An Ode to Quintessentially Canadian Snacks

As Canadians, we are pretty darn proud of our culinary contributions to the world. We’re the nation that created poutine, Nanaimo bars, butter tarts, and maple syrup, so yeah, we take our food pretty seriously. Snacking is no different. What follows is an ode to these Quintessentially Canadian Snacks. Happy Canada Day!

Old Dutch Ketchup Chips

Is there anything more satisfying than polishing off a mini (or standard) bag of these almost too-red chips? Bonus, the stains on your fingers last for as long as the memory of that undefinably zingy and salty faux-ketchup taste.

Hawkins Cheezies

A texture unlike any other cheez-infused snack food on the market. A bold, in-your-face flavour that says: “I dare you to question my origin”. A crunch that can be heard for miles. Hawkins Cheezies are one of a kind and quintessentially Canadian.

Smarties

The hard candy shell on a Smarties offering is superior to the candy shell on an M&Ms. Phew. Someone finally said it. These truly snackable treats are ideal constituents of a homemade, not very healthy trail mix.

Ruffles All-Dressed Chips

The existence of these chips demonstrates the principle that the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts. And greater, it is. The tang and zip of these vibrantly orange ridged chips keep Canadians coming back for just one more handful, until the bag holds nothing but fond, salty memories.

Nestle Coffee Crisp Chocolate Bar

Lighter-than-air wafer surrounded by a cloud of coffee-flavoured cream makes the Coffee Crisp a delight to eat. Pro tip, for the best chocolate-to-filling ratio, go for the fun size.

Crispers

A very hard, but somehow also crumbly biscuit base cut into a unique geometric form that can only be described as a wavy square. These Christie brand crackers offer a pleasurable snap when eating, and come in quintessentially Canadian chip flavours like Ketchup, All-Dressed, and Salt & Vinegar.

 
As you prepare to celebrate Canada’s 150th Anniversary, consider adding a quintessentially Canadian snack food to your barbecue spread, and remember that part of what makes Canada great is how strange we all are. Happy Canada Day!