  • Hardbite
  • Old Dutch
Instead of Doritos and other American snack chips Try:
  • Hardbite
  • Neal Brothers
Instead of American fruit snacks Try:
  • SunRype Fruit to Go
  • MadeGood

Soups, Beans & Pantry Foods

Instead of Campbell’s soup Try:
  • Sprague Foods
  • Habitant
  • President’s Choice
Instead of Bush’s or American canned beans Try:
  • Sprague Foods
  • Clark
  • President’s Choice
Instead of American pasta brands Try:
  • Italpasta
Instead of American rice brands Try:
  • Dainty

Sauces, Condiments & Spreads

Instead of Heinz and other American ketchup and condiment brands Try:
  • E.D. Smith
  • President’s Choice
  • Canadian-made alternatives
Instead of Smucker’s jam Try:
  • E.D. Smith
  • Crofter’s
Instead of Jif or Skippy peanut butter Try:
  • Nuts to You Nut Butter
  • President’s Choice
Instead of American hummus and dips Try:
  • Summer Fresh
  • Neal Brothers

Baking

Instead of American flour Try:
  • Arva Flour Mills
  • Rogers Foods
Instead of imported sugar Try:
  • Redpath
Instead of artificial pancake syrups Try:
  • 100% Pure Canadian Maple Syrup
There are many Canadian maple syrup producers, so check the label and choose a Canadian producer whenever possible.

Frozen Foods

Instead of Ore-Ida frozen potatoes Try:
  • McCain
Instead of Green Giant and other American frozen vegetables Try:
  • Arctic Gardens
  • Canadian private-label alternatives
Instead of Eggo waffles Try:
  • Nature’s Path
Instead of American frozen prepared meals Try:
  • M&M Food Market
  • President’s Choice
  • Canadian-made grocery store alternatives

Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts

Instead of Häagen-Dazs, Ben & Jerry’s and other multinational brands Try:
  • Chapman’s
  • Kawartha Dairy
Chapman’s is a particularly easy Canadian alternative because its products are widely available in grocery stores.

Dairy

When shopping for dairy products, look for the Dairy Farmers of Canada Blue Cow logo. It indicates that the product is made with 100% Canadian milk and milk ingredients.Canadian alternatives include:
  • Gay Lea
  • Nordica
  • Agropur / Natrel
  • Bothwell Cheese
  • Canadian independent and regional dairies
For plant-based milk and dairy alternatives, look for:
  • Earth’s Own

Meat & Deli

Instead of Tyson and other American poultry brands Try:
  • Maple Lodge Farms
  • Canadian poultry producers
Instead of Oscar Mayer deli meats, bacon and sausage Try:
  • Maple Leaf
  • Schneiders
  • Piller’s
Always check the package for Canadian production information.

Seafood

Instead of American frozen seafood brands Try:
  • High Liner
  • Canadian and Atlantic Canadian seafood producers
Look for Canadian-caught and Canadian-processed seafood when available.

Juice & Beverages

Instead of Tropicana and Minute Maid Try:
  • Oasis
  • SunRype
  • Kiju
  • Allen’s
Instead of American fruit snacks and juice products Try:
  • SunRype
Instead of American sparkling water Try:
  • Clearly Canadian
Instead of Dasani or Aquafina Try:
  • Naya
  • Canadian spring-water producers
Instead of Gatorade and Powerade Try:
  • BioSteel
Instead of Monster and other American energy drinks Try:
  • GURU

Coffee

Instead of Starbucks and large American grocery-store coffee brands Try:
  • Muskoka Roastery
  • Balzac’s Coffee Roasters
  • Salt Spring Coffee
  • Your local independent Canadian coffee roaster
Buying coffee from a local roaster is also an excellent way to keep more of your spending within your community.

Chocolate & Candy

Instead of Hershey and other large American confectionery companies Try:
  • Ganong
  • Canadian independent chocolatiers
Canada has many excellent small chocolate and confectionery companies that may not have national grocery-store distribution, so don’t overlook local alternatives.

