Two Americans Try Canadian Snacks – A Canadian’s Perspective
Watching two Americans experience Canadian snacks for the first time is a journey filled with disbelief, laughter, and the occasional existential crisis. From bagged milk to Coffee Crisp, this was a crash course in some of Canada’s most iconic treats, and their reactions did not disappoint.
Ketchup Chips – A Canadian Icon
Ketchup chips are a staple in Canadian households, yet to Americans, the very concept sounds absurd. “You put ketchup on chips?” was the immediate reaction, as if we were the ones doing something outrageous. But after the first crunch, their expressions shifted. The sharp tang of vinegar, the subtle sweetness of tomato, the perfect balance of salt—all working together in harmony. “I feel like I shouldn’t like these, but I kinda do,” came the reluctant admission. Victory.
Ketchup chips have been around in Canada since the 1970s, a homegrown creation from Hostess (now Lay’s), though the U.S. has never fully embraced them. They remain a uniquely Canadian treasure, much like our love of combining sweet and savoury flavours in unexpected ways.
Bagged Milk – The Ultimate Culture Shock
Bagged milk is often the defining moment when Americans realize Canada truly does things differently. As soon as they spotted it in the grocery store, the horror set in. “That’s the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen,” was the initial reaction.
Then came the practical questions: “How do you pour it? Why not just use cartons? What if it spills?” When the mechanics of placing the bag into a designated pitcher and snipping a small corner were explained, the confusion deepened.
What most Americans don’t realize is that bagged milk is a relic of Canada’s efficiency-driven mindset. Introduced in the late 1960s as a lightweight, space-saving alternative to glass bottles, it remains popular in Ontario, Quebec, and parts of the East Coast. It’s more environmentally friendly due to less packaging waste and easier recycling, but to an outsider, it’s just downright weird.
KitKat – The Transborder Chocolate Conundrum
A KitKat is a KitKat, right? Wrong. Canadian KitKats are made by Nestlé, while American KitKats are produced by Hershey, and the difference is staggering. One bite into the Canadian version and both Americans could taste the difference instantly. “This chocolate is so much better,” came the verdict. The American version, loaded with sugar and less creamy cocoa, didn’t stand a chance.
This discrepancy is due to the way chocolate is regulated in Canada versus the U.S. Canadian chocolate generally contains a higher percentage of cocoa and fewer artificial additives, leading to a richer and more satisfying taste. If you’ve ever had British or European chocolate, you’ll find Canadian chocolate much closer to those in quality compared to its American counterpart.
Poutine – The Heavyweight Champion of Canadian Comfort Food
Fries, cheese curds, and gravy—three simple ingredients that combine to create a dish so perfect, it might just change lives. “You’re just putting cheese curds on fries and drowning it in gravy?” they asked. Yes, and it’s glorious.
Originating in rural Quebec in the 1950s, poutine was initially seen as a working-class meal before becoming a national delicacy. Once dismissed as lowbrow, it’s now served in fine dining establishments, fast food chains, and every corner diner in the country.
The first bite left them stunned. “Okay, I get it now.” Even a fast-food version was enough to convert them, but the promise of trying an authentic poutine made with fresh squeaky curds sealed the deal.
Coffee Crisp – The Best Chocolate Bar You’ve Never Had
A light, crispy wafer with a subtle coffee flavour and creamy texture, Coffee Crisp is a uniquely Canadian chocolate bar that most Americans have never even heard of. After one bite, the reaction was immediate: “Why don’t we have these in the States?”
Launched in Canada by Nestlé in the 1930s, Coffee Crisp has remained a favourite for generations. It’s not overwhelmingly sweet, making it the perfect treat for those who enjoy a little coffee essence without the bitterness. Fun fact: it’s one of the few chocolate bars available in both regular and thick formats, because sometimes, you just need a little more Coffee Crisp in your life.
Smarties vs. Smarties – The Great Candy Confusion
In Canada, Smarties are chocolate candies coated in a thin, crispy shell. In the U.S., Smarties are tiny, chalky sugar discs that taste like childhood disappointment. When our American guests were handed a box of Canadian Smarties, they were completely thrown off. “These are like M&Ms, but different?” Exactly.
While M&Ms have a slight crunch and a heavier candy shell, Smarties offer a smoother chocolate experience. And of course, every Canadian knows the jingle: When you eat your Smarties, do you eat the red ones last?
Final Thoughts: Canada’s Snack Game Is Unmatched
By the end of the snack expedition, one thing was clear—Canada knows how to do snacks right. There was skepticism, there was laughter, and there were a few moments of crisis (bagged milk, mostly). But some snacks surprised them (ketchup chips), some horrified them (bagged milk again), and some left them wondering why they aren’t in every store in America (Coffee Crisp, we’re looking at you).
If you ever find yourself introducing an American to Canadian snacks, be prepared for a wild ride. Some things might take a bit of convincing, but in the end, our snacks speak for themselves. And if all else fails, just hand them a poutine—because nobody, no matter where they’re from, can resist the magic of fries, cheese, and gravy.
