Canadian foodies unite! Welcome to our first annual Canadian foodie gift guide for the holiday season or year round if you have a foodie in the family. We are so proud to present you these unique and delicious Canadian food brands!

All of these Canadian brands have been hand selected by Taryn and I (Canadian foodie sisters after all!). Many of these brands have offered our shoppers a promo code so you can save on your holiday shopping! You can find the promo codes and links to each shop where you can save in the article below or the description of our YouTube video. Please send us some holiday cheer with a like and a subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Canadian foodies, let’s start the count down!

1. The Lazy Batch – Use promo code FOODIETOWNCA20 for 20% off your order

If you know us, you know we are located in the Okanagan Valley and love to support local. So we have to kick off this gift guide with an Okanagan business. The Lazy Batch are the best cookies you’ve never made! The Lazy Batch is a gourmet take and bake frozen cookie dough. Bring them home, store them in your freezer and whip them out whenever you have unexpected guests, short on time or just want a sweet treat for yourself. 

We love their selection of flavours from brown butter espresso toffee, salted chocolate chip or death by chocolate. 

2. City Eats – Use promo code FOODIE10 for 10% off

Another Okanagan, BC based brand, City Eats is Canada’s largest Jamaican spice brand! It’s so popular even Hussein Bolt approves. We love City Eats because the spices and seasonings are authentic, low sodium non-GMO and is MSG free. Founded by Sabrina McDonald, a 27 year old Jamaican immigrant who has hustled her way to the top of Canada’s Jamaican spice industry. 
We love the Jerk seasoning and the adaptable meat & chicken seasonings as well as the all purpose seasoning. City eats brings the flavour to our Canadian foodie gift guide and it can to your kitchen too!

3. Angkor Harvest – Promo code Holiday for 10% off

Kompot Banana Ketchup is your new go to condiment for eggs, rice, and maybe even wing sauce! We knew this delicious condiment needed to be included in our Canadian foodie gift guide as soon as we tasted it!

The founders of Angkor Harvest are deeply committed to elevating the livelihood of Cambodian farmers and their families. By donating 5 % of their profits to Angkor Harvest’s Rural Agricultural Fund. Their vision is to ‘nourish thriving communities’: the food provided by Angkor Harvest not only nourishes your body but also nourishes and supports farmers, their families and communities in Cambodia.

4. Lucifer’s House of Heat: Hot Ones Canadian Hot Sauce Pack

The gift that also burns…in the most delicious way possible. The Canadian hot sauce pack from Lucifer’s House of Heat features 4 Canadian made hot sauces that were featured on a Hot Ones episode or two. Their location is in Vancouver where they not only sell hot sauce but you can also do a hot sauce tasting at their bar, grab a sandwich and a unique snack. 

5. Chickpeace – Use promo code LOCALLOVE15 for 15% off in store or online

Chickpeace is based out of Kelowna and is a zero waste refillery but it’s actually so much more than that. It’s a great stop for sustainable kitchen products, bulk food and cleaning supplies, eco friendly makeup and so much more. And if you’re just getting started on your no waste journey or just looking for a gift for the eco conscious foodie, their starter gift packs are great. They ship Canada wide or you can pick up in store – just mention the promo code and this article or YouTube video.

6. Clever Cocktails – Use promo code FOODIETOWN10 to get 10% off

A perfect gift for those who want to enjoy without the hangover.
Mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages are really coming into the spotlight. When I was pregnant and had gestational diabetes I couldn’t find a low calorie, low sugar beer or beverage that wasn’t straight carbs and sugar. With so many people preferring a non-alcoholic beverage – pregnant, sober, or backing away from intake – there’s no shortage of options in Canada.

Clever Mocktails is particularly special in that they offer special non-alcoholic gin made with botanicals just like the real thing but with no alcohol. You can make cocktails or a G&T without the alcohol and all the flavour! Mojitos, sangria, Moscow mules, pink gin & tonics…you can select from a wide array of non-alcoholic beverages. Clever’s texture and taste really bring the experience of enjoying a cold one which is why we needed to include it in our Canadian gift guide for foodies!
Another thing I love is that their packaging looks like products that do have alcohol in them so if you’re sipping amongst people who are drinking, you aren’t likely to get asked…“so, why aren’t you drinking tonight?” 

7. Soul Chocolate

Good chocolate is not only creating a great tasting chocolate is a well deserved thrill. It is also using real, traceable ingredients. Soul Chocolate sources with intention to ensure that every ingredient, and the people that produce them along the way, is treated with care before it reaches our hands. Their dedication to fighting exploitation in the chocolate industry makes Soul Chocolate a must for our Canadian gift guide for foodies.
You can find advent calendars but this is their discovery box suited with 3 types of chocolate in their signature gorgeous packaging.

