Consumers Choose Snacks Over Meals as Trends Shift in Canada

A significant change is occurring in Canadian eating habits as consumers increasingly opt for snacks instead of traditional meals. This trend, termed “snackification,” sees people forgoing full lunches and dinners in favor of lighter, more convenient food options. According to a report by Restaurants Canada, approximately 65 percent of Canadians have replaced a traditional meal with a snack at least once a month. This shift is particularly pronounced among younger generations, including millennials and Gen Z.

The rise of snacking can be attributed to a post-pandemic lifestyle characterized by flexibility and convenience. As many workers continue to embrace hybrid work arrangements, the ease of grabbing a snack while working from home has become appealing. Sally Lyons Wyatt, global executive vice-president for consumer goods and food service insights at Circana, highlights that snacks provide access to a variety of foods whenever consumers desire them.

Changing definitions of what constitutes a snack are also contributing to this trend. Jenny Thompson, vice-president of market strategy at Ipsos Canada, notes that as consumers shift towards smaller portions, they increasingly incorporate non-traditional snacks into their diets. Foods like a bowl of cereal or a slice of leftover pizza are now being classified as snacks. Some individuals even use protein shakes as meal replacements, further expanding the snack category.

Health-Conscious Snacking Takes Center Stage

The demand for healthier snack options has surged, driven by a growing awareness of nutrition and wellness. Early insights from a 2026 Ipsos report suggest that healthy snacks, which balance taste and nutritional value, are becoming essential for many consumers. These snacks often include fewer calories and more beneficial ingredients, aligning with the preferences of health-conscious individuals. Thompson emphasizes the importance of these snacks not only being convenient and tasty but also featuring clean, simple ingredients.

Additionally, the popularity of weight-loss drugs, such as Ozempic, has influenced consumer eating habits. Many users report a reduced appetite and increased feelings of fullness, leading them to seek smaller, nutrient-dense options. McArthur notes that for these individuals, meals have effectively become snacks.

In response to evolving consumer tastes, traditional food manufacturers are adapting their strategies. Maple Leaf Foods Inc. has introduced on-the-go meat sticks called Mighty Protein to meet the demand for healthier, portable snacks. Meanwhile, Campbell’s Co. has experienced a slowdown in its snacks category, prompting the company to explore new flavors that attract health-conscious customers. Chief executive Mick J. Beekhuizen acknowledged during a September conference call that snacking behaviors are rapidly changing.

Industry Response and Future Trends

Leading snack companies are not only tweaking existing products but also acquiring smaller brands that specialize in healthier options. PepsiCo Inc., the owner of Frito-Lay, has positioned itself as a leader in the wellness snack market, offering healthier versions of its popular products, such as Doritos and Cheetos. The company is also shifting towards smaller, single-serve packaging options, catering to the demand for portion control and variety.

A recent report from Statistics Canada revealed that the rise in on-the-go snacking post-pandemic has prompted manufacturers to produce smaller portion sizes. The snack industry is projected to grow by 6.4 percent from 2023 to 2028, indicating a sustained preference for snacking over traditional meal formats.

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, experts like Wyatt predict that snacking is here to stay. “Snacking is never going to go away because consumers love the diversity, the variety, the choices,” she stated. The convergence of convenience, health, and evolving consumer tastes suggests that snacks will remain a prominent feature of modern eating habits in Canada and beyond.