US EditionAverage family will spend nearly $1,000 more on food in 2026: report
Meat prices are forecast to rise 5-7% in 2026, making food costs nearly $1,000 higher annually for a family of four, driven by drought, trade issues, and climate impacts.
- The Dalhousie University's Agri‑Food Analytics Lab released a Dec. 4, 2025 report forecasting that a four-person household will pay nearly $1,000 more in 2026, with food prices rising four to six per cent.
- Researchers point to geopolitical and market drivers including trade disputes with the United States, labour shortages in food manufacturing and agriculture, a softer Canadian dollar, and the Buy Canadian movement as cost drivers, the report says.
- Category forecasts show meat category rising five to seven per cent, bakery, dairy and eggs up two to four per cent, vegetables three to five per cent, and restaurant meals plus the 'other' category increasing four to six per cent next year.
- Food bank statistics reveal use hit about 2 million visits per month, nearly 90 per cent above 2019, while younger Canadians face pressure with Gen Z often borrowing for food and restaurants may see prices rise four to six per cent, the report says.
- Policy changes to watch include front-of-package nutrition labelling and Canada Grocery Code , amid a long-term trend: 27 per cent increase over five years.
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Food prices in Canada are set to rise in 2026 and here's what will cost you the most
If you thought your grocery bill couldn't possibly get any higher, brace yourself. A new report is forecasting how Canada's food prices are expected to climb in 2026, and things are looking... bleak.The 2026 edition of Canada's Food Price Report predicts grocery prices in Canada will climb by 4 to 6% next year, meaning the average family of four could spend nearly $1,000 more on groceries than they did this year.According to the report released …
Report Highlights Expected Rise in Food Prices in 2026
The average family of four in Canada is expected to pay an additional $994.63 for food in 2026 compared to the previous year, according to a new report, with overall grocery prices expected to increase by 4 to 6 percent. The 2026 edition of Canada’s Food Price Report considered several factors when forecasting price increases, such as trade disputes with the United States, changes to the food manufacturing and grocery store landscape, labour mar…
How much more the average Canadian family is expected to spend on food in 2026
The latest Food Price Report produced by several Canadian universities is projecting an average family of four will pay more for food in 2026 than this year because of issues like trade and climate change.
Unfortunately, the price of food has become a major concern for many people, and it is not in 2026 that the stress will fade. The typical family will pay close to an additional $1,000, predicts the ever-anticipated Food Price Report.
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