A Guide to Canadian Food Brands

Explore 75+ Canadian food brands in this curated guide, featuring family-owned businesses, locally made products, and my personal favourites — all organized by category.

In my 15 years of working in food media, I’ve come across so many incredible Canadian food brands. This list is a curated collection of the ones I’ve personally used and loved — many of which you’ll still find in my kitchen today.

You’ll notice that the list leans heavily toward Ontario-based brands, simply because that’s where I live and do most of my shopping.

Some of these companies started out as fully Canadian-owned but were later acquired by American or European corporations. That said, to the best of my knowledge, all of them still manufacture their products in Canada.

Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list — I’m sure there are many more amazing brands out there.

If you know a great Canadian food brand that deserves a spot here, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Disclaimer: All information in this guide has been researched and reviewed for accuracy by myself and another member of my team. Just keep in mind that things like ownership and manufacturing can change, so if you need the latest info, it’s always a good idea to check with the brand directly.

(P.S. This post isn’t sponsored. I’m not affiliated with any of these companies, and no one has paid to be included.)

Tea

• Amoda Tea (founded in 2012 in British Columbia by Tegan Woo): known for their wellness teas and matcha, offering curated tea subscription boxes that introduce tea lovers to new flavours and blends.​
• Citizen Tea (founded in 2015 in Ontario): Established by David Bellisario, the original founder of Teaopia, Citizen Tea offers high-quality loose-leaf teas with both classic and creative blends. I enjoy their Creamy Nut Oolong tea.​
• Four O’Clock Teas (founded in 1992 in Quebec): specializes in organic and fair-trade teas with unique flavours. The brand is owned by Trans-Herbe Inc., a Canadian company, and their products are crafted in Canada.​
• Tealish (founded in 2005 in Ontario): offers fun and modern tea blends with wellness benefits. Their Earl Grey Cream tea is particularly nice.​
• Genuine Tea (founded in 2015 in Ontario): a Toronto-based brand focused on ethically sourced teas, emphasizing transparency and direct trade relationships with tea farmers.​
• Lemon Lily Tea (founded in Toronto, Ontario, family-owned): specializes in organic and small-batch teas with unique and bold flavours.
• Sloane Fine Tea Merchants (founded in Toronto, Ontario): a Canadian company specializing in premium, hand-blended loose-leaf teas. Founded by Hoda Paripoush, one of North America's first certified tea sommeliers, Sloane sources teas directly from point-of-origin and blends them locally in small batches. They are known for their beautiful packaging and luxurious tea offerings, such as the popular Heavenly Cream blend.
• T By Daniel (​founded in 2011 in Brampton, Ontario): A family-run tea brand known for its creative blends and joyful approach to tea. Their standout "Famous Lion Chai" gained recognition after being served to Prince Charles during his Canada 150 visit.
• Red Rose Tea (founded in 1894 in New Brunswick): While the brand originated in Canada, it is now owned by Lipton Teas and Infusions, a multinational company. Despite the change in ownership, Red Rose Tea continues to be produced in Canada.

Sparkling Water

• Montellier (founded in 1905 in Quebec, Canadian and family-owned): offers high-quality carbonated natural spring water sourced from a pure underground spring in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval, Quebec. Owned by Alex Coulombe Ltd., a family-run company based in Quebec City, Montellier comes in a variety of flavours including lemon, lime, grapefruit, and (my favourite) clementine.
• Heartwood Sparkle (made by Heartwood Farm & Cidery in Ontario, family-owned): These lightly sparkling drinks are made from the fresh-pressed juice of Ontario-grown fruits and carbonated water, with no added sugar or preservatives. Flavours include Organic Apple, Sour Cherry, and Ontario Pear.
• ​Clearly Canadian was founded in 1987 in British Columbia and is known for its flavored sparkling water. In 2012, the brand was acquired by Robert R. Khan, an American venture capitalist. As of 2021, Clearly Canadian was sold in a non-disclosed sale to private investors. Despite these changes in ownership, Clearly Canadian's products continue to be produced in Canada.

