Ever found yourself in the grocery aisle, determined to buy Canadian, but unsure if the product in your hand actually qualifies? You’re not alone.  You check the labels, but some say “Made in Canada,” others say “Product of Canada,” and then there are those that look Canadian—but aren’t.

Wouldn’t it be great if your phone could just tell you which products are truly Canadian? Well, now it can! Thanks to some brilliant Canadian entrepreneurs, barcode-scanning apps are here to make shopping Canadian more real.

Scan And Buy Canadian — Shopping Canadian Just Got Smarter

Whether you're a newcomer trying to settle in, a visitor wanting to experience authentic Canadian goods, or someone who simply loves supporting local brands, knowing what’s truly Canadian can be tricky.

That’s where these innovative apps come in. With just a quick barcode scan, you can check how “Canadian” a product really is.

Some of the most popular apps include:

  • Shop Canadian – Created by two software developers from Edmonton
  • Buy Beaver – Launched by two entrepreneurs from Montreal, a fun and interactive app
  • O SCANada – A mother-and-son project from Calgary
  • Maple Scan – An AI-powered tool built by a Calgary researcher

Each app allows you to scan a product’s barcode and instantly see information about its origin.

How Does It Work?

Let’s say you pick up a carton of juice at the store. You scan the barcode using one of these apps, and within seconds, you’ll see:

✅ Where the product is made
✅ Where its ingredients come from
✅ Who owns the company

For example, Buy Beaver ranks products on a scale of one to five based on these factors. “If a product isn’t rated yet, users can add details and improve accuracy,” says co-creator Christopher Dip. This means the apps get smarter as more people use them!

More Than Just A Label

Sometimes, even if a product is “Made in Canada,” the parent company might be based elsewhere. “Some people care about whether profits stay in Canada,” explains Dip. “We provide the info, and it’s up to the buyer to decide.”

Shop Canadian, on the other hand, focuses on company-registered product codes to determine if a product is Canadian-owned or just packaged here.

Why Are These Apps Trending?

The demand for Canadian products has surged, especially in recent years. Many consumers want to support local businesses, especially during economic uncertainty or supply chain disruptions.

“When things feel out of control, people want to make choices that matter,” says Michael Mulvey, a marketing expert at the University of Ottawa. “These apps give shoppers the power to vote with their wallets.”

Retailers Are Taking Note

Big grocery chains like Loblaws and Sobeys are already responding by showcasing Canadian products in their stores and online. More companies are expected to follow as demand grows.

Does Buying Canadian Cost More?

It's more of a Trade-Off: Price vs. Product Love! While many want to support local businesses, price is always a factor. Sometimes, choosing a Canadian product means paying a little extra. But with these apps, you get to make an informed choice. You can decide when to prioritize supporting local and when to go with a budget-friendly option.

Final Thoughts

Buying Canadian is appealing, but affordability remains a concern. Still, these apps are making it easier than ever to shop with purpose.

If you’re new to Canada or just love Canadian products, these apps can be a game-changer. Quickly scan the barcode, and the app will reveal key details about your favorite brands or Canadian products. You get all the information you need before making a purchase.

So, next time you go shopping in Canada, why not give one a try? What you discover might surprise you!

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