Canadians are seeking discounts, dipping into savings as they adapt to high food costs: report

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Canadians adapt spending habits amid high grocery costs

Sylvain Charlebois studies Canadian food spending

Canadian households continue to face food inflation pressure, and new data suggests a shift in how they’re responding.

The latest Canadian Food Sentiment Index from Dalhousie’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab notes consumers are adapting more to higher food prices, as affordability remains their top concern.

Households report spending $22.96 more on food each month, and 34 per cent of Canadians are dipping into savings or borrowing to afford food.

Nearly 45 per cent of Canadians say they’re seeking discounts, and new tools like food-rescue apps are gaining traction, according to the bi-annual report.

“Canadians continue to feel pressure on their food budgets, but Spring 2026 data suggests a slight shift from anxiety to adaptation,” says Dr. Armağan Özbilge in a Dalhousie University news release Tuesday.

The data is based on a nationally representative survey of around 3,000 Canadians, tracking their perceptions, behaviours, and expectations related to food.

Some key findings from the new report show affordability remains dominant, with 45 per cent of Canadians citing it as a priority over nutrition and taste.

“Affordability far outranking nutrition shows that Canadians are under significant financial stress to provide healthy meals for their families, which is concerning,” says Dr. Stacey Taylor, Agri-Food Analytics Lab research fellow.

The data also suggests food prices lead cost concerns for households. More than 80 per cent of respondents report food has increased the most out of their expenses.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, senior director at the Agri-Food Analytics Lab, says affordability continues to define the Canadian food economy.

“Consumers are making faster, more decisive choices, and that will force the industry to adapt—either through reformulation or repositioning,” he says.

In an interview with CTV News Atlantic’s Todd Battis, Charlebois said Canadian consumers are not as panicked about high food prices as they were two years ago.

“You’re seeing more resolve,” he said. “Consumers are better equipped, better informed.”