From iconic modern chocolate bars to traditional regional creations, Canuck confectioners produce some of the tastiest candies south of the North Pole. And the good people of Canada take their collective sweet tooth very seriously when it comes to Canadian snacks.
A staple for our northerly neighbors, maple syrup has been significant to Indigenous Canadian peoples for thousands of years. Today, Canada owns 75% of the global market with a variety of syrups, sugars and other sweets.
In fact, in 2012, one of the biggest crimes to sweep Quebec was the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist, when a band of sticky-fingered thieves made off with a shocking 3000 tons of the stuff — a haul valued at C$18.7 million.
In the fourth quarter of 2022 alone, Canadians spent C$4.5 billion on sweet treats. We understand why, and we think you’ll agree! Below, our Canadian candy connoisseurs have tapped into their taste buds to curate a list of the best Canadian candy, “a mari usque ad mare” — that is, from coast to coast.
Canadian Maple Candy
Maple treats top our list as some of the most famous Canadian candy. After all, what could be sweeter — or more Canadian — than maple syrup? And you don’t have to leave it at the breakfast table.
Turkey Hill Maple Crunch Bar
Brands like the world-famous Turkey Hill company have transformed the beloved pancake companion into an array of on-the-go snacks. The Turkey Hill Maple Crunch Bar, for example, combines velvety milk chocolate with the satisfying crunch of maple sugar — making for the perfect bite.
Canadian Candy Bars
Oh Henry Level Up Bar
While syrup often steals the stage, Canadian candy bars are an overlooked treasure. One tried-and-true option is the Oh Henry! Level Up Bar. With its layers of crispy pretzel pieces, creamy peanut butter, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate coating, this crowd-pleaser has something for everyone.
Awake Caffeinated Caramel Chocolate Bars
For night owls and early risers, the Awake Caffeinated Caramel Chocolate Bar saves the day. This bar packs a punch, containing the same dose of caffeine as your average cup of coffee.
Canadian Cadbury Chocolate Bars
Now owned by Cadbury, the Cadbury Wunderbar was invented by Canadian chocolatier Linda Allison in the 1970s. It features a delightful combination of caramel, peanut butter, and crispy rice — complete with peanut chunks for added crunch.
Another Cadbury classic from Canada is the Mr. Big chocolate bar. This enormous chocolate bar features wafer layers reminiscent of a Kit-Kat, complemented by a delightful combination of caramel, peanuts, and crispy rice puffs, all bound together by a rich chocolate coating.
Nestle Coffee Crisp
The Coffee Crisp bar from Canada is a tasty treat with a unique twist. This iconic chocolate bar boasts layers of light and airy coffee-flavored wafers, expertly enrobed in a smooth milk chocolate coating. Widely enjoyed across Canada, the Coffee Crisp is a key player in the country’s candy scene.
Canadian Gummy Candy
Maynards Gummy Candy
Maynards gummies are a fun, chewy Canadian treat that people can’t get enough of. Try the Juicy Squirts Berry for a burst of berry flavor, enjoy the sweet and fuzzy goodness of the Fuzzy Peach flavor or you can’t go wrong with the classic Swedish Berries.
Familiar Favorites
A treat by any other name is just as sweet. Canadian Smarties, produced by Nestlé, are a staple during the Easter season — but they’re not the same as American Smarties candies. The Canadian version is actually very similar to M&M’s with its classic milk chocolate pebble coated in a hard candy shell.
Canadian Rockets candy, on the contrary, are almost identical to American Smarties. The classic roll of orange, pineapple, and cherry tablets are as familiar at Halloween in Canada as they are in the States.
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