Dalhousie researchers say food prices could rise in 2026, with meat leading the way

According to forecasts from researchers at Dalhousie University, food prices in Canada could increase by four to six percent next year, mainly due to expensive meat products.

Beef in particular is expected to be more expensive, potentially increasing by seven percent, as the size of cattle is decreasing (they are marketable). Tariff sensitive) and more cattlemen leave the industry, said the research team behind Canada’s food price report.

According to forecasts, tight beef supplies are expected to continue through 2027, although the country has increased its import volumes to meet those challenges.

“We’re expecting another difficult year because of beef prices and, because people are moving to chicken, chicken prices are also going up,” said Sylvain Charlebois, director of the university’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab and lead author of the report.

“So that’s why, unfortunately the whole category will actually be more expensive.”

Meanwhile, food products typically found in the middle section of the grocery store may become more expensive after years of stable prices, he said. This includes pantry staples like canned goods.

“Usually the center of the store is a favorite place for people looking to port…FWith inflation,” he said, “that’s not going to happen in 2026.”

According to the food price report, several factors could generally contribute to grocery inflation over the next 12 months – among them the ongoing trade dispute with the US, changes in the food manufacturing landscape and other economic factors such as labor conditions.

Food banks are getting more customers

According to Food Banks Canada, almost a quarter of Canadians live in food-insecure households, meaning they have inadequate access to food due to financial reasons.

Neil Hetherington, CEO of the Daily Bread Food Bank in Toronto, said his organization now serves 330,000 clients per month — a figure that was around 60,000 before the pandemic.

“We’re not adding more food. What we’re seeing is more customers,” said Hetherington, who works with about 14,000 volunteers citywide.

“The number of patrons in Toronto could fill the Rogers Center eight times per month. We’re feeding the same number of people.”

Food prices are generally trending upward through April 2024, with many consumers saying they are already feeling the pressure. People who spoke to CBC News were disappointed by the prospect of higher price increases at the grocery store.

Toronto resident Sabra Al-Harthi said she is considering buying meat less often. “I think I can tone down the meat a bit; make it a weekend thing.”

Look Why some Canadians are giving up steak:

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Meanwhile, Giacomo Loggiaco said he is spending less on food. “I work a full-time job in a factory and can barely make ends meet. I live pay-check to pay-check,” he said.

“Sometimes I only find a little something on sale, but I’m only getting the essentials – milk, eggs, bread.”