Frozen Juice Returns to Canada as Loblaw Revives a Grocery Staple
CREDIT-CBC NEWS

Frozen Juice Returns to Canada as Loblaw Revives a Grocery Staple

Frozen juice concentrate is making an unexpected return to Canadian grocery stores just months after many shoppers believed the category had disappeared for good. Loblaw has confirmed that its No Name brand will launch a new lineup of frozen concentrated beverages nationwide before the end of June, filling a gap left when Coca-Cola discontinued its Minute Maid frozen juice products earlier this year.

The announcement marks a surprising turnaround for a category that had been steadily shrinking for years. When Coca-Cola ended production of frozen juice concentrate at its Peterborough, Ontario facility in early 2026, Canada lost its last remaining producer of frozen juice concentrate. The closure effectively removed the final major source of the product from grocery store shelves across the country.

For many Canadians, the disappearance of frozen concentrate was more than a product change. The cans had been a familiar part of grocery shopping for decades, valued for their affordability, long shelf life and versatility in everything from everyday drinks to holiday recipes.

Loblaw Brings Frozen Concentrate Back to Canadian Freezers

According to Loblaw, the new No Name lineup will include White Lemonade, Pink Lemonade, Limeade, Grape Punch, Fruit Punch and Berry Punch. The products are expected to arrive in stores before the end of June and will be available across Loblaw-owned banners, including Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills and Shoppers Drug Mart.

The company says prices will vary by location but are expected to start at approximately $2.25 for a 295-millilitre container. Unlike the frozen concentrate products previously produced in Canada, the new No Name beverages will be sourced from outside the country.

Loblaw spokesperson Rachel Siekanowicz said the retailer began searching for replacement products as soon as it learned frozen concentrate would no longer be available through existing suppliers such as Coca-Cola.

The relaunch comes after the discontinuation of Minute Maid frozen juice products in Canada, a move that ended a decades-long presence in Canadian freezers and left many shoppers searching for alternatives after Coca-Cola announced the end of production at its Peterborough facility.

Why Demand Never Fully Disappeared

Frozen juice concentrate has been losing popularity for years as consumers increasingly shifted toward ready-to-drink beverages, bottled juices, flavoured waters and energy drinks. According to market research firm Ipsos, only about seven per cent of juice consumed by Canadians now comes from frozen concentrate products.

The category had already seen significant consolidation before Coca-Cola’s exit. Canadian beverage company Lassonde left the frozen concentrate market years ago, while brands such as Old South gradually disappeared from store shelves. After Lassonde exited, Coca-Cola remained the last major supplier serving Canadian retailers until production ended earlier this year.

Despite the decline, many shoppers continued to buy frozen concentrate products. Some households preferred them as a lower-cost alternative to refrigerated juice, while others used them for family recipes and seasonal traditions.

One of the strongest pockets of demand remains in Newfoundland and Labrador, where frozen juice concentrate is an essential ingredient in “slush,” a popular holiday cocktail made with concentrated juice, sugar and alcohol. The drink is commonly prepared in large batches and served during Christmas gatherings and other celebrations.

There could be further developments ahead for the category. Industry sources told CBC News that a Canadian company may be considering a return to the frozen juice market, although no details have been publicly released.

For now, Loblaw’s decision ensures frozen concentrate products will once again be available to Canadian shoppers. While the category may represent only a small share of today’s beverage market, its return highlights how some grocery staples continue to maintain a loyal customer base even as consumer preferences evolve.

Source: CBC News

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