Support Local: The Best Canadian Grocery Items to Buy Instead of U.S. Imports

Why Buying Local Matters More Than Ever

Updated Feb 12, 2025

With the recent tariffs against Canada from the United States expected to be implemented at the beginning of March, there is no better time to start supporting local businesses. By choosing Canadian grocery items over U.S. imports, consumers can help stabilize local food prices, support Canadian farmers and producers, and ensure fresher and quality meals on their tables. 

As a proudly local and Canadian meal kit delivery service, Mi BOWL Meal is committed to sourcing local ingredients and supporting other Canadian businesses. In this blog, we’ll highlight staple Canadian grocery items to buy instead of U.S. imports and why this shift is crucial for both the Canadian people and the economy.

In this article:

• The Economic & Environmental Benefits of Buying Canadian
• Canadian Grocery Items to Buy Instead of U.S. Imports
• Local Southern Ontario Brands - Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton
• Why Mi BOWL Meal is Committed to Local Sourcing
• Final Thoughts: Shop Canadian, Support Local

The Economic & Environmental Benefits of Buying Canadian

Before diving into our list of Canadian grocery substitutes, we first have to understand why purchasing local is the smarter choice:

• Supports the Canadian Economy - Every dollar spent on Canadian-made products helps keep money circulating within the country, this further strengthens local business and the economy.
• Fresher and Higher Quality Food - Since local food doesn’t need to travel as far compared to imported goods, it is often fresher and retains more nutrients compared to those options.
• Reduces Environmental Impact - Choosing Canadian products significantly reduces carbon emissions from long-haul transportation, leading to a smaller environmental footprint.
• Avoids Tariff-Driven Price Hikes - With the U.S. tariffs increasing the cost of imported goods and Canada responding with retaliatory tariffs, the potential increases in tariffs seem to rise in possibility. Buying local means more stable pricing and reliability as there would be minimal threat from international affairs.

Canadian Grocery Items to Buy Instead of U.S. Imports

With rising tariffs on U.S. imports, there’s no better time to support Canadian food producers. From dairy and meats to pantry staples and beverages, Canada has a wealth of high-quality, locally made alternatives that not only taste great but also help sustain and develop our economy. By choosing homegrown brands, you’re investing in fresher, more sustainable products while reducing reliance on international supply chains.

1. Dairy Products

Canada has some of the strictest dairy quality regulations in the world, ensuring superior products. Canadian milk, cheese, and other dairy items are produced without artificial growth hormones, offering a fresher and more ethical alternative to many U.S. brands. Plus, by purchasing Canadian dairy, you’re directly supporting local farmers and keeping production jobs in Canada.

• Agropur Cooperative – A farmer-owned dairy co-op producing high-quality milk, cheese, and yogurt. Their brands, including Natrel and OKA, offer premium dairy options free from artificial growth hormones. Found in major grocery stores nationwide
• Gay Lea Foods – A trusted name in dairy, known for its butter, sour cream, and cottage cheese, all made with 100% Canadian milk. As a cooperative, they prioritize fair pricing for farmers and sustainable practices. Available in Sobeys, Loblaws, and independent grocers.
• Black Diamond - A household name in Canadian cheese, offering a wide selection of sliced, shredded, and block cheese. Their cheddar and mozzarella varieties are a great alternative to Kraft.

Image courtesy of Black Diamond Cheese.

 

2. Meat Products

Canadian farmers raise some of the highest-quality beef, poultry, and pork in the world, adhering to strict animal welfare and sustainability standards. Choosing local means fresher cuts, fewer preservatives, and greater support for ethical farming practices.

• Maple Leaf Foods – A leader in Canadian meat production, Maple Leaf is committed to raising animals without antibiotics and reducing its environmental footprint. Their packaged meats, including bacon, sausages, and deli products, are widely available.
• Lilydale Poultry – Specializing in high-quality chicken and turkey, Lilydale ensures their poultry is raised humanely and free from growth hormones. You can find their fresh and frozen poultry in major grocery stores.
• Beretta Farms – This Ontario-based company offers organic, grass-fed beef, pork, and poultry. Their meats are free from antibiotics and hormones, making them a healthier and more ethical choice. Available online and at select grocery retailers.

