How to shop Canadians: Your Must-Know Guide

When choosing Canadian products, you might notice terms like “Made in Canada,” “Product of Canada,” or “Designed in Canada” on the labels. These phrases carry specific legal meanings in Canada, and understanding them can help you make informed decisions about the products you trust for your health. Here’s a breakdown of what these common terms mean when applied to products:

1. “Made in Canada”
   • What it means: The product was mostly put together here—like assembled or finished—but some parts might come from other countries.
   • The rule: At least 51% of the production costs have to happen in Canada. If there’s imported stuff, they’ll say something like “Made in Canada with imported parts.”
   • Example: A hoodie sewn in Canada with cotton from overseas.
2. “Product of Canada”
   • What it means: Almost everything—materials and all—comes from Canada. It’s as Canadian as it gets!
   • The rule: 98% or more of the costs are Canadian, and the final step (like packaging) happens here too.
   • Example: Maple syrup tapped, bottled, and sealed in Canada.
3. “Designed in Canada”
   • What it means: The idea or blueprint was dreamed up here, but it might’ve been made somewhere else.
   • Think of it like a Canadian: designer sketching out a cool chair, then having it built abroad.
4. “Assembled in Canada”
   • What it means: The pieces were put together here, but the bits and bobs might not be Canadian.
   • Example: A bike with a frame from Asia, bolted together in Canada.
5. “Packaged in Canada”
   • What it means: The product was just boxed or bagged here—it probably started life somewhere else.
   • Example: Coffee beans roasted abroad, then packed into bags in Canada.
6. “Manufactured in Canada”
   • What it means: Similar to “Made in Canada,” but it’s more about the factory work—like shaping or building—happening here. Some materials might still be imported.
   • Example: A wooden table cut and stained in a Canadian workshop with lumber from the U.S.
7. “Canadian Ingredients”
   • What it means: Some of the raw stuff—like materials or ingredients—comes from Canada, but the final product might be made elsewhere.
   • Example: A candle made in the U.S. with Canadian beeswax.
8. “Canadian Brand”
   • What it means: The company’s Canadian, but where’s the product made? Could be anywhere.
   • Example: A Toronto-based clothing line stitching shirts in Vietnam.
   • Logo: Make sure to remember just because it has a "maple leaf" does not mean its a "Canadian product."

Next time you’re shopping for supplements, take a closer look at the label—it’ll tell you more than you might expect about where your product truly comes from.