FOR generations, Habitant Pea Soup was a cozy staple in Canadian homes—a symbol of comfort, tradition, and national pride. But here’s the hard truth: that iconic yellow can is now made in the USA, not Canada. Since Campbell’s shut down its Toronto plant in 2019, production of Habitant shifted south of the border. And yet, the label still reads: “Designed in Canada.”
Let’s be clear—designed is not the same as made. While the recipe might have been born here, the soup you’re eating today is brewed, canned, and packaged on U.S. soil. What’s worse, the “Designed in Canada” label is quietly paired with a “Product of USA” line, often hidden in fine print. It’s a deliberate marketing tactic meant to mislead Canadian consumers, banking on our loyalty while cutting Canadian jobs.
In a time when cross-border tensions over tariffs and trade—especially under Trump’s renewed threats—have put Canadian industries on the defensive, why should we reward companies that quietly abandon us? By buying U.S.-made “Canadian” soup, we’re feeding an economy that’s turning its back on ours. It’s time we said no to corporate doublespeak.
Canadians are discovering this fact. On Reddit, Wasabi1287 wrote: “Campbell’s Soup is taking Maple Washing to a whole new level!!! MAKE NO MISTAKE, “Campbell’s Soup of Canada,” is a 100% owned subsidiary of “Campbell’s Soup of America.
“Campbell’s Soup is 41% owned and 100% controlled by the Dorrance family. WHO IS THE DORRANCE FAMILY? They are one of the richest BILLIONAIRE CLASS family’s in America whose key members support Trump. Campbell’s Soup is based in New Jersey, a DEEP RED STATE that voted 23rds for Trump! They just don’t want to lose the Canadian profits.
PLEASE, don’t be fooled by their Maple Washing efforts.”
This isn’t about soup. It’s about values. Transparency. Jobs. National dignity. If a brand wants to wear the maple leaf on its can, it should also pay Canadian workers and support Canadian farms—not just design something here and export the rest.
Canadians deserve better. Instead of falling for Habitant’s warm nostalgia, let’s support truly Canadian-made soups—brands that still source, stir, and seal their cans within our borders. We have plenty of independent and regional producers who believe in homegrown food and honest labeling.
So next time you reach for a can of comfort, check the fine print. Don’t be seduced by “designed.” Stand up for “made”. Stand up for Canada.
Boycott Habitant. Buy Canadian. Make every spoonful count.
