Digestive Bitters
Bitters are one of European herbalism's oldest table companions — herbal blends whose sharp, bitter taste is the whole point, taken in small amounts around mealtime as a traditional digestive ritual. This shelf holds the classics and some Canadian twists: Flora's Maria's Swedish Bitters in regular and alcohol-free versions, St Francis' Canadian Bitters in a maple flavour (including a handy spray), Salus' Gallexier herbal bitters, and an organic blend from Naka Platinum.
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Swedish bitters are the benchmark — a centuries-old recipe of bitter herbs, and Maria's version from Flora is the one generations of shoppers know. The alcohol-free 100 mL bottle suits anyone avoiding alcohol, while the traditional 250 mL is the classic. St Francis gives the format a distinctly Canadian voice by softening the edge with maple, and its 30 mL spray means you can take bitters at a restaurant table without unscrewing a bottle. Salus' Gallexier comes in generous 250 and 500 mL sizes.
Shoppers sometimes arrive here looking for digestive enzymes, and it's worth knowing the difference: enzymes are supplement capsules, while bitters are liquid herbal blends rooted in the old practice of tasting something bitter before or after a meal. Many people keep both in the cupboard for different moments. When choosing bitters, the practical decisions are alcohol or alcohol-free, bottle or spray, and how the flavour sits with you — because with bitters, you really do taste them. Start with small amounts as the label directs.