Image courtesy of Swine Web.

 

3. Bread & Grains

As one of the largest wheat producers in the world, Canada has a strong tradition of milling and baking. Choosing local grains and bread products means better quality, fresher taste, and direct support for Canadian farmers.

• Dempster’s – A household name in Canada, offering a variety of bread, bagels, and tortillas made with Canadian wheat. Their whole-grain and organic options make them a solid alternative to Wonder Bread.
• Robin Hood Flour – One of Canada’s oldest flour brands, providing home bakers with high-quality, unbleached, and enriched flour. Their whole wheat and gluten-free options cater to a variety of dietary needs.
• Nature’s Path – A proudly Canadian, family-owned organic food company known for its delicious and nutrient-dense cereals. Nature’s Path products are widely available in major grocery stores and health food shops across Canada.

Image courtesy of Perishable News.

 

4. Pantry Staples

Skip imported canned goods and pantry essentials, Canada has plenty of excellent local alternatives.

• Primo Baked Beans – Made in Canada with rich, savoury flavours, these are a fantastic alternative to Heinz Baked Beans. Available in most grocery stores.
• Nuts to You Nut Butter –A small-batch producer of natural nut butters, including almond, peanut, and cashew. Their products contain no added sugars or preservatives, making them a healthier choice than Jif or Kraft.
• Habitant Soup – A thick, hearty alternative to Campbell’s soup, made with simple, nourishing ingredients. Perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day.
• Covered Bridge Chips – These kettle-cooked chips are made from Atlantic Canadian potatoes and are cooked in small batches for ultimate crunch.

Image courtesy of Potato News Today.

 

5. Condiments & Sauces

From ketchup to BBQ sauce, Canadian-made condiments are just as delicious, if not better, than those down south.

• French’s Ketchup – Made with 100% Canadian tomatoes, French’s has become a household favourite for its rich, tangy taste and thick texture.
• President’s Choice Mayonnaise – A smooth and creamy mayo made in Canada, offering an affordable and high-quality alternative to Hellmann’s. Known for its well-balanced flavour and versatile use in sandwiches, dips, and dressings.
• No Name BBQ Sauce – A simple, smoky, and tangy BBQ sauce that delivers great value without sacrificing taste. Widely available in grocery stores across Canada, making it an easy and reliable alternative to Kraft.

Image courtesy of Club House.

6. Beverages

Whether you’re looking for coffee, juice, or a refreshing soft drink, Canada has plenty of excellent homegrown options.

• Kiju Organic Juice – A family-owned, organic juice brand that uses real fruit with no artificial additives or preservatives. These juices offer a pure and refreshing alternative to Tropicana.
• BioSteel Sports Drink – Canada’s answer to Gatorade, BioSteel is a clean, sugar-free hydration drink formulated with electrolytes, amino acids, and vitamins. Popular among athletes, it’s a healthier option with no artificial sweeteners or preservatives.
• Canada Dry and Crush – These iconic Canadian soft drink brands have been around for over a century, offering bold, crisp flavours. Canada Dry Ginger Ale is a staple for its smooth, slightly spicy taste, while Crush’s fruit-flavoured sodas provide a refreshing alternative to imported brands.
  

 

Image courtesy of Wedge.

 

Local Southern Ontario Brands - Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton

Looking for high-quality, locally made grocery items nearby? The Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area is home to incredible brands that offer fresh, Canadian-made alternatives to U.S. imports. Supporting these local producers helps strengthen our economy and ensures you’re getting the best ingredients possible.

