where to buy schneiders sausage rolls

Where To Buy Schneider’s Sausage Rolls

Schneider’s sausage rolls were a beloved snack item in Canada for decades. These tasty rolled up pork sausages wrapped in flaky pastry were a staple at supermarket deli counters and party snack tables across the country. However devoted fans were disappointed when Schneider’s discontinued their iconic sausage rolls in 2019. This leaves many wondering – where can you still buy Schneider’s sausage rolls if they are no longer being made?

The History of Schneider’s Sausage Rolls

Schneider’s Foods was founded in Berlin, Ontario in 1890 by John Metz Schneider. His original sausage recipes became very popular locally and the company grew over the next century to become one of the largest meat processors in Canada. Schneider’s was best known for lunch meats, wieners, smoked sausages and their famous sausage rolls.

The sausage rolls combined Schneider’s quality pork sausage with crispy puff pastry. They were sold pre-cooked and frozen, either as a pack of individual rolls or one large party-size loaf that could be sliced into portions. Schneider’s sausage rolls were a beloved appetizer and quick snack for generations of Canadians.

Sadly, demand declined over the years as consumer tastes changed. By 2019, Schneider’s decided to discontinue their iconic sausage rolls and focus on other products. Fans were disappointed to see this classic snack retired.

Where to Find Schneider’s Sausage Rolls Now

Since they have been discontinued for a few years now, Schneider’s sausage rolls can be difficult to locate. However, they do still occasionally pop up in limited batches here and there. Here are a few places that eagle-eyed shoppers may be able to spot them:

• Specialty butcher shops – Some traditional butcher shops may have bought up the last remaining freezer stock when they were discontinued and still have inventory left. It never hurts to call around and ask.

• Discount grocery stores – Discount markets that sell overstock merchandise sometimes get their hands on discontinued products. Check stores like Odd Lots or grocery salvage outlets.

• eBay or Kijiji – People buying up the last supplies to resell online is always an option when searching for a discontinued snack food. The rolls may come at a premium price though.

• Amazon.ca – Similar to eBay, you may luck out and find a third party seller with some stock left. Selection will likely be limited.

• International food stores – Since Schneider’s was a Canadian brand, looking for imports at international grocers is worth a try.

• Bakeries – Some bakeries may offer their own version of sausage rolls. While not exactly the same, these could help satisfy a craving.

As you can see, it takes some serious hunting to track down those famous Schneider’s sausage rolls now that they have been discontinued. Stock is very limited. Your best bet is smaller specialty shops or resellers online. Be prepared to pay more than you would have a few years ago.

What Other Brands Offer Sausage Rolls?

Though not exactly the same, there are a few other sausage roll options out there from brands that may help to satisfy the craving:

• PC White Pork Sausage Rolls – Loblaws offers their own take on sausage rolls under the PC brand. These come in packs of 5.

• Harvest Flame Sausage Rolls – Available at Metro stores, these come in original or cheesy versions.

• Davison’s Sausage Rolls – A smaller Ontario brand, these are handmade with quality ingredients. Check delicatessens.

• President’s Choice Pork Sausage Rolls – Another Loblaws offering, these miniature sausage rolls are a great party snack.

• Kirkland Sausage Rolls – Surprisingly, Costco’s private label has their own sausage rolls featuring chicken apple sausage in puff pastry.

While Schneider’s may have kicked off the trend originally, there are now plenty of other sausage rolls on the market to choose from. Though none are quite identical, these alternatives can help fill the void.

Tips for Finding Schneider’s Sausage Rolls

Based on all of this information, here are some top tips for tracking down those elusive Schneider’s sausage rolls:

• Call around to specialty delis, bakeries and butcher shops in your area to ask if they have any frozen stock left. Smaller independent shops are your best bet.

• Browse discount and salvage grocery stores regularly, as you never know what discontinued items they may get in stock.

• Check international food markets, especially ones that sell Canadian imports. They may have picked up leftover inventory.

• Set up alerts on Kijiji or eBay for either “Schneider’s” or “sausage rolls” so you’re notified if any become available nearby.

