This report predicts that Canadian families will spend $994 more on food in 2026 than in 2025. It also states that one-quarter of Canadian households are considered to be food insecure. The average family of four is expected to spend $17,571.79 on food in 2026, an increase of up
to $994.63 from 2025. Food prices in Canada are 27% higher than they were five years ago. Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec are forecasted to experience food price increases above the national average in 2026. Key factors significantly affecting food prices in Canada in 2025 include:
- GST/HST Holiday (mid-December 2024 to mid-February, 2025)
- United States Trade Dispute
- Buy Canadian Movement
- Interest Rate Cuts
- Changes to Temporary Foreign Worker Program
- Beef Prices
- Food Manufacturing Under Threa
The report points to what Canadians can expect for 2026.
Publication Date: December 2025
Published collaboratively by: Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, University of Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton University, the University of Guelph, Université Laval, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Saskatchewan.
Click here to access Canada’s Food Price Report 2026
