On February 6, 2025, Kicking Horse Coffee in British Columbia called for renaming the popular Americano coffee to Candiano. While some initially dismissed it as a joke, others saw it as an expression of national pride in response to new U.S. policies.
However, what started as a lighthearted suggestion soon gained momentum, and cafés across Canada began replacing “Americano” with “Candiano.” According to Forbes, this was not just a seasonal menu update or a marketing stunt—it was cultural. What began as an inside joke at one café quickly turned into a national conversation about identity.
From Idea to a Growing Movement
For 16 years, Kicking Horse Coffee had been quietly referring to Americanos as “Candianos”. But now, the brand has made it official, calling on cafés across Canada to adopt the name change, stating:
“Today, we’re making it official and asking cafés across the country to make the change. Join us. Call them Candianos.”
At first, it was a playful nod to national branding. But after Kicking Horse Coffee’s post, the term “Candiano” began trending online, sparking discussions about identity, food culture, and how something as simple as ordering a coffee can carry deeper meaning. Some cafés embraced the idea, while others saw it as a tongue-in-cheek critique of food trends.
Coffee as a Symbol of Identity and History
Renaming the Americano to Candiano is more than just a menu change—it fits into a long history of renaming foods during political tensions.
- During World War I, the U.S. renamed sauerkraut to “liberty cabbage” to distance the dish from its German origins, according to a study published in PLoS One.
- More recently, in 2003, some American restaurants rebranded French fries as “freedom fries” to protest France’s opposition to the Iraq War.
Now, Canada is flipping the script. By renaming the Americano—which originally got its name from American soldiers in Italy during World War II—Canadian cafés are transforming an everyday menu item into a quiet symbol of national identity.
“Candiano” in a Broader Context
What makes this change interesting is that it’s not just a marketing move—it reflects a larger cultural and political pattern:
- A national branding act – A small yet symbolic way to assert Canadian identity.
- Playful but pointed – Unlike economic retaliation, it’s a subtle, everyday gesture.
- Sparking conversation – Whether people see it as meaningful or just clever food marketing, it’s getting them talking.
Politics in a Coffee Cup
This phenomenon emerged amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Canada, particularly after a proposed 25% tariff on Canadian imports and renewed debates over economic relations. While the name change started as a lighthearted move, it soon became a reflection of a moment when national branding—and even a simple cup of coffee—became part of a broader conversation.
A Trend or a Quiet Protest?
Kicking Horse Coffee likely didn’t anticipate how quickly this would spread, as the original post has since been deleted. Some cafés have embraced the change, while others remain neutral. But one thing is clear: renaming the drink has turned into a national discussion about identity and culture.
Will people actually start ordering “Candiano”, or is this just another short-lived food trend?
Whether this is a genuine protest or a passing fad, one thing is certain: coffee is now political.