• Scout warehouse clubs like Costco for alternate sausage roll brands that may scratch a similar itch.

• Consider making your own homemade sausage rolls using puff pastry and your favorite sausage meat. Get creative with flavors!

• Sign up for the Schneider’s email newsletter in case they ever bring the sausage rolls back into production based on customer demand.

With persistence and some out-of-the-box thinking, you may get lucky and find a stash of Schneider’s famous sausage rolls in the freezer section. It just takes some serious searching skills and perfect timing these days. Or try one of the alternate options to get your sausage roll fix!

Schneider’s Sausage – A Canadian Favorite

Beyond just their sausage rolls, Schneider’s itself is an iconic Canadian brand that has been a household name for over 130 years. The company was founded by John Metz Schneider, a German immigrant who opened a butcher shop in Berlin, Ontario in 1890.

His original Old Tyme Sausage recipe, using coarsely ground pork and his signature blend of spices, quickly became popular with locals. As demand grew, he expanded into a larger production facility and Schneider’s Meats was incorporated as J.M. Schneider & Sons in 1924.

Over the decades, Schneider’s continued to grow and innovated by bringing new products to market:

• Early 1900s – Began producing smoked and cooked sausages and cold cuts

• 1910s – Expanded distribution across Ontario to Toronto and Ottawa

• 1920s – Launched the Schneider’s Lunchmeat line of sliced deli meats

• 1930s – Survived the Great Depression despite meat rationing

• 1940s – Started vacuum packing products to increase shelf life

• 1950s – Introduced Schneider’s Wieners and Jumbo Beef Wieners

• 1960s – Developed popular Maple Leaf and Mini Salami products

• 1970s – Expanded into western Canada after acquiring rival Maple Leaf Meats

• 1980s – Became one of the largest meat processors in Canada

• 1990s – Focused on leaner products like Chicken Cordon Bleu and light sausages

• 2000s – Joined with Maple Leaf Foods while maintaining the Schneider’s brand

Today, Schneider’s continues producing quality deli meats, wieners, sausages and other products at factories in Kitchener, Hamilton, and Winnipeg. Their 100+ years of meat expertise and focus on product innovation has made Schneider’s a household name. If you grew up in Canada, you almost certainly have fond memories of enjoying Schneider’s sausage creations.

Schneider’s Signature Sausage Recipes

Over their long history, Schneider’s developed many unique sausage recipes that became customer favorites. Here are some of their most popular and well-loved varieties:

• Old Tyme Sausage – The original coarsely ground pork sausage recipe that started it all in 1890.

• Smokies – mini smoked sausages, also called “little bolognas”. A popular beer snack.

• Hot Rods – mini smokies wrapped in pastry, perfect for kids’ lunch boxes.

• Maple Leaf – Schneider’s popular smoked sausage seasoned with maple syrup.

• Chicken Sausage – Made with white and dark chicken meat for a leaner option.

• Irish Sausage – Seasoned with traditional Irish spices like coriander and mace.

• Breakfast Sausage – With sage, peppers and other signature breakfast flavors.

• Italian Sausage – Featuring fennel, chili pepper and other Italian-style seasoning.

• Bratwurst – A traditional German sausage flavored with nutmeg and garlic.

• Andouille Sausage – A spicy Cajun smoked sausage perfect for jambalaya.

Schneider’s had a sausage to suit almost any taste preference thanks to their huge variety of flavors and recipes. Their smoked sausages like Smokies remain popular appetizers, while the breakfast and Italian sausage varieties are kitchen staples. While the famous sausage rolls may be gone, all of Schneider’s sausage creations have left their mark on Canadian food culture.

The Takeaway on Schneider’s Sausage Rolls

For over 30 years, Schneider’s sausage rolls were the undisputed king of frozen snack foods in Canada. These rolled up sausages in flaky pastry were a convenience store and party classic. Unfortunately, since being discontinued in 2019, the snack icon can be hard to find today outside of limited online resale. Superfans may get lucky locating a leftover stash at specialty shops, or can try alternate brands like PC or Kirkland. One way or another, the hunt for the elusive Schneider’s sausage roll lives on!