Cocktail Mixes

• Walter Craft Caesar (founded in 2013 in Ontario): offers premium Caesar cocktail mixes using all-natural ingredients, free from artificial additives. Their product line includes Classic, Extra Spicy, Mild, Dill Pickle, Vegan, Smoky Maple, and Holiday flavours. Walter's mixes are crafted locally in small batches. I use their Caesar mix and rimmer to make my Caesar cocktails at home.

Electrolyte Drinks

• Organika Electrolytes (Founded in 1990 in Canada): Provides electrolyte drink powders made with natural ingredients, designed to support hydration while still tasting great.

Snacks and Treats

From sweet to savoury, these Canadian snack brands have something for everyone.

Chocolate

• Purdys Chocolatier (founded in 1907 in British Columbia): a beloved Canadian chocolate company known for their handcrafted chocolates, especially their signature Chocolate Hedgehogs and Sweet Georgia Browns. Purdys is still family-owned, run by the Flavelle family, and all of their treats are made in Vancouver.
• Laura Secord Chocolates (founded in 1913 in Ontario): this classic Canadian chocolatier is known for its premium boxed chocolates, truffles, and nostalgic ice cream counters. It’s now owned by Nutriart, a Quebec-based company, and their products are still made in Canada.
• SOMA Chocolatemaker (founded in 2003 in Toronto, Ontario): a local gem known for their bean-to-bar chocolates, inventive truffles, drinking chocolate, cookies, and gelato. With two shops and a small chocolate factory in Toronto, they craft everything in-house and offer unique flavour combinations you won't find anywhere else.
• Avanaa Chocolat (founded in Montreal): a small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate maker known for their rich, handcrafted bars and hot chocolate mixes. They use organic, fair-trade cocoa sourced from small farms, and everything is made at their workshop in Montreal. I've just purchased their Cacao Husk Tea.

Cookies

• Celebration Cookies (a brand of Dare Foods, founded in 1892 in Ontario, family-owned): known for their butter cookies topped with milk chocolate, offering a delightful treat that combines rich, buttery goodness with smooth chocolate. Dare Foods remains a family-owned Canadian company.
• Voortman Cookies (founded in 1951 in Ontario): many Ontarians have grown up enjoying these classic cookies, especially their signature vanilla wafers. Over the years, Voortman has expanded its range to include sugar-free options, too. The company has experienced several ownership changes; it was acquired by Hostess Brands in 2020 and later by Second Nature Brands in 2024. Despite these changes, Voortman continues to produce its cookies in Burlington, Ontario.

Other Snacks

• Prana (founded in 2005 in Quebec, B-Corp certified): offers organic snacks like bean-and-nut mixes, nut butters, and granola. I eat their white chia seeds almost every single day.
• Jewels Under the Kilt (founded in 2013 in Ontario, family-owned): Lis, the owner, makes some of the tastiest flavoured nuts in Fergus, Ontario. I’ve known Lis for years and have always been a fan of her Apple Pie Pecans. All of her products are handcrafted in Fergus, Ontario.
• Made with Local (founded in 2012 in Nova Scotia, B-Corp certified): produces soft snack bars made with sustainably-grown oats.​
• Dare Foods (founded in 1892 in Ontario, family-owned): offers a wide range of snack products, including cookies and crackers. Breton crackers have been a staple in my house for years.
• Nomz (founded in 2013 in Ontario): offers organic snack bites made from simple ingredients.​
• OMG’s (founded in 2012 in Manitoba): delicious chocolatey graham clusters mixed with toffee bits and almonds.​
• Tropix (founded in Ontario): This Brampton-based brand makes small-batch Jamaican Coconut Drops in fun flavours like Classic, Ginger, Cranberry, and Chocolate. Their coconut treats are vegan, gluten-free, and made without artificial flavours or colours.
• From Farm to Table (founded in 2011 in Cambridge, Ontario): This family-owned company makes small-batch popcorn and kettle chips using locally grown corn and potatoes. All of their snacks are gluten-free and peanut-free.
• Summer Fresh (founded in 1991 in Ontario): known for their flavourful dips, spreads, and ready-to-eat salads made with simple ingredients. Their products are made just outside Toronto in Woodbridge, Ontario. I love to pair their Roasted Red Pepper Dip with pita chips for a fun snack.
• Miss Vickie's (founded in 1987 in Ontario): started by Vickie and Bill Kerr on their potato farm in New Lowell, Ontario, Miss Vickie's quickly became known for their kettle-cooked potato chips made from a family recipe. The brand was acquired by Hostess Frito-Lay in 1993 and is now owned by PepsiCo. Despite the change in ownership, Miss Vickie's chips continue to be produced in Canada.

