(And Where to Actually Look)
You’ve been in Canada a while now. You’ve learned how to shovel snow before your morning coffee, you’ve wrapped your head around hockey rules (kind of), and you’ve figured out that a “double-double” isn’t a burger.
But some days, it hits.
That proper, deep craving for a slice of home. And not just any slice—biltong.
Not jerky. Not some sweet, leathery gas-station snack pretending to be biltong.
The real deal.
But unless you’ve got a secret hookup, it feels impossible to find.
So why is biltong so hard to get in Canada?
Let’s unpack it.
1. The Problem: It’s Not Just You—It Is Hard
Turns out, there’s a very real reason your local butcher isn’t whipping up coriander-crusted goodness.
Strict Food Safety Regulations
The biggest issue? Biltong is raw cured meat.
In South Africa, that’s perfectly normal. In Canada? Not so much.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) treats raw, air-dried meat with extreme caution. Their rules are built around products that have a high-temperature “kill step”—like cooking or smoking—to eliminate bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.
Since biltong doesn’t go through that step, it raises red flags with health inspectors, especially when it’s sold to the public.
That means if you want to legally sell biltong in Canada, you’ll need a certified kitchen, a proper food safety plan, lab tests, and inspections… it’s a mission.
Importing It? Don’t Bother.
Even bringing in biltong from South Africa is off the table (literally).
Because of concerns around animal diseases—like Foot-and-Mouth—Canada doesn’t allow most ready-to-eat meat products from SA. Even if a supplier could jump through all the hoops, it’s not worth the time or money unless they’re a major food company.
It’s a Small, Niche Market
Let’s be real—Canadians love beef, but most haven’t even heard of biltong. So for big grocers, there’s little incentive to navigate all the red tape for a product that only a fraction of shoppers are asking for.
And for small producers? The cost of licensing, equipment, inspections, and liability insurance can quickly wipe out any chance of profit. Which is why so many just give up—or keep it to friends and family.
2. The Pivot: Okay, But It’s Not All Doom and Gloom
Here’s the good news: some people have figured it out.
Across the country, South African entrepreneurs have rolled up their sleeves and jumped through the hoops to legally make and sell proper biltong in Canada. It’s not easy, but they’ve made it happen—for all of us who miss the taste of home.
The only catch? They’re not always easy to find. These are often small businesses, home-based kitchens, or online shops that don’t show up when you search “biltong near me.”
3. The Solution: We Made It Easy to Find
That’s where HowzitCanada.ca comes in.
We’ve put together a dedicated directory of biltong sellers across Canada—from BC to PEI—so that no matter where you are, you’ve got a place to start your search.
It’s updated regularly and includes both online and in-person options, whether you want to pick up a pack or order a bulk box to your front door.
👉 Click here to browse all biltong sellers in Canada
Whether you’re after traditional, wetter, drier, chili bites, droëwors, or even a spice kit to make your own—this is your one-stop shop to find it all, from trusted South African-run businesses across the country.
4. Want the Full Lowdown on the Rules?
If you’re curious about why it’s so complicated—or thinking of making and selling biltong yourself—we’ve written a deep-dive explainer that breaks it all down.
From CFIA rules to federal vs provincial regulations, inspection hurdles, and what it takes to sell across provincial lines, it’s all in there.
👉 Read the full report on Biltong & Braai Club
It’s long, but it’ll give you all the context.
5. Final Word
Biltong in Canada isn’t impossible—it’s just hidden.
But thanks to a strong (and growing) community of South African makers and importers, the real thing is out there. You just have to know where to look.
Support local. Share the love. And if you know a supplier we’ve missed, let us know so we can add them to the list.
