Looking for a Gaviscon Advance Alternative in Canada?
You don’t need to import alginate raft therapy from the UK. OBEX is a sodium alginate raft formulation developed by a Canadian clinical team, made in Hamilton, Ontario, and shipped across Canada.
The Problem: The Alginate People Want Isn’t on Canadian Shelves
Gaviscon Advance — the UK’s alginate-first formulation — has a devoted following among reflux and LPR sufferers, and it is frequently recommended in online reflux communities. But it is not marketed in Canada. The Gaviscon products sold here are different formulations, so Canadians who want an alginate-first raft product end up ordering from UK sellers: import pricing, currency conversion, and weeks of shipping for something they take every day.
That gap is exactly why OBEX exists. Our founding team — led by an ENT surgeon in Hamilton, Ontario — watched patients struggle to source alginate therapy domestically and built a Canadian-made option, with flavours developed by chefs so it is actually pleasant to take.
Same Raft Mechanism, Made in Canada
What made Gaviscon Advance a cult favourite is the alginate raft: sodium alginate reacts with stomach acid to form a gel-like barrier that floats on top of stomach contents, physically blocking reflux and capping the post-meal acid pocket. OBEX is built on the same mechanism — sodium alginate plus sodium bicarbonate, which generates the carbonation that makes the raft float. You can read how it works in detail on our science page and review peer-reviewed alginate evidence on our research page.
OBEX vs. Gaviscon Advance at a Glance
| OBEX | Gaviscon Advance (UK) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Sodium alginate + sodium bicarbonate form a floating raft that physically blocks reflux | Sodium alginate raft formulation (alginate-first, UK formulation) |
| Where it is made | Hamilton, Ontario, Canada | United Kingdom |
| Availability in Canada | Sold directly to Canadians; ships from Ontario across Canada | Not stocked in Canadian stores; typically imported from UK sellers |
| Shipping to a Canadian address | Domestic shipping, typically 3–7 business days, free on 6+ bottles | International shipping with import markups and longer waits |
| Flavours | Smooth Mint, Lemon Meringue, Orange Cream, Canadian Maple — chef-crafted | Aniseed and peppermint |
Comparison reflects publicly available product information at the time of writing and is provided for general education. Gaviscon® is a registered trademark of its owner; OBEX is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the makers of Gaviscon.
What Canadians Get With OBEX
- No importing — made fresh in Hamilton, Ontario and shipped domestically with tracking, typically in 3–7 business days.
- Developed by a Canadian clinical team — led by an ENT surgeon and laryngologist who treats reflux patients every week. Meet the team.
- Flavours you will actually take — Smooth Mint, Lemon Meringue, Orange Cream, and Canadian Maple, crafted by chefs using natural flavour oils with no citric acid.
- Drug-free — a physical barrier, not an absorbed medication, so it fits alongside existing treatments. See what Canadian customers say.
Common Questions
Why is Gaviscon Advance so hard to buy in Canada?
Gaviscon Advance is a UK formulation that is not marketed in Canada. The Gaviscon products on Canadian shelves are different formulations, so Canadians who want the UK alginate-first version usually order it from overseas sellers — with import pricing, currency conversion, and long shipping times.
Is OBEX the same as Gaviscon Advance?
No — OBEX is a different, independently developed Canadian product. What they share is the approach: both are alginate raft therapies, where sodium alginate reacts with stomach acid to form a floating gel barrier that physically blocks reflux. OBEX combines sodium alginate with sodium bicarbonate and is made in Hamilton, Ontario.
How is an alginate raft different from Canadian Gaviscon or Tums?
Antacid-led products work mainly by neutralizing stomach acid, which can wear off and sometimes leads to rebound acid production. Alginate-first raft therapy instead forms a physical barrier on top of stomach contents that blocks reflux from happening — including the post-meal acid pocket. The two mechanisms are fundamentally different.
Can I switch from Gaviscon Advance to OBEX?
Many OBEX customers previously imported UK alginate products. OBEX is taken the same way — after meals and before bed. If you use other reflux medications or have an ongoing condition, review the change with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Does OBEX ship everywhere in Canada?
Yes. OBEX is made fresh in Hamilton, Ontario and ships across Canada with tracking, typically arriving within 3–7 business days. Orders of 6 or more bottles ship free.
Alginate Raft Therapy, Without the Import Hassle
Four chef-crafted flavours. Made in Hamilton, Ontario. Free shipping on 6+ bottles.
Shop OBEXThese statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before changing how you manage reflux symptoms.