Maple Trails & Tales

As we embrace the warmer days of spring 2025, there’s no better time to explore the delightful world of Canadian-made goodies. At Maple Trails & Tales, we’re always on the hunt for local flavors that tickle our taste buds and warm our patriotic hearts. So, grab a cup of your favorite Canadian-roasted coffee, and let’s embark on a mouthwatering journey through some of the tastiest homegrown treats you can proudly add to your shopping cart!

Sweet Sensations: Canadian Confections to Satisfy Your Cravings

Who doesn’t love a good sugar rush? Canada’s got you covered with some seriously scrumptious sweets:

Ganong Chocolates: These New Brunswick delights have been tempting Canadians since 1873. Their Chicken Bones (don’t worry, they’re cinnamon candies!) are a quirky Maritime favorite.

Celebration Cookies: Perfect for making s’mores in the summer. These Ontario-made treats come in flavors like Maple Cream and Butter Cookies with Maple Truffle. How Canadian can you get?

Chapman’s Ice Cream: This family-owned Ontario company has been cooling us down for generations. Their lactose-free and no-sugar-added options mean everyone can join the ice cream party. Try their new 2025 flavor Wolf Pass which has peanut butter and chocolate ripples. 

Laura Secord Chocolates: Named after the War of 1812 heroine, this brand crafts velvety truffles and maple-dipped creams using sustainably sourced cocoa.  

Chocolats Favoris: Known for their decadent dipped soft-serve cones, this Quebec chain also sells jars of Canadian Maple Fondant Fondue and check out their new Easter Collection for this spring.   

PEI Preserve Company: Their Blackcurrant Rhubarb Jam and Maple Butter are made from locally harvested berries and sap, ideal for topping scones or toast. 

Purdy’s Hedgehogs: Milk chocolate and finely ground hazelnut gianduja, a West Coast classic since 1907.  

Savory Snacks: Crunchy Canadian Creations

For those times when only something salty will do, reach for these proudly Canadian options:

Hardbite Chips: These British Columbia-made chips come in unique flavors like Wild Onion & Yogurt. They’re perfect for your next Netflix binge.

Krack-O-Pop: Move over, imported brands! These Canadian salty snacks are the real deal for movie nights.

Covered Bridge Potato Chips: New Brunswick knows potatoes, and these chips prove it. Try their Storm Chips mix (Creamy Dill, Homestyle Ketchup, Smokin’ BBQ and Salt & Vinegar all in one bag.) for a true taste of Atlantic Canada.

Hawkins Cheezies: This is my personal favorite on this entire list. These baked corn snacks, coated in bold cheddar flavor, have been produced in Belleville, Ontario, since 1949. 

Quinn Snacks: Their Peanut Butter-Filled Pretzel Nuggets are made with non-GMO ingredients and sea salt. 

Pantry Staples: Everyday Canadian Excellence

Stock your shelves with these Canadian-made essentials:

Dainty Rice: Grown and packaged right here in Canada, it’s the perfect base or side dish for your next homemade dinner.

G.E. Barbour Inc.’s King Cole Tea: Steep a cup of this New Brunswick brew and pretend you’re gazing out at the Bay of Fundy.

Crofter’s Organic Fruit Spreads: These Parry Sound, Ontario jams will take your morning toast to the next level.

Red River Cereal: A hearty mix of cracked wheat, rye, and flaxseed, developed in Winnipeg in 1924.  

E.D. Smith Fruit Spreads: A brand we’ve been familiar with since childhood. Family-owned since 1882, famous for Strawberry Jam and Pie Fillings.  

Keen’s Mustard: A dry mustard powder essential for classic recipes like Montreal smoked meat.  

Avena Foods Gluten-Free Oats: Certified gluten-free oats grown on the Prairies.  

Rouge Creamery Sea Salt: Known for their cheese they also have Vancouver Island-harvested salt.  

Nuts to You Nut Butters: Ethically sourced nut butters, including Pumpkin Seed Butter and Peanut Hazelnut Butter, perfect for toast in the morning, or even a snack!

Dairy Delights: Canadian Cheese, Please!

No Canadian food roundup would be complete without our world-class dairy:

Bothwell Cheese: Manitoba’s finest, with flavors ranging from classic cheddar to adventurous options like Red Wine Extra Old.

La Fromagerie Kapuskoise: This Northern Ontario cheese maker crafts artisanal varieties that will make your charcuterie board sing.

Liberté Méditerranée Yogurt: Thick, strained yogurt in flavors like Coconut and Key Lime Pie.  

Saputo Mozzarella: Fresh, stretchy cheese made using traditional methods.  

Cows Creamery: Award-winning cheddars, including Appletree Smoked Cheese. Their Moo Crisps make for a delicious on the go cheesy snack.  

Agropur Oka Cheese: A semi-soft, washed-rind cheese with a creamy texture and nutty finish. 

St-Albert Cheese Co-op: Canada’s oldest co-op, famous for fresh Squeaky Cheese Curds.

Olympic Krema Organic Yogurt: Grass-fed, organic yogurt with no added sugars. 

Wrapping It Up (In a Canadian Flag, Naturally)

Now, we could go on about supporting local economies and reducing carbon footprints, but let’s be real, the best reason to buy Canadian is that it just tastes better! Okay, maybe we’re a little biased, but there’s something special about knowing your snack was made just a few provinces over, not imported form other countries.

There you have it, fellow Canucks, a tasty tour of some of the best Canadian-made goodies out there. Next time you’re at the grocery store, take a moment to check those labels. You might be surprised at how many delicious Canadian options are hiding in plain sight. We will continue to update our posts to reflect any new finds!

And hey, if you discover a Canadian treat that makes your taste buds do the maple leaf mambo, drop us a line! We’re always looking for new local flavors to feature here on Maple Trails & Tales.