An Easy Way to Start

You don’t have to replace everything in your grocery cart at once.When you reach for something you normally buy, simply ask:“Is there a Canadian alternative beside it?”Sometimes the answer is sitting on the very next shelf.Choosing even a few Canadian alternatives during each grocery trip can help support Canadian farmers, food producers, manufacturers and the people they employ.

What Does “Canadian” Actually Mean?

There is an important difference between a Canadian brand, a Canadian-made product and a Canadian-owned company.Product of Canada generally represents the strongest Canadian designation.Made in Canada indicates that the product’s last substantial transformation occurred in Canada, although some ingredients may come from other countries.A company can also manufacture food in Canada while being owned by a foreign corporation.If supporting Canadian ownership is important to you, look beyond the brand name and check both the product label and the company behind it.

Shop Canadian. Support Local.

Every grocery purchase is a choice.When a good Canadian alternative is available, choosing it can help support Canadian businesses, Canadian workers, Canadian farmers and Canadian communities.And when you can buy from an independent business in your own neighbourhood, that’s even better.Neighbourhood Shops Supporting local businesses and stronger communities.

Canadian Alternatives for Everyday Shopping

Looking for a Canadian Alternative?

Buying Canadian doesn’t have to stop at the grocery store.From clothing and footwear to shampoo, laundry detergent, paper products and pet food, Canadian companies produce many of the everyday products we already buy.The challenge is knowing where to look.This guide is designed to help Canadians discover Canadian alternatives when they would otherwise purchase from a large American or international brand.You don’t have to replace everything you buy.When you need something, simply ask:“Is there a Canadian alternative?”


Clothing & Everyday Apparel


Instead of American Fast Fashion

If you normally shop at American chains such as Gap, Old Navy, American Eagle or Abercrombie & Fitch, consider looking at Canadian companies first.Canadian alternatives include:
  • Province of Canada
  • Muttonhead
  • FRANC
  • Miik
  • Encircled
  • Good For Sunday
  • Local Laundry
  • OkayOK
  • Free Label
  • Anne Mulaire
  • Kotn
Some Canadian clothing companies manufacture domestically while others manufacture some products internationally.If Canadian manufacturing is important to you, check the individual garment label before purchasing.


Jeans & Denim

Instead of Levi’s and Other American Denim Brands

Look for:
  • Naked & Famous Denim
  • Yoga Jeans
  • Canadian-made independent denim companies
Canada still has companies producing denim domestically, including jeans manufactured in Quebec and Ontario.


Sweats, Hoodies & Casual Clothing

Instead of American Athletic and Casual Brands

Look for:
  • Province of Canada
  • Reigning Champ
  • Local Laundry
  • Good For Sunday
  • Muttonhead
  • OkayOK
Several Canadian companies manufacture T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants and everyday basics right here in Canada.


Women’s Clothing

Instead of Large American Fashion Chains

Look for Canadian companies such as:
  • Miik
  • Encircled
  • Anne Mulaire
  • Free Label
  • Meemoza
  • FRANC
  • Province of Canada
Canada has a surprisingly large independent clothing industry, particularly in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Manitoba.


Men’s Clothing

Instead of Large American Casualwear Brands

Look for:
  • Province of Canada
  • Muttonhead
  • Naked & Famous Denim
  • Reigning Champ
  • Local Laundry
  • OkayOK
  • 18 Waits
Look beyond the shopping mall. Some of Canada’s most interesting clothing companies are independent businesses that sell directly to consumers.


Children’s Clothing

Instead of automatically choosing large international children’s clothing chains, look for Canadian-designed and Canadian-made children’s clothing.Canadian independent manufacturers produce:
  • Baby clothing
  • Children’s basics
  • Pajamas
  • Sweaters
  • Outdoor clothing
  • Hats and accessories
Check independent Canadian retailers and local children’s stores as well as Canadian manufacturers selling online.


Underwear, Socks & Basics

Instead of Hanes and Fruit of the Loom

Look for:
  • Stanfield’s
  • Province of Canada
  • Canadian independent manufacturers
Stanfield’s has particularly deep Canadian roots and remains one of the best-known names associated with Canadian underwear and basic apparel.


