Canada’s favorite products are sometimes so inexplicably Canadian that many Americans just don’t understand our obsession with them.
Shreddies Cereal
Show someone from America a box of Shreddies, and they’ll tell you that you’re simply looking at a slightly inferior variation of Chex or Wheaties. But this crunchy, lattice-cut whole-wheat cereal is sacred in Canada.
It’s dense, maintains its texture in milk impressively well, and was behind one of Canada’s most memorable ad campaigns. In a moment of brilliance (or laziness), an advertising company tilted the square cereal by 45 degrees and launched “New Diamond Shreddies.”
Clamato juice
Americans adore a weekend Mimosa or Tomato-juice-based Bloody Mary. But serve them a Caesar, Canada’s national cocktail, tell them the magic ingredient is Mott’s Clamato and they will recoil in horror. Clamato is tomato juice mixed with dried clam broth.
Now, hearing “clam broth” will send Americans into shock, but Canadians understand its magic; the savory umami burst is what takes a cocktail or a cold beer (called “Red Eye”) to greatness.
Red Rose Tea
If you go to Grandma’s house in Canada, you are served a cup of Red Rose orange pekoe tea. It’s the default, baseline hot drink of Canada, always consumed with milk and sugar. While small minorities in the U.S. drink Red Rose, American culture is dominated by Lipton or sweet iced tea preferences.
The idea that a hearty, daily, comforting British-style hot tea beverage is a staple in every household is uniquely Canadian in North America.
Hawkins Cheezies
Do not ever insult a Canadian by calling these “Cheetos.” Developed in Ontario during the 1940s, Hawkins Cheezies are crafted from aged white cheddar cheese. They’re extruded into extremely unevenly shaped pieces that are dense and crunchy.
Cheezies are far saltier, sharper, and crunchier than any puffed cheese snack you’ll find in America. American visitors are always shocked by how hard they are and how aggressively savory.
Kraft Peanut Butter
Americans have a lot of peanut butter brands to choose from. Most Canadians will only accept Kraft Peanut Butter. It’s been around for generations, creating strong customer loyalty. The smell and taste are instantly recognizable, as is their famous teddy bear logo. Some Canadians living abroad will even ask visitors to import jars for them.
President’s Choice Products
Most Americans have no idea how patriotic Canadians can be about President’s Choice. PC brand is known for quality and innovation well above and beyond what consumers think of as generic fare. There are Canadians who will seek out certain PC foods and household goods over any other brand. It’s more than just a store brand to them.
Montreal Steak Spice
Montreal steak spice gets used on way more than steak in Canada. Burgers, chicken, veggies, potatoes, and popcorn are all regular recipients. Most Canadians have it in their pantry, but most Americans have only vaguely heard of it. For Canadians, it is one of those things that sneaks into everything.
Crispy Crunch
It may be simple, but this chocolate-covered flaky peanut butter treat has gained a cult following north of the border. Generation upon generation of Canadians have spent their childhood popping Crispy Crunch bars out of store counters and vending machines, as well as digging through Halloween bags.
Despite how simple it is, it’s a tasty treat Canadians never forget and many foreigners haven’t tried it before.
Chalet Chicken Seasoning
While Swiss Chalet’s signature dipping sauce steals most of the spotlight, the chain’s seasoning mix has earned a reputation of its own.
Many people commonly stock it in their pantries to season roast chicken, potatoes, veggies, or even fries. To an outsider, it might just seem like another seasoning salt, but devotees know there’s a singular, recognizable taste to it.
Nanaimo Bars
Nanaimo bars are made with a chocolate-coconut crumb base, a custard-flavored creamy middle layer, and topped with chocolate.
You can find them at bakeries, grocery stores, and they are so common at Canadian parties and holidays. Some Canadians are appalled to learn that there are people outside of Canada who have never heard of them.