Canadians are increasingly accepting higher grocery prices as the new normal while developing strategies to cope with food inflation. The average household now spends about $600 a month on food, a significant increase driven by persistent price hikes.
Food inflation in Canada is about two percentage points higher than general inflation, making it the highest among G7 countries. A family of four with growing kids will likely spend around $17,000 on food this year. Many Canadians have adjusted their shopping habits to manage these costs.
Key statistics:
- About a third of respondents reported drawing on savings or borrowing money to cover food costs over the past year.
- In fall 2024, 40.3% of Canadians believed food prices had risen by more than 10% over the previous year; that figure dropped to 29.7% by spring 2026.
- Grocery price inflation reached 4.4% in March.
- As of spring 2026, 44% of respondents rely on promotions and discounts to cope with rising prices.
Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University noted that while food inflation is still widely felt, Canadians increasingly believe price increases are moderating. Fewer Canadians now expect food inflation above 10% in the coming year, with most anticipating increases in the five to seven percent range.
Consumers have adapted their behaviors significantly. Claire Acorn expressed frustration but acknowledged the need for adjustment: “Oh, it hurts, yes. But what do you do?” Her daughter Charlotte added, “You do kind of have to adjust.” This shift reflects an evolving consumer landscape in the Canada food market.
The future remains uncertain as economic conditions fluctuate. However, Canadians continue to navigate these challenges with resilience and adaptability.
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