Outdoor Clothing

Instead of Automatically Choosing Large American Outdoor Brands

Canada has an extensive outdoor apparel industry.Look for Canadian companies and Canadian-made products from brands such as:
  • Wuxly
  • Ecologyst
  • Muttonhead
  • Anian
  • Canadian independent outdoor manufacturers
Always check manufacturing information because production location can vary considerably between companies and individual products.


Winter Clothing & Outerwear

Canadians know something about winter.Before purchasing an American or international winter coat, consider Canadian manufacturers and designers.Look for:
  • Wuxly
  • Canadian independent coat manufacturers
  • Canadian wool manufacturers
  • Canadian-made parkas
  • Locally manufactured winter accessories
Check individual products for Canadian manufacturing.


Workwear

Instead of American Workwear Brands

Look for Canadian alternatives such as:
  • Tough Duck
  • BIG BILL
  • Canadian workwear manufacturers
Canada has a long history of producing work clothing designed for Canadian weather and working conditions.


Footwear

Instead of American Shoe and Boot Brands

Canada still has genuine domestic footwear manufacturers.Look for:
  • Canada West Boots
  • Boulet Boots
  • Martino
  • Kamik
  • Royer
  • Viberg
  • Tatra
  • Garneau Slippers
  • Acquisti Life
Canadian footwear manufacturing remains particularly strong in Quebec, Manitoba, Ontario and British Columbia.


Winter Boots

Instead of Automatically Buying American Winter Footwear

Look for:
  • Canada West Boots
  • Kamik
  • Martino
  • Royer
  • Boulet
  • Canadian independent boot manufacturers
Check the specific pair before purchasing because some Canadian footwear companies manufacture different product lines in different countries.


Leather Goods & Accessories

Before purchasing from a large international handbag, belt or accessories company, consider Canadian leatherworkers and manufacturers.Look for:
  • Roots Canadian-made leather products
  • Hides in Hand
  • Leatherwood
  • NAB Leather
  • Independent Canadian leatherworkers
Canada has many small leather businesses producing belts, wallets, bags, gloves and other accessories.


Hats & Accessories

Look for:
  • Tilley
  • Canadian-made independent hat companies
  • Local Canadian makers
  • Canadian wool and textile manufacturers
Smaller Canadian manufacturers can be particularly good alternatives for hats, scarves, mittens and other accessories.


Personal Care

Your bathroom is another easy place to look for Canadian alternatives.Instead of automatically reaching for products from large American multinational companies, consider Canadian companies.Look for:
  • Green Beaver
  • Rocky Mountain Soap Company
  • ATTITUDE
  • Routine
  • Canadian independent soap and skincare manufacturers
Products available from Canadian companies include:
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Toothpaste
  • Body wash
  • Moisturizer
  • Skin care
  • Baby care


Soap & Body Care

Instead of Large American Personal-Care Brands

Look for:
  • Rocky Mountain Soap Company
  • Green Beaver
  • ATTITUDE
  • Canadian independent soap makers
This is also an excellent category for supporting small businesses close to home. Many Canadian communities have independent soap, bath and skincare producers.


Household Cleaning Products

Instead of Large American Cleaning Brands

Look for Canadian alternatives such as:
  • Nature Clean
  • AspenClean
  • Nellie’s
  • The Unscented Company
  • ATTITUDE
  • Bio-Vert
  • Tru Earth
Canadian companies manufacture alternatives for many common household products, including:
  • Laundry detergent
  • Laundry strips
  • Dish soap
  • Dishwasher products
  • All-purpose cleaners
  • Bathroom cleaners
  • Glass cleaners
  • Stain removers


Paper Products

Instead of Automatically Buying American Paper Brands

Look for products manufactured by Canadian companies and Canadian facilities.Canadian options include products from:
  • Cascades
  • Kruger Products
Familiar Canadian-made product lines can include:
  • Cashmere
  • Purex
  • Scotties
  • SpongeTowels
Check the package for current manufacturing information.


Laundry Products

Instead of Large American Detergent Brands

Look for:
  • Nature Clean
  • Nellie’s
  • Tru Earth
  • The Unscented Company
  • ATTITUDE
There are Canadian alternatives for traditional liquid detergent as well as powders, concentrates and laundry strips.


