There’s something magical about discovering a country through its candy. When I first moved to Canada, I was amazed by the selection of treats I’d never seen anywhere else. Canadian candies offer a unique blend of British influence, American innovation, and distinctly Canadian creativity that you won’t find south of the border. This guide to Canadian candies to try will introduce you to the treats that define the Great White North’s confectionery landscape.
Canadian candies are confectionery treats unique to Canada, including chocolate bars like Coffee Crisp and Caramilk, gummy candies like Maynards Wine Gums, and savory snacks like Hawkins Cheezies. These treats represent more than just sweets—they’re cultural icons that have shaped childhood memories for generations of Canadians. Whether you’re visiting Canada, living abroad and homesick, or simply a candy enthusiast, these Canadian candies to try will give you an authentic taste of what makes Canada’s confectionery scene special.
Best Canadian Candies to Try in 2026: Essential Guide
Canada has a rich confectionery history dating back to the early 1900s, with many iconic treats created by Canadian subsidiaries of major chocolate companies. What makes Canadian candies unique is their combination of flavors and textures you won’t find elsewhere—coffee-infused chocolate, wine-flavored gummies, and chocolate bars with crunchy honeycomb centers have become beloved national treasures. These 15 Canadian candies to try represent the best of what Canada has to offer.
1. Coffee Crisp
Without question the most iconic Canadian candy bar, Coffee Crisp represents everything that makes Canadian confectionery special. Created in the 1930s by Rowntree’s (now owned by Nestle), this chocolate bar combines layers of crispy vanilla wafer with a subtle coffee-flavored cream coating. The coffee flavor is mild—not overwhelming like some coffee chocolates—making it accessible even to those who don’t drink coffee.
What makes Coffee Crisp uniquely Canadian is that it’s never been widely available outside Canada despite being produced by a multinational company. Canadians living abroad often name Coffee Crisp as the treat they miss most. The bar’s texture is particularly satisfying—the crispy wafers provide a satisfying crunch while the creamy coating melts smoothly on your tongue. If you try only one Canadian candy to try from this list, make it Coffee Crisp.
2. Cadbury Caramilk
The secret to Caramilk’s legendary status in Canadian candy culture is its revolutionary caramel-filled chocolate. Created by Cadbury Canada in 1968, Caramilk solved the age-old problem of how to put liquid caramel inside a solid chocolate bar without it leaking or hardening. The result is a chocolate bar with a gooey, flowing caramel center that Canadians have loved for over 50 years.
What makes Caramilk special among Canadian candies to try is the smoothness of the caramel—unlike caramel candies that can be hard and chewy, Caramilk’s center flows freely when you bite into it. The chocolate-to-caramel ratio is perfectly balanced, with neither element overpowering the other. While Cadbury has introduced variations like Caramilk Made with Maple, nothing beats the original. Caramilk has become so culturally significant that Cadbury Canada actually ran a famous advertising campaign called “The Secret of Caramilk” teasing how they get the caramel inside.
3. Maynards Wine Gums
Don’t let the name fool you—Maynards Wine Gums contain no actual wine. These uniquely Canadian gummy candies were created in 1909 by Charles Gordon Maynard as a candy that could be enjoyed by teetotalers. Despite the misleading name, Wine Gums get their distinctive flavors from natural fruit essences that mimic the complex taste profiles of different wines.
What sets Wine Gums apart from other Canadian candies to try is their sophisticated flavor profile. Each color represents a different wine variety: red for port, green for sherry, yellow for riesling, and so on. The texture is firmer than typical gummy bears and becomes chewier as you eat them. Wine Gums have a cult following in Canada, with many Canadians insisting they’re the best movie theater candy available. They’re also one of the most nostalgic Canadian candies—most Canadian adults have fond memories of Wine Gums from childhood.
4. Hawkins Cheezies
While technically a snack rather than a candy, Hawkins Cheezies earn their place on any list of Canadian candies to try for their cult status and uniquely Canadian qualities. Created in 1947 by W.T. Hawkins in Belleville, Ontario, these cheese-coated corn puffs have remained largely unchanged for over 75 years.
