Junk Food and American Influences in Canada

Canada shares its American neighbour’s passion for junk food. Everywhere you go, you’ll find chocolate bars, snacks, and soft drinks, as well as a few particularly sweet local classics.

An Avalanche of Sweets

Canadians definitely have a sweet tooth!

In supermarkets and gas stations, shelves are overflowing with treats: Reese’s (chocolate and peanut butter), Whippets (a marshmallow-filled biscuit coated in chocolate), Wonka candies, and countless other colourful sweets.

Major American brands are everywhere, but Canada also has its own classics, often just as sweet: caramel bars, iced biscuits, soft cream-filled cakes, and more.

A Mix of Imports and Local Classics

American influence can be felt right down to the supermarket aisles: chips, sugary cereals, supersized soft drinks, and chocolate bars in sometimes surprising flavours all occupy a significant place in the Canadian diet.

But Canadians also have a soft spot for products from elsewhere. LU biscuits, Nutella, and Kinder and Lindt chocolates are widely available, although they cost more than they do in Europe. On the savoury side, cheese and wine imported from France, Italy, or Switzerland remain luxury products, while Canadian cheesemakers and wineries are gradually gaining ground.

Between American influence, European favourites, and local pride, Canadian supermarket shelves tell the story of the country’s culinary diversity all on their own.

A Strong American Influence

It’s hard to deny the influence of the United States in Canada: fast food, takeaway coffee, and snacks at all hours are part of everyday life. Drive-thru chains such as Tim Hortons, McDonald’s, and A&W are everywhere, while convenience stores make it easy to grab a snack or buy a beer at almost any time of day or night.

But this culture of convenience coexists with a strong attachment to local and artisanal products. Craft breweries, maple syrup, local cheeses, and seasonal produce from farmers’ markets show that it is possible to enjoy the convenience of fast food while still celebrating local food traditions.