The Road to Canadian Shelves: From Recall to Relaunch
For years, Canadian consumers were unable to purchase Celsius energy drinks through official channels due to strict regulatory requirements concerning caffeine content and labeling. The maximum allowed caffeine level in Canada for a single-serving beverage is 180 milligrams, along with mandatory bilingual (English and French) labeling. Many of the American-market Celsius products exceeded this caffeine threshold, which led to a widespread recall in 2023 of illegally imported Celsius and other energy drink brands.
Following this regulatory crackdown, Celsius Holdings Inc. took the necessary steps to enter the market compliantly. On January 22, 2024, the company announced its official expansion into Canada with PepsiCo as its exclusive distribution partner. The official launch featured products specifically formulated to meet Health Canada's standards.
Canadian vs. US Celsius: What's the Difference?
While the branding and overall flavour profiles are similar, there are a few key distinctions between the Canadian and American versions of Celsius that consumers should be aware of.
How Caffeine Content Varies
The most significant difference is the caffeine content. A standard 12-ounce can of Celsius sold in the United States contains 200mg of caffeine. To comply with Canadian regulations, the Canadian-specific version of Celsius has a maximum of 180mg of caffeine per 355ml (12-ounce) can. This adjustment was necessary to ensure the product was legally authorized for sale.
Flavour Selection in Canada
Upon its initial Canadian launch in February 2024, Celsius introduced a selection of its most popular, fruit-forward flavours.
- Sparkling Orange Flavour
- Kiwi Guava Flavour
- Sparkling Peach Vibe
- Tropical Vibe
- Sparkling Sunset Vibe
Bilingual Packaging and Labeling
In accordance with Canadian law, all Celsius products sold through official retail channels must have bilingual labeling in both English and French. This differs from American versions, which typically only feature English labeling.
Where to Buy Celsius Drink in Canada
Thanks to the distribution partnership with PepsiCo, Celsius products are now widely available across the country in numerous retail locations. Here are some of the most common places to find them:
- Grocery Stores: Major chains like Loblaws, Safeway, and Your Independent Grocer stock various Celsius flavors.
- Warehouse Clubs: Costco is a reliable source for purchasing multi-packs of Celsius at a competitive price.
- Convenience Stores: You can find Celsius at retailers like 7-Eleven and Couche-Tarde/Circle K.
- Online Retailers: For those who prefer shopping online, Celsius is available on platforms like Amazon.ca and Walmart.ca.
Comparison: Canadian vs. American Celsius
To make it easy to understand the key differences, here is a quick comparison table:
| Feature | Canadian Celsius | American Celsius |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine Content | 180mg per 355ml can | 200mg per 12oz can |
| Can Size | 355ml (12 fl oz) | 12 fl oz |
| Labeling | Bilingual (English & French) | English |
| Availability | Authorized retailers nationwide | Authorized retailers nationwide |
| Distributor | PepsiCo Canada | PepsiCo Beverages U.S. |
A Note on Recent Recalls (2025)
In July 2025, there was a recall involving Celsius Astro Vibe energy drinks due to a mislabeling error that resulted in some cans being filled with High Noon vodka seltzer. It is important to note that this recall was specific to certain lot codes found primarily in the United States and was a result of a manufacturing error involving a shared packaging supplier. Canadian consumers should always purchase Celsius from authorized retailers and check product labels to ensure authenticity. For a visual guide to the recalled cans, you can visit the Yahoo Creators story here.
Conclusion: The New Era of Celsius in Canada
Since its official entry in early 2024, Celsius has successfully re-established its presence in the Canadian market by adhering to national food safety and labeling standards. By partnering with a powerful distributor like PepsiCo and adapting its product formulation, Celsius has transitioned from an illegally imported product to a legitimate and widely accessible energy drink brand. Consumers can now confidently purchase Canadian-compliant Celsius from major grocery, retail, and online stores, knowing the product meets all regulatory requirements while still offering the energy-boosting benefits they seek.