What makes Hawkins Cheezies special is their distinctive bright orange color and sharp cheddar flavor. Unlike American cheese puffs that can be airy and tasteless, Hawkins Cheezies are substantial, crunchy, and packed with real cheese flavor. The manufacturing process hasn’t changed much since the 1940s—the Cheezies are still made in small batches to ensure quality. The company even operates a museum in Belleville celebrating the history of this beloved Canadian snack. Many Canadians living abroad report Hawkins Cheezies as the snack they miss most after maple syrup.
5. Crunchie
Though originally a British creation, Crunchie has become such an integral part of Canadian candy culture that it deserves mention among essential Canadian candies to try. This simple yet brilliant candy bar consists of a honeycomb toffee center coated in Cadbury chocolate, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
The honeycomb center is what makes Crunchie special. It’s aerated sugar with thousands of tiny bubbles, creating a texture that literally crunches and then melts in your mouth. The chocolate coating provides a smooth contrast to the crispy interior. While similar to American butterfingers, Crunchie’s honeycomb is lighter and less sticky. Canadians have embraced Crunchie as one of their own, and it’s consistently among the top-selling chocolate bars in Canada. The bar has also spawned variations like Crunchie Pieces and Crunchie Ice Cream, further cementing its place in Canadian candy culture.
6. Big Turk
Big Turk is perhaps the most unusual of all Canadian candies to try, and that’s exactly what makes it special. Created by Nestle Canada in the 1980s, Big Turk combines cherry-flavored Turkish delight coated in chocolate—a combination that sounds strange but works surprisingly well.
What makes Big Turk uniquely Canadian is that it combines two traditional treats (Turkish delight and chocolate coating) in a way that hasn’t caught on elsewhere. The chewy, floral cherry center provides a texture unlike any other candy bar, while the chocolate coating adds richness and prevents the Turkish delight from being overly sweet. Big Turk has a devoted following despite being polarizing—people either love it or hate it. If you’re adventurous with your candy choices, Big Turk is a Canadian candy to try that will give you a truly unique experience.
7. AERO
AERO’s distinctive bubbly chocolate has been delighting Canadians since its introduction in the 1930s. Created by Rowntree’s in the UK but embraced wholeheartedly by Canadian consumers, AERO features chocolate filled with tiny air bubbles that create a light, melting texture unlike any other chocolate bar.
What makes AERO special among Canadian candies to try is the unique eating experience. The air bubbles make the chocolate feel lighter and cause it to melt differently on your tongue—rather than slowly softening, AERO seems to dissolve more quickly, creating a sensation that many describe as “chocolate that melts in your mouth, not in your hand.” AERO comes in several varieties including milk chocolate, mint, and orange, but the original milk chocolate version remains the most popular. The bar has become so culturally significant in Canada that it’s often referenced in Canadian media and pop culture.
8. Mr. Big
True to its name, Mr. Big is the largest chocolate bar in the Canadian candy aisle. Created by Neilson in the 1960s, this oversized bar combines vanilla wafers, peanuts, caramel, and rice crisps all coated in chocolate—a veritable Frankenstein of candy bar components that somehow works beautifully.
What makes Mr. Big special among Canadian candies to try is its sheer size and satisfying combination of textures and flavors. At nearly twice the size of a standard chocolate bar, Mr. Big represents incredible value—something Canadians appreciate. The bar delivers crunch from the wafers and rice crisps, chewiness from the caramel, and nuttiness from the peanuts, all wrapped in smooth chocolate. Despite being a Canadian original, Mr. Big has never achieved the same international distribution as some other Canadian candy bars, making it a true Canadian treasure.
9. Smarties
Don’t confuse Canadian Smarties with American Smarties—Canadian Smarties are what Americans know as M&M’s, but better. Created by Rowntree’s in the UK but adopted as a Canadian candy icon, Smarties are candy-coated chocolate buttons that have been a staple of Canadian Halloween candy since the 1960s.