Dairy and Egg Products

Canadian dairy brands are known for their rich, high-quality cheeses, butter, milk, and yogurt.

Please note that while some brands are now under foreign ownership, they continue to produce their products in Canada using Canadian milk.

Also, I have added eggs in this section as it's usually purchased near dairy products.

• Bothwell Cheese (founded in 1936 in Manitoba): renowned for their artisanal cheeses, with their old cheddar being a must-try. Bothwell remains a Canadian-owned company, producing all their cheeses in New Bothwell, Manitoba.
• Chapman’s (founded in 1973 in Ontario, family-owned): the go-to for Canadian-made ice cream and other frozen treats. Chapman's operates out of Markdale, Ontario.​
• Kawartha Dairy (founded in 1937 in Ontario, family-owned): a well-loved local dairy brand in Ontario. Their Wolf Paws ice cream is SO good! Kawartha Dairy products are made in Bobcaygeon, Ontario.
• Gay Lea (founded in 1958 in Ontario, cooperative): famous for their butter and whipped cream. As a Canadian dairy cooperative, Gay Lea is owned by Ontario dairy farmers and produces a wide range of dairy products.
• Saputo (founded in 1954 in Quebec, family-owned): known for producing a variety of Italian and Mediterranean-style cheeses. Saputo is one of Canada's largest dairy processors, with products made across various Canadian facilities.
• Cows Creamery (founded in 1983 in Prince Edward Island, family-owned): famous for their award-winning cheddar and high-quality butter. All products are crafted in Charlottetown, PEI.​ Their Sea Salt Cultured Butter is delicious!
• Pineriver Foods (formerly Pine River Cheese, founded in 1885 in Ontario): A longtime favourite in Ontario, this cheese company has been part of the local food scene for over a century. After briefly closing in 2019, the brand was revived under new ownership and continues to make paneer, mozzarella, cottage cheese, and specialty cheddars at their facility in Ripley, Ontario.
• Tre Stelle (founded in 1961 in Ontario): renowned for their ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Tre Stelle products are made primarily in Ontario, Canada.
• Natrel (founded in 1938 in Quebec, cooperative): a brand under Agropur, a Canadian dairy cooperative. Natrel specializes in high-quality milk and cream products, including an extensive line of lactose-free options. I use their 2% lactose-free milk daily.
• Sealtest (introduced to the Ontario market in 1934): not originally a Canadian brand, however the Canadian operations are run by Agropur Cooperative, which is fully owned by Canadian dairy farmers.​
• Beatrice (founded in 1894 in Ontario): a well-known dairy brand offering milk, cream, and yogurt. Now part of Lactalis Canada, a subsidiary of the French multinational Lactalis Group.
• Lactantia (founded in 1947 in Quebec): known for their rich, creamy butter. Lactantia is now also under the umbrella of Lactalis Canada.
• Black Diamond (founded in 1933 in Ontario): known for a variety of cheeses, especially their popular cheddar. Originally established in Belleville, Ontario, Black Diamond is now owned by Lactalis Canada.
• Cracker Barrel (founded in 1954 in Ontario): a well-loved brand offering a variety of rich and creamy cheeses. Now owned by Lactalis Canada.
• Liberté (founded in Montreal in 1936): originally a local Canadian company, it’s now owned by General Mills through Yoplait. Despite the international ownership, its yogurt and other dairy products are still made in Canada.
• Burnbrae Farms (​established in 1891 in Lyn, Ontario): A sixth-generation family-owned farm, Burnbrae has become one of Canada's leading egg producers. They offer a wide range of products, from classic shell eggs to Omega-3 enriched and free-run eggs.

