11 Exclusive Canadian Products You Can't Find Elsewhere

Canada is celebrated for its hockey, maple syrup, and icy winters. However, the Great White North also boasts a range of unique products that are typically unavailable elsewhere. Many of these items remain unfamiliar to those south of the border, except through specialized importers. Here’s a tribute to some of the treasures you’ll usually only find in Canada.

1. Canadian-style milk chocolate

From Crispy Crunch and Smarties (the Canadian variety) to Aero, Wunderbar, and Caramilk, these candy bars share a distinctively Canadian chocolate flavor. Canadians tend to favor a smoother, sweeter milk chocolate compared to the more robust and bitter taste of American chocolate. In 2013, The Hershey Company even adjusted its recipe to create a creamier chocolate tailored specifically for Canadian tastes. Even familiar American brands like Kit Kat and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups have a noticeably different flavor in Canada, as highlighted in a 2009 Food Network comparison.

2. Kraft Dinner (distinct from Kraft Macaroni and Cheese)

Kraft Dinner, or 'KD' as it’s lovingly (and officially) called in Canada, is the nation’s beloved comfort food. While similar pasta-and-cheese products exist in the U.S., the iconic 'KD' branding is exclusive to Canada. The Canadian version also features unique flavors like poutine, butter chicken, and even cotton candy.

3. Butter Tarts

These delightful pastries—featuring flaky shells filled with a mix of maple or corn syrup, sugar, butter, and raisins—are a quintessential Canadian delicacy. Some sources trace their roots to early 20th-century pioneer cookbooks, while a 2007 Toronto Star article suggests they may date back to the 1600s with the arrival of French brides. Regardless of their origin, butter tarts are a holiday favorite in Canada, often gracing Christmas tables. While some U.S. bakeries may offer them, pre-packaged versions are a common sight in Canadian convenience stores.

4. Bagged milk

Believe it or not, bagged milk is a real thing. While it might seem unconventional, the bags are designed to fit into a pitcher, and a corner is cut off for easy pouring. This method remains popular in Ontario, Quebec, and Eastern Canada, though it has largely disappeared elsewhere. Some U.S. states have considered adopting bagged milk, but it hasn’t gained widespread popularity.

5. Hickory Sticks

Imagine thick-cut, julienned potato chips with a smoky, tangy flavor—that’s Hickory Sticks. These chips are among the few products still sold under the Hostess brand in Canada, which was acquired by Lays in the 1990s (unrelated to the Twinkie brand). Despite their simple, unassuming brown packaging, Hickory Sticks have stood the test of time.

6. Swiss Chalet

Say 'Quarter Chicken Dinner' to any Canadian, and they’ll instantly think of Swiss Chalet. Famous for its rotisserie chicken, ribs, and signature dipping sauce, the restaurant holds a special place in Canadian hearts. Those who grew up in the 1980s might also recall the nostalgic TV ads featuring skewered, golden-brown chickens rotating enticingly.

7. Caesars

While Americans favor the Bloody Mary, Canadians swear by the Caesar as their go-to hangover remedy (and sometimes cause). This cocktail blends 1-2 ounces of vodka, a splash of hot sauce (like Tabasco), a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce, and 4-6 ounces of Clamato juice. Garnished with celery salt, pepper, and a medley of celery stalks, olives, and lime, it’s a refreshing drink best served over ice.

8. McCain Deep N’ Delicious Cake

McCain Deep n’ Delicious cakes are a staple in Canadian households, found in freezers nationwide. These moist cakes come in flavors like vanilla, marble, and chocolate, each topped with a rich, sweet icing. Packaged in a foil tray with a resealable plastic lid, the cakes are often devoured in one go, making the lid somewhat unnecessary.

9. President’s Choice Products

What began as an effort to create premium generic-brand goods in the 1980s has evolved into a beloved national brand. Launched by the late Dave Nichol for Loblaw stores in 1984, President’s Choice aimed to offer high-quality, affordable products. Early hits included PC Beer and The Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie, introduced in 1988, which remains a top seller to this day.

10. Laura Secord Chocolates

Combining the name of a Canadian war heroine with the art of chocolate-making, Laura Secord Chocolates has become a national treasure. Laura Secord, an American-born pioneer in Upper Canada, famously alerted British forces to an American attack during the War of 1812. Her legacy lives on through the chocolatier founded in 1913 by Frank P. O’Connor in Toronto. With over 100 stores across Canada, the brand delights chocolate lovers, though it has no physical presence in the U.S.

11. Hawkins Cheezies

The iconic Canadian Cheezie traces its origins to post-World War II Chicago, where James Marker and W.T. Hawkins developed the recipe. As the product’s website explains, they crafted the snack by extruding cornmeal into finger-shaped pieces, frying them in shortening, and coating them with aged cheddar cheese. Production shifted to Ontario in the 1950s, and Cheezies have remained a uniquely Canadian treat ever since. While some compare them to crunchy Cheetos, fans insist there’s no true substitute for Cheezies.

This article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated for 2021.