What makes Canadian Smarties special compared to their American counterparts is the thicker candy shell and higher quality chocolate. The colors are also more vibrant and the flavors more distinct. Canadians have such a strong attachment to Smarties that they’re consistently ranked among the top Halloween candies in Canada. The brand has even expanded with varieties like Peanut Butter Smarties and Tropical Smarties, but the original milk chocolate version remains the most beloved. Many Canadian candy enthusiasts insist Smarties are superior to M&M’s—a debate that continues to divide candy lovers along the 49th parallel.
10. Fuzzy Peaches
Fuzzy Peaches represent the gummy side of Canadian candies to try. Created by Maynards (now owned by Hershey), these peach-shaped gummies are coated in a sour sugar that gives them their signature “fuzzy” appearance and tangy flavor.
What makes Fuzzy Peaches special is the perfect balance of sweet and sour. The peach gummy itself is mildly sweet with authentic fruit flavor, while the sour coating provides an initial tang that keeps you coming back for more. The texture is soft and chewy without being too rubbery. Fuzzy Peaches have become so popular that they’ve spawned variations like Fuzzy Peaches Strips and Fuzzy Peaches Extreme (extra sour). They’re a staple in Canadian movie theaters and convenience stores, and many Canadians consider them the ultimate candy for snacking while watching movies.
11. Sour Cherry Blasters
Sour Cherry Blasters take the sour candy concept to the extreme. Created by Maynards, these cherry-shaped gummies pack an intense sour punch followed by a sweet cherry finish—an experience that makes them one of the most exciting Canadian candies to try for sour candy enthusiasts.
What makes Sour Cherry Blasters special is their commitment to sour flavor. Unlike sour candies that are mostly sweet with a hint of tartness, Sour Cherry Blasters deliver a genuine mouth-puckering experience from the first bite. The sour coating is followed by a chewy cherry gummy center with authentic fruit flavor. The contrast between extreme sour and pleasant sweet creates an addictive flavor profile that keeps you reaching for more. They’ve become so popular that Maynards has released variations including Blue Raspberry Blasters and Watermelon Blasters, but the original cherry remains the most popular.
12. EAT-MORE
EAT-MORE is perhaps the most divisive of all Canadian candies to try—you either love it or hate it, but you can’t ignore it. Created by Hershey Canada in the 1960s, EAT-MORE combines chocolate, peanuts, and dark toffee in a chewy, sticky bar that requires determination to eat.
What makes EAT-MORE special is its intense chewiness and complex flavor profile. The dark toffee provides a sophisticated bitterness that balances the sweetness of the chocolate, while the peanuts add crunch and nuttiness. The bar is notoriously sticky—it will stick to your teeth, but that’s part of its charm. EAT-MORE has a cult following among Canadian candy enthusiasts who appreciate its uncompromising texture and bold flavors. If you enjoy chewy candies and aren’t afraid of a little dental work, EAT-MORE is a Canadian candy to try that will give you an authentic experience.
13. Chicken Bones
Chicken Bones are perhaps the most uniquely Canadian of all Canadian candies to try. Created in the 1880s by Ganong Brothers in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, these old-fashioned candies consist of a hard cinnamon shell filled with chocolate—a combination that shouldn’t work but somehow does.
What makes Chicken Bones special is their historical significance and unusual flavor profile. They’re one of the oldest continuously produced candies in Canada, with the recipe remaining largely unchanged since the 19th century. The cinnamon shell provides a spicy heat that contrasts with the sweet chocolate center, creating a complex flavor experience that evolves as you eat them. The name “Chicken Bones” comes from their shape and the original cinnamon flavor which was reminiscent of chicken seasoning. Chicken Bones are primarily a Maritime Canadian tradition, making them a regional specialty that many Canadians outside the Atlantic provinces have never tried.
14. Molasses Kisses
Molasses Kisses are another old-fashioned Canadian candy that has largely disappeared from mainstream stores but remains a beloved traditional treat. These soft, chewy molasses candies have been a Canadian holiday tradition for generations, particularly in Atlantic Canada and rural communities.
What makes Molasses Kisses special is their deep, complex flavor that comes from real molasses rather than artificial flavors. The texture is soft and slightly sticky, with a mouthfeel that’s reminiscent of taffy but with more depth. Molasses Kisses are typically made by small candy producers using traditional methods, so quality and texture can vary between producers. They’re most commonly found in old-fashioned candy stores, farmers markets, and gift shops specializing in Canadian foods. If you’re interested in the historical side of Canadian candies to try, Molasses Kisses offer a direct connection to Canada’s confectionery past.
