Buying local is one of the best ways to support your community, enjoy fresher food, and reduce your environmental footprint. No matter where you live, making a conscious effort to choose local products can have a big impact on your health and economy.

When you buy local, you’re helping to:

  • Support local farmers and businesses – Keeping money in your local economy strengthens small businesses and creates jobs.
  • Enjoy fresher, higher-quality food – Local food doesn’t travel as far, meaning it’s often harvested at peak ripeness and retains more nutrients.
  • Reduce your carbon footprint – Less transportation means fewer emissions, making local food a more sustainable option.
  • Boost food security – Investing in local food sources helps strengthen the supply chain, reducing reliance on long-distance imports.
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Canadian products to look for:

1. Dairy Products

  • Canada has some of the highest-quality dairy in the world, thanks to strict regulations and local farming practices.
  • Look for brands like Organic Meadow, Dairyland, Agropur, and Lactantia, all of which source from Canadian dairy farms.
  • Check for the Blue Cow logo on milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt to ensure it’s 100% Canadian dairy.
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2. Meat & Poultry

  • Opt for Canadian-raised beef, pork, and poultry, which adhere to strict food safety and sustainability standards.
  • Brands like Maple Leaf, Belmont Meats, and Blue Goose offer high-quality, local options.
  • If possible, buy directly from local butchers or farmers’ markets.
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3. Fresh Produce

  • While some fruits and vegetables are imported, many Canadian-grown options are available depending on the season.
  • Look for Ontario apples, BC blueberries, Quebec strawberries, and PEI potatoes.
  • Greenhouses across Canada supply year-round tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
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4. Maple Syrup & Honey

  • Nothing says Canadian quite like pure maple syrup—always choose 100% pure Canadian syrup from Quebec or Ontario.
  • Support local beekeepers by choosing raw, unpasteurized Canadian honey.
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5. Grains & Baking Supplies

  • Flour, oats, and lentils grown in the Prairies are top-quality staples for baking and cooking.
  • Brands like Robin Hood and Five Roses produce Canadian-milled flour.
  • Look for Manitoba-grown oats in brands like Only Oats.
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6. Seafood

  • Canada has world-class seafood, from wild-caught Pacific salmon to Atlantic lobster and scallops.
  • Look for labels indicating sustainably sourced Canadian seafood from brands like True North Seafood and Clearwater Seafoods.
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7. Legumes & Plant-Based Proteins

  • Canada is a major producer of lentils, chickpeas, and beans, which are affordable and nutritious.
  • Look for brands like Prairie Harvest and Timeless Natural Foods.
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8. Snacks & Packaged Foods

  • Check the labels on granola bars, crackers, and chips—many well-known brands manufacture in Canada.
  • Some great Canadian snack brands include Covered Bridge Chips, MadeGood, and Nature’s Path.
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American products to look for:

1. Dairy Products

  • The U.S. has an abundance of family-owned dairy farms, producing high-quality milk, cheese, and yogurt.
  • Look for brands like Organic Valley, Tillamook, Stonyfield, and Cabot Creamery.
  • Check for USDA Organic and local co-op brands to support small farms.

2. Meat & Poultry

  • Choose American-raised beef, pork, and poultry from responsible farms.
  • Some great brands include Applegate, Niman Ranch, and Perdue Farms (antibiotic-free line).
  • Check for labels like Certified Humane, Grass-Fed, or USDA Organic.

3. Fresh Produce

  • Many regions in the U.S. grow a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables year-round.
  • Look for locally grown California citrus, Washington apples, Georgia peaches, and Idaho potatoes.
  • Visit local farmers’ markets or look for ‘Grown in [Your State]’ labels.

4. Maple Syrup & Honey

  • While Canada is famous for maple syrup, the U.S. has excellent producers too!
  • Look for Vermont maple syrup or locally harvested honey from nearby beekeepers.

5. Grains & Baking Supplies

  • The U.S. is a top producer of wheat, corn, and oats.
  • Look for brands like Bob’s Red Mill, King Arthur Flour, and Arrowhead Mills.

6. Seafood

  • The U.S. has incredible fresh seafood from Alaska salmon to Gulf shrimp and Maine lobster.
  • Check for sustainably sourced seafood from brands like Vital Choice and Wild Planet.

7. Legumes & Plant-Based Proteins

  • The U.S. grows excellent black beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
  • Brands like Eden Foods and Rancho Gordo offer high-quality, locally sourced legumes.

8. Snacks & Packaged Foods

  • Many American companies focus on clean, locally sourced ingredients.
  • Some great brands to look for: Simple Mills, Siete Foods, and Kind Snacks.
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Final Thoughts

No matter where you live, buying local whenever possible ensures you’re getting fresher, higher-quality food while supporting businesses in your own community. Look for regional labels, shop at farmers’ markets, and check out small brands that prioritize sustainability and local sourcing.

Download our Free Grocery Shopping Guide below!