The 4 Main Grocery Categories Made in Canada: How to Put More Canada on Your Plate
They say you are what you eat - according to York University 70% of what we eat is grown here, so does that make us 70% Canadian? Jokes aside, I’m sure you - like me have wondered how much of what you eat is actually from here. With the second-largest landmass in the world, Canada has everything it needs to be an agricultural superpower. Let's take a look at the 4 main food groups produced in Canada so you can put more of Canada on your plate.
Wheat and bread products:
Canada is the world’s fifth-largest wheat producer and supplies about one-sixth of the world’s trade in wheat. Canada produces more than 30 types of wheat, the most common being spring wheat, durum wheat, and winter wheat. Canada’s breadbasket is in the Prairie Provinces where the majority of Canada’s wheat is grown. Canada’s wheat is exported to over 70 countries and is used in a variety of products from pasta and pizza to biscuits and beer.
Produce - fruits and vegetables:
Canada is a major producer and exporter of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables. Canada produces over 90 types of fruits and vegetables, including apples, blueberries, potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots. Canada’s climate is perfect for growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and we have access to the latest technology and know-how to produce high-quality, safe, and nutritious foods.
While Canada has brutal winters, we can still grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables through the innovative use of Greenhouses. These allow tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce at any time of year while reducing our dependence on produce imported from Mexico, Florida, and California.
Meat, fish and poultry:
Canada is a world leader in meat production and exports. We are one of the world’s largest producers of pork and beef and the second-largest producer of poultry. Canada is also a major exporter of fish and seafood, with lobster, salmon, and crab being some of our most popular exports. Canada’s meat, fish, and poultry products are among the safest in the world and are produced to the highest standards of quality and safety.
All meat, fish and poultry products are carefully inspected by the CFIA - Canada Food Inspection Agency before they are released to the consumer. You can have the utmost confidence in Canadian meat products.
Dairy - milk, eggs, butter, cream:
Canada is the world’s sixth-largest producer of milk and the ninth-largest producer of eggs. Canada is also a major producer of butter and cream. Canada’s dairy industry is world-renowned for its high standards of quality and safety, and our products are enjoyed by people all over the world. Canada’s dairy farmers are committed to producing nutritious, safe, and delicious milk, eggs, butter, and cream products.
Cheese is also a great Canadian product, with Quebec being a leader in producing high-quality artisanal cheeses, taking top-tier Canadian dairy and pairing it with French cheesemaking processes, its a recipe for success.
Conclusion
So there you have it! The next time you're grocery shopping, keep an eye out for these Canadian-made products. By filling your cart with Canada-grown foods, you're not only supporting our farmers and producers, you're also getting some of the best-tasting and highest-quality foods in the world. So go ahead and shop Canada proud!
Do you have a favourite Canadian-made food? Let us know in the comments below. Happy eating!
P.S. Check out these links for more information on Canadian produce: