The Buy-Canadian movement continues to grow, and consumers are more determined than ever to support Canadian businesses and manufacturers. However, determining just how Canadian some products are can be confusing.
Product of Canada, Made in Canada, 100% Canadian – so many different labels can make discerning between homegrown goods packaged and sold by Canadian companies and products that only have a small portion of their make-up prepared from Canadian items difficult. By understanding what each label means, you can make better-informed decisions and shop smarter.
What Does “Made in Canada” Actually Mean?
Product of Canada
This is the gold standard for Canadian products. It means that 98% of everything – ingredients, processing, and labour – comes from Canada. However, 2% of imported ingredients (like spices or food additives) are allowed to finish the product.
Example: A jar of honey labelled “Product of Canada” means it was harvested from Canadian bees and processed here, though 2% of imported ingredients might be added.
Made in Canada
This means the final product was put together here, but some ingredients or materials might be from other countries. At least 51% of production costs (but less than 98%) must be spent in Canada. A qualifying statement must also be added explaining whether the ingredients or materials are sourced from Canada or include imported products. This statement usually follows the “Made in Canada” notation and includes wording like ‘from imported ingredients’ or ‘from domestic and imported ingredients.’
Example: A frozen pizza labelled “Made in Canada from domestic and imported ingredients” means it was assembled and cooked here, but some toppings – like olives or certain cheeses – may have come from elsewhere.
100% Canadian
Everything – ingredients, labour, and processing – is completely Canadian.
Example: A block of cheddar cheese labelled “100% Canadian” means the milk came from Canadian cows, and the cheese was made and packaged here.
Designed in Canada
The product was dreamed up here in Canada, but it was made somewhere else.
Example: A pair of sneakers labelled “Designed in Canada” might have been designed by a Canadian company, but the shoes themselves were manufactured overseas.
Canadian-Owned
This only tells you that the company is owned by Canadians – it doesn’t mean the product was made here.
Example: A clothing brand owned by a Canadian company but manufacturing its clothes overseas would be Canadian-owned but not made in Canada.
Packaged in Canada
This means the product was packaged or processed here, but the main ingredients or parts could be imported.
Example: Frozen strawberries grown in Mexico but washed, cut, and packaged in Canada would carry this label.
Prepared in Canada
The product was processed or cooked here, but some or all ingredients were imported.
Example: A bag of coffee labeled “Prepared in Canada from imported beans” means the beans were roasted and ground in Canada, but they were grown in another country.
Roasted and Blended in Canada
The product is imported from another country but roasted and blended here in Canada.
Example: Coffee beans are always imported from other countries since they don’t grow in Canada. However, they are roasted and blended by Canadian companies and would, therefore, use this label.
Distilled in Canada
This label means the product is distilled in Canada, but the ingredients could have been imported.
Example: Some spirits use imported ingredients but are distilled in Canada.
Canned in Canada
While the product was canned in Canada, some or all of the ingredients may have been imported.
Example: Vegetables from another country that were imported to Canada and then canned would use this label.
Processed in Canada
The product used ingredients imported from other countries, but it was cooked, baked, or prepared in Canada
Example: A pie could use fruit imported from Mexico, but if it is baked in Canada, it would be labeled Processed in Canada.
Maple Leaf Labels
As there is no official logo for Canadian-made products, a maple leaf logo doesn’t necessarily mean the product in question was manufactured or prepared in Canada.
Maple leaf logos are used to identify products that have a Canadian contribution or are from a Canadian company. However, a maple leaf is not required. There are also a number of logos utilizing the maple leaf that are used to show that the product meets Canadian safety and quality standards. These logos are used for both Canadian and imported products.
The best way to determine whether the food item or product is Canadian is to look for a “Product of Canada” or “Made in Canada” label to correctly identify Canada-made or grown products.’
Country of Origin
Often, in Canada, imported foods must indicate the country of origin on their labels. This is especially true of dairy products, eggs, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, maple and honey products, meat, wine, brandy, and some processed fruits and vegetables.
Why Your Choices Matter
Choosing Canadian-made products keeps our industries strong, protects jobs, and invests in long-term economic growth. Every small decision adds up. When you buy local:
- You support Canadian workers and their families.
- You help businesses continue producing quality products.
- You keep supply chains stable and reliable.
- You contribute to a thriving, self-sufficient economy.