Where to Find Canadian Candies
Finding these Canadian candies to try depends on your location. If you’re in Canada, you’ll find most of these treats at any convenience store, supermarket, or pharmacy. Major Canadian retailers like Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, and Metro stock the full range of Canadian candy bars. For harder-to-find items like Chicken Bones and Molasses Kisses, look for old-fashioned candy stores or gift shops specializing in Canadian foods.
If you’re outside Canada, finding these Canadian candies to try becomes more challenging but not impossible. Online retailers like Canadian Favorites and Maple Delights ship Canadian candies internationally, though shipping costs can be high due to the weight of chocolate. Some American grocery stores near the Canadian border, particularly in states like Washington, New York, and Michigan, may carry limited selections of Canadian candy bars. Specialty food stores that import international products are another option—look for stores that carry British foods, as many Canadian candies like Crunchie and AERO are British imports to Canada.
When shopping for Canadian candies online, be aware that chocolate can melt during shipping, especially in warmer months. Some retailers offer temperature-controlled shipping or only ship during cooler seasons. It’s also worth checking that the products are actually from Canada—some Canadian candy brands like Coffee Crisp and Caramilk are manufactured in different countries for export markets and may have slightly different recipes than the Canadian versions.
For the most authentic experience of Canadian candies to try, nothing beats visiting Canada in person and shopping at a local convenience store or supermarket. This way you’ll find the freshest products and can explore lesser-known regional candies that don’t make it into export markets. Many Canadian airports also have shops specializing in Canadian food products where you can stock up on candies before flying home.
When tasting Canadian candies for the first time, I recommend starting with the classics like Coffee Crisp and Caramilk before moving to more polarizing options like Big Turk and EAT-MORE. This progression will help you develop an appreciation for the unique qualities that make Canadian confectionery special. Keep in mind that taste is subjective, and what one person loves about Canadian candies, another might find unusual—that’s part of the fun of exploring a new country’s candy culture.
FAQs
What is a popular Canadian candy?
Coffee Crisp is widely considered the most popular Canadian candy bar. Created in the 1930s, this chocolate-covered vanilla wafer bar with coffee-flavored cream has become a Canadian icon. Other popular Canadian candies include Caramilk, Maynards Wine Gums, and Crunchie.
What sweets is Canada known for?
Canada is known for unique chocolate bars like Coffee Crisp and Caramilk, gummy candies like Maynards Wine Gums and Fuzzy Peaches, and traditional treats like Chicken Bones and Molasses Kisses. Many Canadian sweets reflect the country’s British heritage combined with distinctly Canadian innovations.
What snacks are in Canada but not the US?
Many Canadian snacks aren’t available in the US, including Coffee Crisp, Caramilk, Hawkins Cheezies, and ketchup-flavored chips. These treats have cult followings among Canadians living abroad who can’t find them in American stores.
What is a must-try food in Canada?
Among Canadian candies to try, Coffee Crisp is often considered the must-try experience for visitors. Its unique combination of crispy wafers and coffee-flavored chocolate coating represents the distinctive character of Canadian confectionery that you won’t find anywhere else.
Conclusion
Exploring Canadian candies to try offers a delicious window into Canadian culture. From the coffee-infused chocolate of Coffee Crisp to the honeycomb crunch of Crunchie, these candies represent flavors and traditions that have shaped Canadian childhoods for generations. Whether you’re a visitor to Canada, a homesick expat, or simply a candy enthusiast curious about international treats, these Canadian candies to try will give you an authentic taste of what makes Canada’s confectionery landscape unique.
Next time you have the opportunity to try Canadian candies, approach them with an open mind and a sense of adventure. Some will become instant favorites, while others might be acquired tastes—but that’s part of the fun of exploring a new country’s food culture through its sweets. After trying these Canadian candies to try, you’ll understand why Canadians living abroad often pack their suitcases with chocolate bars before returning home.
