Canada’s biggest worry right now is not Trump, it’s something in their homes

Canadians are feeling the pressure of rising food prices as a new report from Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab shows that people across the country are increasingly worried about the cost of groceries.

With many buying less food than they did in 2024, food affordability is now the number one concern for Canadians when it comes to inflation.

The Spring 2025 Canadian Food Sentiment Index surveyed 3,000 Canadians in March and found that more people now expect food prices to keep rising, with many worried about double-digit increases in the coming months.


For many families, the days of using coupons or switching stores to save a few dollars seem to be over. Instead, many are focusing on balancing their budgets and making smarter choices, like buying store brands or in bulk.

“I used to clip coupons and hunt for the best deals, but now it feels like a losing battle,” says Sarah, a mother of two in Vancouver. “I try to stick to the essentials and focus on buying what we need. It’s been tough, but I’m learning to make our grocery budget stretch further.”

On the flip side, this issue has pushed Canadians into buying more local food. The report shows that 43.5 per cent of people say they “always” or “often” buy local, a 10 per cent increase from previous years.

This trend is especially strong among younger Canadians. For many, buying local isn’t just about saving money but also about supporting local farmers and businesses.

Claude Moulaison, the general manager of Arthur's Urban Market, says, "People are focused on supporting local businesses, and we’re seeing more of them shop here."

The survey also found that people trust independent grocery stores more than before. As food prices climb, many Canadians are turning to these stores for alternatives to big-chain supermarkets.

Despite feeling more stable about other costs, food prices remain the greatest challenge for many Canadians, shaping their shopping habits and priorities.