Sure America may be considered the snack-capital of the world; just browse the aisles of Target or Trader Joe’s on your next cross-border visit and you’ll see what we mean. However, as it turns out, there are a lot of tasty treats available in Canada that Americans don’t have the same access to. In honour of our Canadian roots (and to make our U.S. neighbours jealous), we’ve put together a list of 6 snack foods that are uniquely Canadian.
1. SMARTIES
Believe it or not, the colourful candy-coated chocolates we buy in bulk (and devour right away) each Halloween are not available in the States. Not only that, but Americans have anointed the name “Smarties” to those little tablet-shaped candies we know here as “Rockets.” Weird!
2. COFFEE CRISP
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc_QUR4FeZV/
With its chocolaty taste, crispy wafer, and rich coffee flavour, a good Coffee Crisp always hits the spot. Although some Canadian expats started an online petition years ago asking Nestlé to bring the chocolate bar to the U.S., it’s still only available in Canada.
3. Lay’s Ketchup Chips
While U.S. supermarket shelves are stocked with endless amounts of wacky chip flavours (like Lay’s Southern Biscuits and Gravy), Ketchup Chips remain a Canadian commodity and Americans always tend to grab a few bags while they’re here. They may stain your fingers red, but it’s worth it for that sweet-ketchupy taste that no other chip can compare to.
4. Ruffles All Dressed Chips
Although All Dressed Chips have recently made their way into the U.S. market, we can take pride in knowing that it was us who started it. According to Jeff Klein, Vice President of Marketing for Frito-Lay, “Most Americans didn’t quite know what to expect from the salty, sweet and savory chip sensation from the North, but once they got a taste of Ruffles All Dressed, they couldn’t get enough.” Obvi!
5. Tim Hortons Timbits
Exclusive to Tim Hortons (a company that is part of our national identity), there’s nothing more Canadian than a good box of Timbits. Available in tons of flavours (like apple fritter, honey dip and old-fashion-glazed to name a few), these little doughnut bites are the bomb.
6. Poutine
Poutine: a Canadian delicacy or the ultimate post-bar food? Both! Consisting of french fries covered in hot, thick gravy and melted cheese curds, this high-calorie dish originated in Québec in the 1950s. Since then it has become beloved across the country and is an iconic part of Canadian culture.
Which authentic Canadian snack foods are your favourite? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Image: Instagram@smarties_ca
Posts you might be interested in:
ASICS is Set to Open Its First-Ever Canadian Flagship Store in Toronto
The New Samsung Experience Store is Like Nothing the Eaton Centre Has Seen Before
The Restaurant You’ve Been Waiting 2 Hours in Line For Had 7 Health Code Infractions
You Can Get 50% Off at Over 550 Toronto Restaurants This Week!
How the Minimum Wage Hike Could Affect Your Favourite Restaurants