New Atlantic Canadian products to look for
The months since March of 2020 until now have been a period of many changes and challenges. At times it was scary, even overwhelming; many times it was simply unbelievable, but we all found ways to cope.
In fact, I think it would be very interesting if you were to approach people and ask them, “what was it that you did to get through?”
I know of people who seized the opportunity to learn to play an instrument; others decided to learn a second language. And others, like us, took the time to do things that were on their bucket list, but that they simply hadn’t had the time to do until now.
These are the people who brought creativity out of chaos. So many were on the cusp of opening new businesses or launching new products when life was thrown into a tailspin. Yet many exercised great faith and forged on ahead with their plans regardless. It’s so very rewarding to see the fruits of those labours.
Below we’ve shared some of our favourite new products with you, all either born or launched during the pandemic. We hope you enjoy them
as much as we do.
Millennia Tea
I recently came across this product and was amazed at the innovation of it. Most of the green tea that I’ve had has been made from dried tea leaves. Millennia Tea, started by Tracy and Rory Bell of Saint John, NB, is made by washing and flash freezing tea leaves so they remain very fresh and retain more anti-oxidants. You would need to drink five cups of regular green tea to reap the same benefits found in one cup of Millennial Tea.
The tea comes in both frozen cubes (which I love) and in loose leaf and chopped. Not only are they refreshing to drink but the frozen cubes are perfect in smoothies, and we use them to make green tea-infused oatmeal. Available at Loblaw’s, Sobeys and online at millenniatea.com
Sun under the Sea Lactose Free Dairy Replacement
Three friends with a penchant for healthy living, a wealth of knowledge, and a desire to make a change came together and formed Sun under the Sea Lactose Free Dairy Replacement, a powdered milk and soy alternative that is a cup above the rest. What sets it apart is the addition of marine collagen harvested in the waters of NS, along with 70 per cent MCT
oil powder.
Collagen is important for healthy joints and bones, calming the central nervous system and improving memory. Add two scoops of powder to tea or coffee or add to soups, sauces and smoothies.
Located in Mahone Bay, NS, the product can be found at various retailers around NS and NB or at sununderthesea.com
Kilted Chef Trio
Like many other people during lockdown, The Kilted Chef found himself with copious amounts of spare time. He’s not used to having that luxury, and he was not able to just let the time pass idly by.
Creating a product line had always been in the back of his mind but time was the missing ingredient; with that lack removed, he set about creating. He teamed up with friends Paula Lentz, a fellow chef and artist extraordinaire who help created the labels, and Mike Meade, a graphic designer, to lay out the artwork.
The first product in the lineup with an Acadian Cajun Seasoning called Hot under the Kilt. Inspired by the spice blends of Louisiana, Alain brought an Acadian/Maritime twist to the seasoning with a bit of maple sugar.
Secondly came the Bada** Burger Booster. This seasoning blend is the answer for anyone who has a limited spice cabinet, is unsure of which spices to mix together or is a novice cook looking to achieve experienced results. This one-bottle-wonder will boost burgers, meatloaf, is great on steaks, and has been tossed into the occasional salad.
Last but never least is the most recent offering, Some Like It Hot mustard. This European deli style mustard elevates sandwiches, brings the perfect zing to salad dressing and does double duty as an amazing rub.
All products are available at various retailers across Atlantic Canada or at thekiltedchef.ca under the “Shop the Chef” tab.
Kibble Drizzle
The newest member of the Bossé household, Figgy, gives this product four enthusiastic paws up!
In 2018 Andrew Weeks was sitting down to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with his family. He noticed while ladling gravy onto his plate, that his dog was watching him with longing. It struck him at that time that he would like to be able to give his beloved pet the same delicious dining experience.
Three years later, copious amounts of research and consultations with veterinarians all accumulated into a product called Kibble Drizzle. Made from fresh turkey breast, carrots, green peas, salmon, ground flaxseed, beef liver and other natural and nutritional ingredients, this sauce/gravy like substance is heaven for dogs. The added nutritional benefit and the flavour boost that it brings to dry kibble cannot be found anywhere else.
Made and manufactured on PEI, Kibble Drizzle offers extra nutrition and encourages picky dogs to eat. It is available at various retail outlets and online at chowtimepetfoods.com.
Libra non-alcoholic beer
Upstreet Craft Brewing of Charlottetown, PEI, saw a niche in the market for a light, refreshing yet non-alcoholic beer for those times when you need to be both sociable and responsible. After two years of research and development, Libra’s North Cape Pale Ale and Libra’s Hazy IPA were born. Light pale ales with crisp flavors and refreshing tropical aromas, Libra really does leave you with the satisfying feeling of having just enjoyed a really great craft beer. Available at
drinklibra.ca.
ALIVE Kombucha
ALIVE Kombucha has it all: fabulous flavours, amazing taste and a really cool back story. Located in Moncton, NB, Alive is produced in a net-zero facility. The brewery is completely powered by roof mounted solar panels.
Maybe we should back it up a bit in case you don’t know what kombucha is; the beverage has been around for centuries and is a fermented tea chock full of probiotics that do wonders for your gut flora. The taste can take a bit of getting used to but once you do it becomes addictive.
If you’re new to the world of “booch” then ALIVE is a perfect brew to start with. Its flavours are bold and the vinegar effect that can happen with some kombucha is practically non-existent. The fizz is refreshing and the whole package is perfectly thirst quenching. Available in retail stores around Atlantic Canada and at your favourite restaurants. drinkalive.ca
MadQ BBQ Sauce
Christian Landry of Dieppe, NB was a sound and lights kind of guy, co-owner of Sono Clefs in Edmundston, NB. Like so many other arts and culture workers, Christian found himself with too much time on his hands during the pandemic. Noticing that people were beginning to cook more at home, Christian decided to follow his other passion of culinary and created a BBQ sauce called MadQ. What makes MadQ stand out are its collaborations with NB microbreweries such as Four Rivers, Picaroons, Brasseux d’la Cote and Cavok, to name a few. Each flavour is as unique as the brew that went into its making. Available online at madQ.ca
Island Folk Cider
Island Folk Cider is located in Sydney, NS and their bold bright flavours are only matched by the vibrant colours and art on their cans. They currently have three offerings available. Rebel Rose (Johanne declared it THE drink of summer 2021) is a delightful blend of apple and cranberries and is a perfect marriage of fruit and tart.
The crisp-tasting Good Company is all about apples, perfectly refreshing. Easy Beezy is a blend of apples and honey that is sourced from beautiful Isle Madame. Island Folk Ciders are available at various NSLC locations, at the Island Folk location in Sydney, and online at islandfolkcider.ca
Chapel Cove Hot Chocolate Bombs
One of the biggest pandemic crazes has to be hot chocolate bombs! People could not get enough of these chocolate shells filled with hot chocolate powder, marshmallows and other goodies. You simply add a bomb to a mug, pour in hot milk and voilá: hot chocolate! These things were harder to get than Tickle Me Elmo back in its heyday. Allan Keefe of Chapel Cove Chocolates was on the front lines of this craze and knew first-hand the lengths that people were willing to go through to get them.
We were a little late to the party, but once we finally tried them we were hooked too. Will they be as popular this winter? We’re predicting a solid milk chocolate yes. Available at Chapel Cove Chocolates on Little Harbour Rd (close to Melmerby Beach in Pictou Co.) or online at chaplecovechocolate.ca