Celebrating National Ice Cream Month with Canada’s Favorite Dairy Treats
National Ice Cream Month offers a perfect excuse to savor a cold, creamy cone, and Statistics Canada reported that the average Canadian enjoyed about 4.5 liters of ice cream in 2023. Whether the weather is scorching or chilly, there’s a uniquely Canadian flavor waiting for you at a grocery store near you, and prices vary by region.
Chapman’s: A Peanut‑Free, Nut‑Free, Egg‑Free Powerhouse
The largest independent ice‑cream maker in Canada, Chapman’s of Markdale, Ontario, creates more than 280 frozen treats. Its Super Premium Plus line earned top honors at the 2024 International Ice Cream Consortium, with Salty Caramel Crunch crowned best caramel ice cream.
The brand’s full lineup includes Cherry Chocolate Truffles, Cookie Dough, Cherry Cheesecake, Chocolate Cake Dough, Vanilla Honey, Peach Melba, Butter Tart, Chocolate and Brownies, Cookie Jar, The Only Strawberry, Cold Brew Coffee, Chocolate Lovers and Vanilla Trilogy.
All flavors are free of peanuts, nuts and eggs, a commitment that began when founder Penny Chapman received a call from a 10‑year‑old boy who couldn’t enjoy birthday ice cream. Chapman’s now holds Anaphylaxis Canada’s Red Flag designation and the Susan Daglish Award for leadership in anaphylaxis safety.
Kawartha Dairy: A Tribute to a Canadian Rock Icon
Inspired by the beloved band The Tragically Hip, Kawartha Dairy’s new offering, The Tragically Chip, blends whiskey‑flavored ice cream with dark chocolate chips and black cherry balls.
Other patriotic favorites from this 100 % Canadian company include Mukoka Mocha, Dockside Cappucino, Constellation, Moose Tracks and Sugar Shack Maple.
Since its founding in 1937 by Jack and Ila Crowe, the family‑run dairy has kept fresh milk flowing from Ontario farms, maintaining the simple three‑room building that once relied on lake‑ice cooling.
Foothills Creamery: Craftsmanship Meets Bold New Flavors
Calgary‑based Foothills Creamery, established in 1969 by Don Bayrack and partners, recently added Whiskey Caramel and Coffee Bean to its 80‑flavor roster. Whiskey Caramel offers a warm swirl of caramel and whiskey, while Coffee Bean delivers a smooth, creamy pick‑me‑up.
Indulgent classics such as All Canadian Moose (vanilla, chocolate marble and peanut butter) and S’mores Campfire (toasted marshmallows, chocolate ribbon and graham cracker) round out the lineup.
The creamery still uses old‑fashioned barrel churning to achieve an extra‑rich, creamy texture that sets its ice cream apart.
Breyers Creamery: The Timeless Neapolitan with a Canadian Twist
When it comes to classic flavors, Breyers’ Neapolitan trio of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry remains a crowd‑pleaser.
Although founded by Philadelphia native William A. Breyer, the brand opened a Canadian facility in Simcoe, Ontario in the 1990s and now uses only Canadian milk and cream.
Its vanilla beans are sustainably sourced from Rainforest Alliance certified farms, underscoring a commitment to environmental responsibility.