Flour

• Anita’s Organic Mill (founded in the late 1990s in Chilliwack, BC): a Canadian brand specializing in organic, stone-ground flours, grains, and baking mixes. Their products are made in small batches using Canadian-grown organic grains, and they’re committed to sustainability and supporting local organic farming. I make porridge with their coconut flour several times a week!
• Rogers Foods (founded in 1951 in Armstrong, British Columbia): A Canadian milling company renowned for its flours, grains, and cereals made from Canadian wheat. They operate two mills in British Columbia—one in Armstrong and another in Chilliwack—and are committed to sustainable practices and supporting Canadian farmers. Since 1989, Rogers Foods has been owned by Japan-based Nisshin Flour Milling.
• Five Roses Flour (founded in 1888 in Quebec): a historic Canadian brand known for its high-quality wheat flour and iconic baking cookbook. Now owned by the U.S.-based J.M. Smucker Company, Five Roses flour is still produced in Canada.
• Robin Hood Flour (founded in 1909 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan): a beloved Canadian baking brand offering a wide range of flours and baking mixes. Now owned by U.S.-based Ardent Mills, many of its products are still milled in Canada using Canadian wheat.

Sauces & Condiments

• Kozlik’s Mustard (founded in 1948 in Ontario, family-owned): renowned for their artisanal mustards crafted without additives or preservatives. Their Triple Crunch Mustard is a favourite of mine—bold, grainy, and packed with flavour.​
• Maison Orphée (founded in 1983 in Quebec, family-owned): specializes in high-quality cold-pressed oils, mustards, and other pantry essentials. Their commitment to traditional methods ensures exceptional flavour and quality.​
• Provisions Food Company (founded in 2012 in Ontario): offers artisanal products like their French Onion Jam. Based in the Niagara region, founder Lori McDonald and her passionate team have been handcrafting specialty foods perfect for happy hour and entertaining.
• Renée’s Gourmet (founded in 1985 in Ontario): started by Renée and Arnold Unger, this brand became Canada's leading producer of refrigerated salad dressings. Their Mighty Caesar dressing is one of my go-to choices for salads. In 2006, Renée's Gourmet was acquired by Heinz Canada.

Other Pantry Products

• Nanak Foods (founded in 1997 in Surrey, British Columbia): Specializes in traditional dairy-based South Asian foods, offering a range of 100% vegetarian products, including appetizers, desserts, and snacks. Their ghee adds a rich, buttery flavour to my popcorn. Nanak Foods operates out of Surrey, BC.
• E.D. Smith (founded in 1882 in Ontario): Established in Winona, Ontario, they offer high-quality, fruit-packed jams, jellies, and pie fillings. I use their pumpkin puree in for both my pumpkin crepes and my pumpkin pie in graham cracker crust recipe.
• Italpasta (founded in 1989 in Ontario): Family-owned and operated, they are known for their dry pastas made with 100% Canadian wheat.​
• Catelli (founded over 150 years ago in Canada): Once a Canadian-owned brand, it’s now part of Barilla, an Italian company. That said, Catelli pasta is still made in Canada and remains a familiar name in Canadian households.​
• Unico (founded in 1917 in Ontario): Provides Mediterranean food products, including sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers sold in jars. In 1997, Unico became a family-managed business when Sun-Brite Foods Inc., established in 1973, purchased the company. Sun-Brite Foods is a Canadian company specializing in high-quality canned tomato products. ​
• Primo (founded in Canada, Canadian-owned): Best known for their canned beans, tomato products, pasta, and sauces, Primo has been a staple in Canadian kitchens for generations. The brand is also owned by Sun-Brite Foods Inc.
• Camino (founded in 1999 in Ottawa): A Canadian worker co-op brand known for its organic, fair trade chocolate and pantry staples. Camino products are made in Canada with ethically sourced ingredients from small-scale farmers. I use their Dutch-processed cocoa powder to make spiced hot chocolate often.​
• Épices de Cru (founded in Montreal, Quebec, family-owned): Established by Ethné and Philippe de Vienne over 25 years ago, this company specializes in unique, high-quality spices sourced from around the world. I own several of their spices.
• Club House (founded in 1883 in London, Ontario): Originally a Canadian brand known for its herbs, spices, and seasonings. It’s now owned by McCormick & Company, a global spice company based in the U.S., but many of its products are still made in Canada.​
• Redpath Sugar (founded in 1854 in Montreal): One of Canada’s oldest food brands. Today, it’s owned by American Sugar Refining, but Redpath sugar is still refined at their iconic facility on Toronto’s waterfront.​
• Windsor Salt (founded in 1893 in Windsor, Ontario): A well-known Canadian salt brand. While it's now owned by U.S.-based Stone Canyon Industries, many Windsor Salt products are still produced in Canada.​
• Aylmer Soup (​established in 1881 in Aylmer, Ontario): Aylmer has a long-standing history in Canada's food industry. The company emphasizes using locally sourced produce and traditional recipes. Their products are manufactured in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec.