8. Gnubees Kids & Gnubees Plus – Use code FOODIE15 for 15% off

Made in Burnaby, BC these healthy kids and adult fruit shakes have been a life saver for me. Literally! 
I often crash after having too much coffee and not enough food, particularly when I am working on an important project. I then have to leave to pick up my kiddos or to an appointment then I start to feel it. The shakes arrive, I am starving, I might get a little dizzy and I need something fast. Fast usually means whatever I can grab at a drive thru or gas station – cookies, scones, etc. BUT I’ve started carrying Gnubees around in my bag and car for when I or the kids need a quick snack. These also make a great addition to my kids’ lunch which is why I wanted to include them in our Canadian gift guide.

Gnubees Plus (ages 9+) are functional fruit shakes that include Vitamins C + D, 8 grams of grass fed protein, low glycemic, gluten free and no additives. You can just grab and go, it is so easy to enjoy in your car or on a hike.

Gnubees Kids (ages 2+) are an equally exciting find for me. They contain 7+ grams of protein, calcium, magnesium and 3 grams of fibre in a convenient little drink pack. There are lots of flavours to choose from but my kids enjoy the Rockin’ Raspberry and Mango Tango the most. They fit perfectly into lunch kits or packsacks. 

9. Flossie Candy Floss

Flossie is made in Ottawa, Ontario and is available for purchase across North America including Hawaii as well as select locations in France and Switzerland. We love Flossie because they offer a mystery bag, perfect for stocking stuffers and our Canadian gift guide! You just don’t know what flavour you’re going to get until you open it! This makes it great for birthdays, stocking stuffers and parties. We also love their holiday flavours like peppermint. Plus, it wouldn’t be a Canadian brand without maple flavour! Additional flavours include Champagne, pink vanilla, salty sweet and galaxy grape. If you really want to go all out, you can even design your own for events! Choose your flavour, toppings, design, etc for weddings, corporate functions and more.

10. Elizabeth O Vinatge – Use promo code FOODIETOWN20 for 20% off!

Why buy new when you can buy vintage? Taryn is particularly passionate about vintage wear and we love vintage kitchen and household finds. We come from two generations of antique hunters so you might say it is in our blood to value well made items that you just can’t get in today’s stores. 

This time of year the kitchen and the dinner table play central stage in formative memories. This is why we chose Elizabeth O! She can source those items that you remember being in your grandparents’ kitchen or something special to adorn your dinner tablescape.

11. Teassential – Use code FOODIE for 10% off online

You might recognize Teassential from our 24 Hours of Eating in Vernon, BC episode and article. This beautiful tea shop not only provides special blends made in house, but special tea ware and friendly staff that are very knowledgable. We love that they offer an advent calendar too! Surprise yourself each day leading up to Christmas with a unique flavour and two teabags so you can share or just enjoy more!

12. Umami Crave The 5th Promo code ADVENT15 for 15% off online or at any holiday market you may find them

Umami Crave is a household name in the Okanagan. If you taste their samples at a market or maybe run into them at the local grocery stores you’ll be walking away with a dressing or three. They are truly delicious and make any salad a culinary delight. Be sure to take your side dishes to the next level with Umami Crave dressings!

13. Sapsucker

Sapsucker is sparkling water made with organic Canadian maple tree sap. It lightly sweetens the refreshing bubbles but has only 35 calories. You can find a wide variety of flavours in their mixed pack directly on their website. If you buy a flat or more you’ll be saving huge compared to Save-On Foods which had one can listed at $3.00.

Sapsucker’s brightly coloured cans make them a great addition to a gift basket and our Canadian gift guide!

14. Taste of the Okanagan

Another Okanagan favourite, Taste the Okanagan appears on every reputable charcuterie table – hey, we’re in wine country so charcuterie is kind of a big deal! But you can use their preserves and chutneys on so much more than a cracker. I made their Autumn bruschetta recipe and tossed the apple chutney in with roasted squash before layering it on top of a baguette. Truly delicious!

15. Okanagan Candle Co. 15% off with FOODIETOWNCA15 online or in store 

We love Okanagan Candle Co. It may not be so obviously food related but scent and the holidays are intertwined in our core memories. We also LOVE the food related scents like cherry spice, apple and mulled wine. They also have a market inspired collection featuring scents like tomato, thyme, peach, raspberry and strawberry melon. 

Aside from gorgeous candles and scent related products you can also take or gift a workshop where you design your own candle scent. Another reason to love this mother/daughter duo…you can bring back your vessels to refill with your favourite candles!

16. Cosman & Webb Maple Syrup – Use code HOLIDAY2023 for $5 off one bottle of barrel aged maple syrup 375 ml

This second generation maple tree farm is producing certified organic maple syrup in south eastern Quebec. In the video we taste tested their classic amber rich maple syrup as well as the maple syrup aged in a rye barrel. Both we absolutely delicious and would make a great gift for breakfast and brunch lovers.

