The decision to rename the Americano as ‘Canadiano’ in several Canadian coffee shops stemmed from a wave of protests against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian exports.
The movement was ignited by British Columbia-based Kicking Horse Coffee, which took to social media to encourage businesses to adopt a more patriotic name for the popular espresso-based drink. Although the company later deleted its Instagram post, the message had already spread, inspiring many cafes to follow suit.
The Origins of the ‘Canadiano’ Movement
Kicking Horse Coffee, known for its commitment to organic and fair-trade coffee, has reportedly been serving the beverage under the name “Canadiano” for over 16 years.
However, in light of the ongoing trade dispute, this small act of defiance gained national attention. The initiative aimed to promote Canadian identity while subtly expressing dissatisfaction with the tariffs imposed by the U.S. government.
The Washington Post reported that the original social media post from Kicking Horse Coffee read, “We’re officially making it a thing and asking coffee shops across the country to make the switch.”
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This call to action resonated with many independent coffee shop owners who wanted to express solidarity with Canadian businesses affected by the tariffs. Even though many cafes prefer to remain apolitical, the renaming of the Americano was seen as a symbolic yet lighthearted way to stand against the economic policies of the Trump administration.
The Spread of the ‘Canadiano’ Across Canadian Cafés
The adoption of the name ‘Canadiano’ quickly gained traction across Canada, with coffee shops in major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa embracing the change.
One such café, Cafe Belem, located in Toronto, began serving “Canadianos” after the movement started gaining momentum. The owner, William Oliveira, stated that he does not want his establishment to be overly political but felt that this was an important time to support Canadian businesses in any way possible.
Hey, dropped in to https://t.co/oX7ktnv9i3 in G’town for some java & had to order the new🇨🇦 Canadiano! (Love the menu switch❣️) pic.twitter.com/wEdt9BADRG
— Ann Lawlor (@MayorLawlor) February 23, 2025
Similarly, in British Columbia, Elizabeth Watson, the owner of Palisades Cafe, decided to rename the drink in response to a customer’s suggestion. She explained that after seeing Kicking Horse Coffee’s post, she felt it was a “bold and brave” move that reflected the growing frustrations of Canadian entrepreneurs.
Todd Simpson, who runs Morning Owl coffee shop in Ottawa, echoed similar sentiments. He described the name change as a way to “make light of a serious situation” while also reinforcing Canadian identity. For Simpson and many others, this minor adjustment was a means of expressing solidarity with local businesses impacted by the new tariffs.
Although most coffee shop owners emphasized that they did not wish to alienate American customers, they felt that renaming the Americano was a symbolic gesture. It served as a way for Canadians to stand together and send a message without resorting to more aggressive protests.
Wider Canadian Protests Against U.S. Tariffs
The renaming of the Americano to Canadiano was not the only act of protest that emerged in response to President Trump’s trade policies. Across Canada, citizens and businesses began finding creative ways to push back against the tariffs, signaling a broader dissatisfaction with the economic measures imposed by the U.S. government.
In the sports world, tensions were evident as Canadian hockey fans booed the American national anthem during games, reflecting widespread frustration over the tariffs. The traditionally strong economic and political ties between the two nations appeared to be fraying as Canadians voiced their opposition in various ways.
Entrepreneurs also took action by developing applications designed to help consumers identify and support Canadian-made products.
These apps allowed users to scan barcodes and determine whether an item was produced domestically, encouraging a shift toward buying local goods. This initiative gained popularity as many Canadians sought to reduce their reliance on American products in protest of the tariffs.
The tariffs in question, which included a 25% tax on Canadian exports, were part of President Trump’s broader effort to pressure Canada into taking stronger action against illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the United States.
Despite concerns from economists and business leaders that these tariffs could stifle growth and increase inflation, the White House remained firm in its stance. Trump announced that the tariffs would take effect in March as scheduled, further fueling frustration among Canadian businesses.
For many Canadians, the renaming of a coffee drink may have seemed like a small act, but it was part of a larger movement to express national pride and defiance in the face of economic challenges. The ‘Canadiano’ revolution, though lighthearted in nature, became a symbol of resistance and a testament to Canada’s resilience during a period of economic uncertainty.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