Frozen Products

These brands offer everything from crispy fries and vegetables to ready-made meals and organic options, bringing convenience to busy kitchens.

• Cavendish Farms (founded in 1980 in New Brunswick): Known for their crispy fries and hash browns, Cavendish is a go-to for frozen potato lovers. They're part of J.D. Irving, a long-standing Canadian family business, and work closely with local farmers in the Maritimes to grow their potatoes. I enjoy their Onion Hash Brown Patties.
• McCain Foods (founded in 1957 in Florenceville, New Brunswick): What began as a small family venture by the McCain brothers has grown into the world’s largest producer of frozen potato products — all while staying true to its Canadian roots.
• Nature's Path (founded in 1985 in British Columbia): Offers organic breakfast and snack foods, including frozen items like toaster pastries. Family-owned with manufacturing facilities in Canada.

Meat & Poultry

From deli meats and sausages to antibiotic-free and naturally raised options, these brands offer great choices for everyday meals.

• Brandt Meats (founded in 1958 in Ontario): Specializes in European-style deli meats and sausages. This family-owned company continues to operate in Canada, producing a wide range of high-quality meat products.​
• Greenfield Natural Meat Co. (founded in 2015 in Landmark, Manitoba): Offers naturally raised, antibiotic-free meats. As a brand under Maple Leaf Foods, Greenfield is committed to sustainable and humane animal farming practices.
• Schneiders (founded in 1890 in Ontario): A Canadian brand known for bacon, sausages, deli selections, and hot dogs. Established by J.M. Schneider in Kitchener, Ontario, the company began with handcrafted sausages made from family recipes. Today, as a division of Maple Leaf Foods, Schneiders continues to produce its products in Canada.
• Maple Leaf Foods (founded in 1927 in Ontario): One of Canada’s largest food brands, known for its meats and deli products. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Maple Leaf Foods operates multiple plants across Canada, including a state-of-the-art facility in Hamilton that produces a variety of deli meats and hot dogs. ​

Specialty Food Stores

These independent shops and gourmet markets across Ontario are known for their curated selections, high-quality ingredients, and unique finds. Whether you're looking for artisanal cheese, authentic pastries, or hard-to-find pantry staples, these spots are worth a visit.

• Cheese Boutique (founded in 1970 in Toronto, Ontario, family-owned): A beloved Toronto destination for gourmet cheese, charcuterie, and specialty foods. Owned by the Pristine family, they age and curate exceptional cheeses on-site and are known for their dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
• Danish Pastry House (founded in Ontario): Offers authentic, handcrafted Danish pastries and breads using traditional recipes and ingredients imported from Denmark. I often buy their high-protein Flerkorns Fransk Brød.
• M&M Food Market (founded in 1980 in Ontario): A go-to for frozen meals, snacks, and entertaining staples. While they’ve grown a lot over the years, they’re still proudly Canadian.
• St. Lawrence Market Vendors (Toronto, Ontario): While not a single shop, this historic market is full of incredible specialty vendors — from fresh pasta and preserves to artisanal mustard and smoked fish.

Choosing Canadian food brands not only means bringing quality products into your home but also supports local farmers, artisans, and businesses that shape our country’s food culture.

This list is just a starting point—there are so many more incredible Canadian food brands out there!

If you have a favourite that I haven’t mentioned, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.