With Canada Day and the Summer Olympics just around the corner, those located up north are feeling a strong sense of national pride. Known for his highness, King Drake, good beer and friendly people, there are a lot of Canadian inventions that go unaccredited, especially when it comes to food. Though you may have been aware of some of the items below, some of these northern discoveries might surprise you.
McIntosh Apples
Photo by Olivia Mattyasovszky
First cultivated in Upper Canada in 1811 by John McIntosh, these apples have become a classic staple from eating apple sauce as a child to grabbing as a snack for your afternoon class.
Peanut Butter
Photo by Emma Weir
An obsession of many, the earliest form of peanut butter was actually patented by Quebec native Marcellus Gilmore Edson in 1884. Bless his soul.
Maple Syrup
Photo by Justin Schuble
You knew this one was making the list. Here up north, Buddy the elf was right when he said this is a basic food group.
Dry Ginger Ale
Photo by Casidhe Gardiner
Though the Irish claim the original golden ginger ale, the dry ginger ale variety we drink today was created by a Canadian scientist in 1907. Whether you enjoy it in a drink, straight from the can or use it in your cooking, you can thank Canada for this classic pick.
Canola Oil
Photo by Emma Weir
Sometimes referred to as rapeseed oil or edible oil, this ingredient is found in many products as it is the third-most used vegetable oil in the world. There is come debate as to whether the name stands for Canada + oil or (Can)ada+(o)il+(l)ow+(a)cid, but either way Canada is to thank.
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Photo by Helena Lin
This creamy, starchy goodness is thanks to Canadian chemist Edward Asselbergs in 1962. Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving in October or November, you’re really saying thanks to Canada when you eat a spoonful of these bad boys.
Garlic Fingers
Photo by Emma Weir
An Atlantic Canada delicacy and maybe one of the best inventions of all time. Imagine pizza and garlic bread meeting up at a bar… pizza dough, garlic butter and melted cheese cut in strips. I am thankful my east coast education introduced me to you.
Canadian Bacon
Photo courtesy of @jkcdn on Instagram
In Canada, we actually call it Peameal bacon. Whatever you call it, no Eggs Benedict would be complete without it. Our take on this British classic has become a favourite of Americans and Canadians alike.
Kraft Dinner
Photo by Emma Weir
Though Americans will take credit for Kraft cheese, James Lewis Kraft was actually a Canadian. His idea for this wonderful combination of noodles and cheese powder was thought up in his American plant, but there’s no question that KD is a Canadian treasure and loved by those up north, where we eat up to 55 percent more than the US.
Montreal Smoked Meat
Photo by Alex Vu
Kind of a giveaway by name, this kosher-style deli meat is a classic Canadian cuisine. Finished off with some mustard and a juicy side dill, don’t miss out on this one when you head up our way.
Poutine
Photo by Adeena Zeldin
The one you’ve all been waiting for. This stuff is seriously worth the hype. Another item to thank Quebec for, Canadians have been enjoying this dish since the mid-1950s and still aren’t sick of it.