The crazy rumor started with a TikTok video created by Taylor Jackson in 2021 that went viral.
Jackson explains how Canada gets its coffee from Brazil, Columbia, and Guatemala.
He further states that a trade deal was signed in 2007, making purchasing coffee beans from those countries illegal.
He goes on to say this caused a shortage of coffee in Canada, banning iced coffee.
This tall tale quickly took off like wildfire and spread across social media. However, one problem with this fast-spreading rumor is it is false.
Ice coffee is NOT illegal to drink in Canada.
What Is Iced Coffee?
Coffee that is brewed through a coffee maker and then cooled is iced coffee. Other types of coffee made similarly to iced coffee include:
- Expresso
- Cappuccino
- Latte
To make iced coffee, the hot coffee is cooled by refrigerating it or adding ice cubes, as mentioned earlier. When iced coffee is made to perfection, the results are mouth-watering.
Can You Purchase Ice Coffee in Canada?
Yes, you can purchase iced coffee in Canadian coffee shops, fast food restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores nationwide.
Canada is also home to some famous coffee chains, with iced coffee served on the menu, such as:
Although Canada endures some cold sub-zero winters, the country also has hot summer months.
During the hot weather, iced coffee is an ideal solution to beat the heat in the great Canadian outdoors.
The History of Iced Coffee in Canada
Coffee became a booming business for Canadians as early as the 16th century when traded by the Europeans, Vietnam, and Indonesia and exported to Canada and around the world for reasonable prices.
John Smith was one of the first founders to introduce coffee to Canada, which expanded into a lucrative adventure leading to several brands and types of coffee, including the Canadian favorite, iced coffee.
Coffee shops began to pop up all over Canada, and the caffeine hype soon caught on, making coffee a popular beverage in Canada.
Today, iced coffee is a much-loved beverage for many Canadians who enjoy a cup daily, if not several times daily.
Iced coffee can be found all over Canada in restaurants, coffee shops, and stores country-wide.
Iced coffee is also commonly served at social gatherings in Canada, such as:
- Weddings
- Funerals
- Dinner and business meetings
- Luncheons
Although it is not sure whether iced coffee is considered Canadian culture, it plays a crucial role in the history of Canada and the daily lives of several Canadians who enjoy the taste of iced coffee.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Iced Coffee?
Even though many Canadian coffee drinkers still prefer hot coffee, there are several benefits to drinking iced coffee instead, including the following:
Iced Coffee Can Be Enjoyed All Day Long
Iced coffee can be served all day long when kept in the refrigerator, whereas hot coffee only stays hot for a couple of hours after brewing.
Therefore, if you haven’t tried iced coffee, this is an ideal reason to do so.
Iced Coffee Offers Several Health Benefits
Iced coffee offers several medical benefits on top of its delicious flavor, including the following:
- Iced coffee promotes weight loss
- Drinking iced coffee helps with the digestion of foods
- Iced coffee aids in reducing constipation and helps to promote a healthy gut
- Drinking iced coffee boosts energy levels throughout the day
However, drinking iced coffee is not recommended as a medical alternative. If you have serious medical issues, consult your physician.
Iced Coffee Is Cost-Effective
Iced coffee is more cost-effective than hot coffee because it can be drunk throughout the day, rather than making a pot of hot coffee and pouring the leftovers down the drain.
Iced coffee can also be purchased in supermarkets for a reasonable price compared to hot brewed coffees on the shelves.
Iced Coffee Is Ideal for Any Season
Iced coffee is perfect any time of the year, whereas hot coffee is better in the winter. Several people enjoy an iced coffee in the winter to help boost their energy throughout their work day.
Iced Coffee Comes in a Variety of Flavors
Iced coffee can be purchased in a variety of delicious flavors throughout Canada. It is a popular alternative to hot coffee by several Canadians who enjoy the unique taste of a cold caffeinated beverage.
How To Make Canadian Iced Coffee at Home?
Although it’s easy to pick up an iced coffee through a drive-through shop, some Canadians also enjoy drinking iced coffee at home.
Iced coffee is the perfect treat on a hot Canadian summer day or to relax in the evening at any time of the year.
There are several recipes to make iced coffee at home. However, we have chosen our favorite recipe to share with you.
Follow these easy steps to create delicious Canadian iced coffee in the comforts of your home:
Step 1: Brew a Pot of Hot Coffee
Brew a pot of your favorite brand of hot coffee.
Once brewed, pour your coffee into a large jug that can easily hold ingredients – this will allow plenty of space to add ingredients to your coffee without overflowing your coffee pot.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
Once you have transferred your coffee into a large jug, it is time to add your ingredients to the jug of coffee.
Our favorite recipe for Canadian iced coffee includes the following yummy ingredients:
- Cream
- Maple syrup or granulated white sugar, but if you are Canadian, maple syrup goes best.
