As trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. continue to escalate, many Canadians are increasingly turning to local alternatives over American-made products.
From produce to coffee and even sodas, it seems like more and more folks are choosing homegrown options in the face of rising tariffs and trade uncertainty.
With U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum already in place, new “global tariffs” are expected to hit on April 2, which are predicted to come in the form of reciprocal tariffs on trading partners that U.S. President Trump has been threatening for several weeks.
At a time when the need for Canadian-made products has never been greater, Solly’s Craft Soda, which is brewed in Toronto, is emerging as a refreshing alternative to U.S. prebiotic soda brands like Poppi (recently purchased by U.S. conglomerate PepsiCo) and Olipop.
Solly’s Craft Soda, created by Toronto-based Henderson Brewing Company, is an all-natural, non-GMO, low-sugar, prebiotic soda that is sweetened with organic cane sugar and available in flavours like raspberry and lemon, pineapple and yuzu, watermelon and lime, as well as strawberry and vanilla.
The sodas run for $3.50 per can, $27 for an eight-pack, and $65 for 24 cans or a full case.
Adin Wener, managing partner and co-founder of Henderson Brewing Co., explains that the idea for Solly’s came about in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic when Summerhill Market approached the company to create a Canadian alternative to U.S. soda brands.
Since launching in May 2024, the brand has gained significant traction, and more consumers are seeking out the product amid the trade war. “We have noticed a big uptick and a big increase in awareness,” Wener told blogTO.
One of Solly’s standout features is its commitment to using all-natural ingredients.
“We didn’t want to do anything that had aspartame and we don’t hide behind the fact that there are 50 calories in some of the flavours,” Wener said, adding that one can has fewer calories than a banana.
“What we didn’t want to do is come out with a zero-calorie drink and then have to put in aspartame or xylitol or stevia. We want it all natural.”
As trade uncertainties continue, Wener says the company is extremely proud of the fact that it offers a locally-made soda alternative.
“We are concerned about the tariffs coming in on aluminum because that’s potentially going to drive the cost up of making this product. But we’ve definitely noticed our phones ringing a lot more as people want to support a Canadian product,” he said.
In addition to its core flavours, Solly’s will introduce anywhere from two to three seasonal options every year, and a new Black Cherry Lime flavour is set to debut sometime in April or May.
“It’s been really wonderful to be involved in something that’s not beer or alcohol-related. One of the things I’ve noticed is how many people have sent us pictures of their kids drinking it, so it’s really exciting to be part of that,” Wener said.
“My family, which was a heavy diet soda drink family, is now drinking Solly’s, and I’m quite proud of that.”
Speaking of his family, the soda brand’s name holds a personal touch, as it’s inspired by Wener’s eldest son, Solomon. “It’s hilarious that my son has a soft drink named after him, and my other son, Jordan, is wondering when I’m launching Jordy’s,” he laughed.
Solly’s Craft Soda is available for purchase at stores such as Summerhill Market, Fiesta Farms, Primrose Bagel, and Cheese Boutique. The product is also available to buy in person at Henderson’s or from their website for home delivery.
Henderson Brewing Company is located at 128A Sterling Rd.
