According to TikTok, President’s Choice (AKA Loblaw’s in-house private label of products) is officially the Canadian version of Trader Joe’s. Our team of foodies strongly agrees: nobody does it quite like PC. Read on for our tried and true grocery store favourites that we always add to cart.
Related: Our Top Picks from Eataly Canada
PC Halloom Cheese Sticks in Za’atar Herbed Batter
Step aside mozzarella sticks, these halloumi sticks are a game changer. Coated in an herby za’atar batter, they’re ooey gooey cheesy perfection. Pop them in the oven or air fryer for a super satisfying app or late night snack and thank us later.
PC Black Label Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste
Home bakers, this one’s for you. Skip the bottled artificial vanilla extract and opt for this luxe option instead – made with ground vanilla beans, it turns your average cakes, cookies and icing into bakery-worthy delights with its decadent, rich flavour.
PC Spicy Tomato Clam Cocktail
For producer and self-proclaimed Caesar connoisseur Nataly Cure, this is her go-to mix for the classic Canadian cocktail. With just the right level of tang and spice, it comes at a fraction of the cost of other brand name options.
PC Black Label Smoky Bourbon Rub Spice Blend
Assistant editor Dylan Muñoz swears by this spice rub for his summer grilling. Its sophisticated blend of bourbon barrel smoked sea salt and orange peels lends an unexpectedly elevated flavour to everything it touches, from juicy steak to plump Portobello mushrooms.
PC White Cheddar Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese Dinner
For editor Angela Serednicki, nothing compares to PC’s take on boxed mac and cheese: “The white cheddar sauce is so creamy, and it tastes better than the other brands you might have grown up with. Unlike a lot of other competitors, it tastes great the next day, too!” It’s worth noting that this product ranks as one of PC’s most popular of all time.
PC Speculoos Cookie Butter Crushed Cookie Spread
We’ve all seen the TikToks raving about Trader Joe’s beloved cookie butter, so when Nataly heard that the PC option was an excellent dupe, she ran to try it: “The rumours are true! This spread is such a treat, it’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty.”
PC Plant Based Caesar Dressing
Social strategist and vegan foodie Katherine Sousa always has this plant-based dressing in her fridge to whip together easy Caesar salads. “I love that PC is creating more easily accessible plant-based options and this Caesar Dressing is creamy and delicious! It has the same great taste of Caesar dressing we all know and love, just without the dairy,” says Katherine.
PC Breaded Cauliflower Bites – Butter Buffalo
These vegetarian-friendly bites are the ultimate last-minute hosting lifesaver: “I keep these around for game nights, impromptu visits or just a quick latenight snack,” says Nataly. “They’re a great alternative for any vegetarians looking for a delicious snack on wing nights, too!”
PC Cream Soda Flavour Sparkling Water
There’s sparkling water, and then there’s PC Cream Soda Flavour Sparkling Water. It somehow captures the flavours of your favourite childhood soda without any of the sugar. The PC Vanilla Cherry Sparkling Water is equally as delightful, and we highly recommend adding both to your cart.
PC Extra Chunky Medium Salsa
This little jar of salsa may look unassuming, but producer Nataly swears by it with one caveat: “it must be extra chunky!”. For the ultimate pairing, she likes scooping up her chunky salsa with PC’s Lime & Habanero Chili Flavour Kettle Cooked Tortilla Chips.