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream on top
Step 3: Let Cool
Let the ice cubes cool the drink for approximately five minutes or until the beverage feels cold.
Remember that the longer your iced coffee sits, the more the ice will melt.
Alternatively, you can refrigerate your coffee for approximately an hour before adding ice cubes to your mixture.
This method will help prevent the ice cubes from melting so quickly.
This method is perfect if you are not in a hurry and don’t mind waiting for your coffee to cool n the fridge.
However, if you are hurrying to taste your iced coffee, the first method is ideal for helping speed up the process.
Step 4: Enjoy
When your coffee has cooled, enjoy the delicious flavor of your Canadian-made iced coffee that is legal for anyone to drink in Canada and will have you coming back for seconds or even thirds.
What Foods Go Best With Canadian Iced Coffee?
The only rule you need to follow when pairing iced coffee with food in Canada is to follow your taste buds.
If the combination of foods tastes excellent, that is all that matters.
Canada is known for some strange combinations of foods to go along with their iced coffee, including the following:
Poutine
If you are a Canadian or visiting Canada, you must give poutine a try to add to the flavor of your Canadian-made iced coffee.
Poutine is made by pouring cheese on top of french fries with gravy and comes in several varieties in Canada, such as:
- Maple and bacon poutine
- Fried chicken poutine
- Perogies poutine
- Breakfast poutine
We know it sounds crazy, but don’t knock it until you give it a try.
We are sure that poutine will quickly become your new Canadian favorite when looking for a snack that goes well with your iced coffee.
Beaver Tails
Beaver tails are another popular treat in Canada that makes a great addition to your iced coffee.
Beaver tails, made of fried pastry, are topped with yummy toppings, such as apple and cinnamon, cheesecake, hazelnut spread, or chocolate and banana.
If you haven’t tried beaver tails, you have to put them on your list of foods to try the next time you have an iced coffee in Canada.
Donuts
Another iconic Canadian favorite that goes well with iced coffee is donuts.
Donuts in several Canadian coffee shops come in various flavors, such as apple fritters and sprinkled or glazed donuts.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also bake your donuts at home with flavors of your choice.
Donuts have long been a popular Canadian favorite for many people.
Bacon
Not all foods must be sweet to accompany a Canadian brewed iced coffee. Another favorite Canadian snack that goes perfectly with iced coffee is bacon.
That’s right; bacon is a Canadian favorite.
Bacon is also one of Canada’s most popular breakfast foods and is served at most restaurants, coffee shops, and takeout locations nationwide.
The thought of bacon and iced coffee might sound ludicrous if you are not Canadian.
Trust us, treat your taste buds, and give it a try. You’d be surprised at how good bacon goes with iced coffee.
Bagels
Bagels are another Canadian favorite that goes amazingly with iced coffee.
Bagels are offered on the menu of most coffee shops, takeout restaurants, and sit-down restaurants in the country.
Bagels can also be found in groceries stores and convenience stores throughout Canada.
Bagels taste great with iced coffee and come in many flavors, such as:
- Cinnamon raisin bagels
- Plain bagels
- Everything bagels
- Whole wheat bagels
FAQs:
If you want to learn more about iced coffee in Canada, here is a list of questions and answers to help shed some light on the topic.
Is it alright to drink iced coffee in Canada during the winter?
Although iced coffee is a favorite summer beverage, some people prefer cold beverages in the winter.
Iced coffee is a refreshing cold beverage that can be enjoyed by many Canadians all year long.
Is iced coffee addictive?
Iced coffee contains caffeine, an addictive stimulant that often has people wanting seconds.
Many people crave coffee in the morning when they first wake up, while others crave it after meals or in the evenings.
Is caffeine illegal in Canada?
Although caffeine is not illegal in Canada, the use of caffeine as an additive in foods is monitored by the Food and Drug Act of Canada.
For instance, if you are buying a soft drink or a chocolate bar from a store, the label on the product must indicate the amount of caffeine included in the ingredients.
When did iced coffee become popular?
Coffee chilled with ice was discovered in the 19th century. The first coffee shop in Canada opened its doors in 1801.
William Cooper was the first coffee house in Toronto, Canada.
Why are Canadians afraid of iced coffee?
The myth that Canadians are scared of iced coffee is a big misconception.
The truth is that Canadians are immune to cold weather and love a cold brewed iced coffee to kick start their cold winter morning in Canada.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing the taste of Canadian iced coffee doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to discover the best flavors.
As long as you have quality coffee, a coffee maker, and a few ingredients, you can savor the taste of iced coffee from the comforts of your own home.
Is iced coffee illegal in Canada? Heck no, iced coffee is not illegal in Canada.
We could not find anywhere in the world that iced coffee is illegal. So, here’s a word of advice.
Don’t believe everything you read on social media. Have a refreshing cup of Canadian-made iced coffee and find out why all the hype.