Moving to a new country brings a mix of excitement and nostalgia, especially when it comes to food. Canadians who relocate to the United States often find themselves missing the unique flavors and treats they grew up with. Here are seven iconic Canadian foods that expats yearn for after crossing the border, each offering a taste of Canadian culture and culinary tradition.
Ketchup Chips
Ketchup Chips are a quintessential Canadian snack that combines the tangy, sweet flavor of tomato ketchup with crispy, crunchy potato chips. This beloved treat is hard to find in the United States, leaving many Canadian expats longing for this distinct snack that perfectly balances savory and sweet.
Poutine
Poutine, a hearty dish of fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy, is a staple in Canadian cuisine. While variations of poutine can be found in some parts of the United States, many expats miss the authentic taste and comforting warmth of this classic Canadian comfort food.
Maynard’s Wine Gums
Maynard’s Wine Gums are a popular Canadian confectionery featuring a unique blend of fruity and tangy flavors in a chewy jelly form. These treats are cherished for their distinct taste, which is often hard to replicate with American candies, making them a sorely missed snack for Canadians living abroad.
Butter Tarts
Butter Tarts are a traditional Canadian dessert known for their flaky pastry crust and a gooey filling of butter, sugar, and eggs. This simple yet irresistible sweet treat is difficult to find outside of Canada, leaving expats craving the unique, melt-in-your-mouth experience of a freshly baked butter tart.
Coffee Crisp Bars
Coffee Crisp Bars are an iconic Canadian chocolate bar that layers vanilla wafer and coffee-flavored filling, all coated in milk chocolate. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes Coffee Crisp a beloved snack missed by Canadians who find themselves longing for this distinctive coffee-infused treat.
Nanaimo Bars
Named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, Nanaimo Bars are a no-bake dessert that features a crumbly base, a middle layer of creamy custard-flavored butter icing, and a top layer of smooth chocolate ganache. This indulgent treat is deeply rooted in Canadian culture, leaving expats yearning for its rich, layered flavors.
Smarties
In Canada, Smarties refer to candy-coated chocolates that are similar in appearance to M&M’s but have a distinct taste and texture. Unlike the fruit-flavored, chalky Smarties found in the United States, Canadian Smarties are a chocolatey treat many expats miss for their nostalgic flavor and colorful appeal.
For Canadians living in the United States, these seven foods represent more than just culinary delights; they are reminders of home and the unique tastes that define Canadian cuisine. Whether it’s the savory comfort of poutine or the sweet indulgence of a Nanaimo Bar, these foods hold a special place in the hearts of Canadian expats, symbolizing the flavors and memories of home they cherish.