• Stonemill Bakehouse (Toronto) – Specializing in naturally fermented, artisanal bread, a great alternative to mass-produced U.S. brands. You can find them at the heart of Toronto at the St. Lawrence market!
• Monforte Dairy (Stratford) - Ontario-based artisanal cheese makers using fresh, local dairy from humanely treated animals. Based in Stratford, Monforte also offers home delivery and is available in several markets across Toronto!
• Kawartha Dairy (Southern Ontario) – A beloved Ontario dairy brand known for its rich, creamy ice cream and high-quality milk sourced from local farms. Founded in Bobcaygeon, Kawartha Dairy products are available in grocery stores across Southern Ontario and can be found in grocery stores and scoop shops across Toronto, Burlington, and Newmarket!
• Rowe Farms (GTA & Southern Ontario) – A leader in ethically raised, antibiotic-free meats, Rowe Farms provides high-quality beef, chicken, and pork sourced from Ontario farmers. Their products are available in their own butcher shops across Toronto and Guelph, as well as in select grocery stores.
• Bellwoods Brewery (Toronto) – One of Canada’s most well-respected craft breweries, Bellwoods Brewery is known for its innovative small-batch beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. Based in Toronto, their beers can be found at their Ossington and Hafis Road locations, as well as in select LCBO stores across Ontario.
• Greenhouse Juice Co. (Toronto) – A Toronto-based organic juice brand offering cold-pressed juices and plant-based beverages made from locally sourced ingredients. Greenhouse products are available in major grocery stores and their own storefronts across the GTA.

 

Why Mi BOWL Meal is Committed to Local Sourcing

At Mi BOWL Meal, we take local sourcing seriously. That's why our meal kits are designed with high-quality, locally produced ingredients. We proudly deliver to customers across Toronto, Mississauga, Newmarket, and Hamilton, ensuring that fresh, locally made meals reach your doorstep without the high cost of imports. 

By choosing our meal kits, you’re:

• Getting convenient delivery across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
• Supporting Canadian farmers and small businesses across southern Ontario.
• Helping reduce the environmental impact of imported food and enjoying fresher meals.

As a Toronto-based meal kit service, our goal is to bring high-quality, culturally inspired, ready-to-eat meals straight to your door, all while supporting local food producers.

Final Thoughts: Shop Canadian, Support Local

While many grocery store shelves are stocked with American brands, there are plenty of excellent Canadian alternatives that support local businesses and reduce reliance on imports. By switching to Canadian-made grocery products, you’re investing in the economy, ensuring fresher ingredients, and reducing your carbon footprint.

Looking for a meal delivery service that prioritizes locally sourced ingredients? Mi BOWL Meal is a proudly Canadian meal service that delivers fresh, high-quality meals straight to your door, supporting Canadian farmers and food producers.

 

 

Black Diamond. (n.d.). Assorted Black Diamond cheese products [Photograph]. Black Diamond Cheese.
https://www.blackdiamond.ca/

Swine Web. (2024, April 29). Maple Leaf Foods announces strategic split to boost growth and sustainability [Photograph]. https://www.swineweb.com/canada/maple-leaf-foods-announces-strategic-split-to-boost-growth-and-sustainability/

Perishable News. (2024, April 17). Dempster’s launches new platform to inspire Canadians to prioritize their own wellbeing [Photograph]. https://www.perishablenews.com/bakery/dempsters-launches-new-platform-to-inspire-canadians-to-prioritize-their-own-wellbeing/

Club House. (n.d.). French’s® Ketchup with 100% Canadian tomatoes [Photograph]. https://www.clubhouse.ca/en-ca/articles/frenchs-ketchup-with-100-percent-canadian-tomatoes

Wedge. (n.d.). Canada Dry [Photograph]. https://www.wedge.work/canadadry

Potato News Today. (2024, August 29). Canada’s Covered Bridge Potato Chips company keeps the snacks coming with makeshift plant [Photograph]. https://www.potatonewstoday.com/2024/08/29/canadas-covered-bridge-potato-chips-company-keeps-the-snacks-coming-with-makeshift-plant/