Pet Food

Our pets can shop Canadian too.Canada has a substantial pet-food manufacturing industry.Look for Canadian-made or Canadian-company products such as:
  • FirstMate
  • GO! Solutions
  • NOW FRESH
  • Boréal
  • Canadian independent pet-food manufacturers
Check current ownership and manufacturing information on individual products, particularly with larger pet-food companies.


Pet Treats & Supplies

Instead of automatically purchasing imported treats and accessories, check your local independent pet store.Look for:
  • Canadian-made dog treats
  • Canadian-made cat treats
  • Canadian collars and leashes
  • Canadian pet beds
  • Canadian pet accessories
  • Locally produced pet products
Independent pet stores are often one of the easiest places to discover smaller Canadian manufacturers.


Home & Bedding

Canadian companies also manufacture products for the home.Look for Canadian alternatives when purchasing:
  • Mattresses
  • Bedding
  • Pillows
  • Towels
  • Furniture
  • Home décor
  • Kitchen products
Canadian mattress companies and manufacturers include:
  • Endy
  • Douglas
For furniture, bedding and household goods, look beyond the brand name and check where the individual product was manufactured.


Gifts

Buying a gift is one of the easiest opportunities to support Canadian businesses.Instead of buying another mass-produced imported product, consider:
  • Canadian-made clothing
  • Canadian chocolate
  • Canadian coffee
  • Canadian candles
  • Canadian soap
  • Canadian pottery
  • Canadian artwork
  • Canadian jewellery
  • Canadian leather goods
  • Canadian wood products
  • Canadian-made home décor
Better yet, buy directly from a small independent business in your own community.


Don’t Forget Local Businesses

Buying Canadian is important.Buying Canadian from a locally owned independent business can be even better.A Canadian product purchased from a neighbourhood retailer can support the manufacturer while also supporting the independent business that employs people in your own community.Before ordering from a giant international retailer, see whether a local business carries what you need.


Canadian-Owned vs. Made in Canada

These terms don’t necessarily mean the same thing.

Canadian-Owned

A Canadian-owned company may design, market and sell its products in Canada while manufacturing some or all of those products elsewhere.

Made in Canada

A product labelled Made in Canada has undergone its last substantial transformation in Canada, although some materials or components may originate elsewhere.

Product of Canada

“Product of Canada” represents a much higher level of Canadian content.The important thing is to understand what you’re buying.Supporting a Canadian-owned company can keep business activity, employment and investment in Canada.Buying something actually manufactured in Canada can go further by supporting Canadian manufacturing and the people involved in producing the product.When you can achieve both, even better.

Look at the Label

Don’t assume a product is Canadian because it has a maple leaf on the package.And don’t assume a familiar Canadian-sounding brand is still Canadian-owned.Companies are bought and sold.Manufacturing locations change.Individual products from the same company may even be manufactured in different countries.Check the label.Look for:
  • Product of Canada
  • Made in Canada
  • Manufactured in Canada
  • Canadian ownership information
A few seconds of checking can help you make a more informed decision.


You Don’t Have to Change Everything

Supporting Canadian businesses doesn’t require throwing everything in your house away or refusing to purchase something simply because there isn’t a Canadian equivalent.It’s much simpler than that.The next time something needs replacing, look for the Canadian option.Need new jeans?See if Canada makes them.Need laundry detergent?See if there’s a Canadian alternative.Need winter boots?Look at Canadian manufacturers first.Need shampoo?Check the Canadian brands on the shelf.One purchase isn’t going to change the Canadian economy.Millions of purchasing decisions can.


Think Canadian. Shop Canadian. Shop Local.

Every dollar we spend goes somewhere.When there is a good Canadian alternative available, choosing it helps support Canadian businesses, Canadian manufacturing, Canadian workers and Canadian communities.And when that Canadian product is purchased from an independent business in your own neighbourhood, the impact can reach even closer to home.Before you buy, ask one simple question:

“Is there a Canadian alternative?”

You may be surprised how often the answer is yes.Neighbourhood ShopsSupporting local businesses. Strengthening Canadian communities.