Two Canadian products to stock up on at home

Having come from Europe, and when our family first arrived in Ottawa, we naturally enough discovered the ByWard Market. I loved the colours of the fruit and vegetables and getting to know the vendors was a bonus. It was also a place where we could get products from the old country.

There was one place however that I particularly enjoyed. Giant Tiger. It was always a jumble of all kinds of things for a kid to discover. I don’t know why, but I was particularly amused by the wooden floors of this shop. 

This original relic still stands on George St. and I guess I’ll always have a soft spot for it and now with another Canada Day upon us, I thought I’d highlight some Canadian foods that you’ll find at this Ottawa institution.

Whether you identify as a prepper or just want to insulate yourself a little against inflation, you may be filling your pantry with healthy foods that are good for you and easy to prepare.

Enter newbie Sprague Foods which is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. Established in 1925, Sprague has only in the last nine years re-doubled their efforts to put their name front and centre. 

What a pleasure to discover this company that is producing clean label foods entirely preservative free, gluten-free, vegan and keto friendly and often organic and certified kosher. They also indicate on their labels that they don’t use seed oils. It’s funny how what has always been traditional (ie, clean foods) is now seen as progressive. There you have it: Sprague Foods. Progressive for 100 Years. That should be the new mantra.

They use absolutely no preservatives and their cans have linings that are BPA and PFAS free and I encourage you to read the FAQ on their website.

I’ve had both the Campfire Beans and the Tuscan Minestrone soup and I’m a fan. The products are delicious and the beans still have a reasonable firmness (no mushiness) that makes eating a pleasure and the Canadian whiskey in those baked beans was a smart touch.

I purchased my products at the main Giant Tiger (attached to their headquarters) on Walkley. Yes, priced between two and three dollars a can, the Sprague products may have a slightly higher cost but just look at all those unpronounceables you’re not getting.

Since I was in a sentimental state of mind, I lugged home a few bottles of soda from that old classic The Pop Shoppe. 

Every so often my dad would take me to their location at the West Gate Mall where it seemed you could score a dozen bottles for what seemed like a buck. It was likely more than that, but hey this is my memory and it can be as flawed as it wants. For sentimental reasons.

I also came across a new line of sodas from Bear ‘n Beaver out of Surrey, B.C. 

I opened the Blue Creamsicle (raspberry flavoured) and was absolutely shocked to find that the drink in my glass was the colour of sparkling water. “Blue” Creamsicle? That was a first. I was actually glad for the false advertising.

Next I splashed their ginger beer over ice and it was more than a little spicy. That was a good amount of ginger and the addition of West Indies lime added brightness. For all its fire it was the nicest and most balanced ginger beer I recall having. Don’t forget that ginger beer is also the beverage to enjoy if you’re having fish and chips. 

Wonderful stuff and it worked like a charm with the Canadian whisky that follows!