17. Chai Spice Edible Adventures Pack by Paisley Notebook

You probably recognize Paisley Notebook as we have attended a few of her pop up dinners. But she also makes easy to pack and carry spice blends. These little packs work great for campers or just to keep in your pantry. We chose the Chai spice blend because it is so easy to incorporate into any existing holiday baking recipe. From pancakes and cookies to pies and even cranberry sauce. Put a delicious kick into your holiday and everyday baking with a pack of her freshly ground spice blends. It’s the perfect addition for the avid baker in your life and our Canadian foodie gift guide.

18. Okanagan Eats Cookbook

We are so excited for a the Okanagan Eats cookbook to hit the shelves – both virtual and that of physical bookstores. We recommend this cookbook as a fantastic host or hostess gift because it has a wide variety of recipes as well as local pairings with wine, beer, ciders and spirits. The Okanagan Eats cookbook is a current representation now, post-pandemic, with the valley’s most creative and beloved chefs of restaurants you should know. It’s a great gift for a local or someone who wants to take the Okanagan home with them wherever they are in this world. 
We recommend buying the Okanagan Eats cookbook locally from Mosaic Books, however, if you aren’t from the valley we do have an affiliate link where we make a very small commission should you purchase on Amazon.ca.

19. Walter Caesar Holiday Mix

As we state in the video, you can’t have a Canadian gift guide without maple syrup nor can you without a Caesar mix. We have selected Walter, a well established brand across the nation for providing quality caesar drinks for the at home bar. You can find varying degrees of spice levels, flavours and specialty editions such as the holiday mix. The Walter holiday caesar mix incorporates lobster stock instead of the typically used clam juice. While it is lacking in spice, you can easily make up for that with whatever hot sauce you have on hand.

20. Born to Shake – Use promo code FOODIETOWN10 for 10% off everything excluding bar ware

Born to Shake’s cocktail kits and classes (online or in person) make for great gifts!

We have been huge fans of Born to Shake since they began in April 2020 when they sold their bitters and cocktail accompaniments at the farmers’ markets and local craft fairs. Now you can visit their cocktail bar with small plates to share and the most delicious cocktail creations. Good news is they still sell their cocktail kits. All you need to add is your booze of choice!

21. Canadian Food Tours

We are passionate about getting people out into their community to support their own local food scene. It is one of the reasons we started our YouTube channel. We are also food tour enthusiasts and love to gift experiences over things. If you find yourself in the same position we suggest thinking about a local food tour. It is great for people who want to discover a new city or rediscover their own city through a new perspective. Here are some ideas to get you started…

22. Umami Bomb Shiitake Chili Oil – Promo code FOODIETOWN15 for 15% off

We found this gem on the South China Seas website which is where you’ll get it for 15% off. However, you can also find it at Urban Fare locations.
We’re no stranger to chili oil but this Umami Bomb products are vegan, keto, and blended smooth unlike the typical crunchy version made famous by David Chang. We love Umami Bomb for an unexpected addition to a charcuterie board, to eggs, as dip and so much more. Umami Bomb is also very mild in terms of spice so it isn’t a literal punch to the gut as some experience with the chili crunch oil.

23. Franco’s Seltzer

I actually didn’t intend to include Franco’s Seltzer. I was gifted 3 flavours and absolutely loved them so much that I needed to tell you all about them. Franco’s Liquor Store is part of the Okanagan group of businesses owned by the Cocarro Group. You might know them from Kelowna’s premiere Italian restaurant, La Bussola, The Curious Cafe and Gather. Franco’s Liquor Store is new to the Okanagan and is located by UBC Okanagan campus on Academy Way. You can shop online for BC residents or visit the store. From high end wines to unique items like these light and refreshing seltzers, you won’t walk away empty handed.

24. South China Seas – Promo code FOODIETOWN15 for 15% off entire store

You might recognize South China Seas from our exploration of Granville Island in 2022. We love how you can exploring unique spice blends, ingredients and hard to find items at South China Seas. They’ve called Granville home for a couple decades and it’s no wonder, they offer a truly unique shopping experience both in store and online. 

25. Canadian Wine

A Canadian foodie must support Canadian wine. We are located in Okanagan wine country and love to support our local wine scene. Wineries have experience unprecedented challenges in the last few years. From crippling cold to drought and fires, climate change is creating a difficult go of it for wineries and farmers. 

Each year we subscribe to a wine club or two and split the bottles between our family so we always have really great Canadian wine on hand. This is a more pricey gift option but the wine club shipments usually arrive twice a year, include free wine tastings, dibs on event tickets and invites as well as discounts to their wine selection. You also can sometimes get wines that are not usually released to the public. 

Alternatively, we love to ring in Christmas Eve and the new year with a bottle of local bubbles! Watch the video to see our picks!

That concludes our first of what we hope to make an annual gift guide. If you know a great Canadian brand or product that we should feature next year please let us know in the comments! Thank you for your continued support and happy holidays to you!