Grocery retail trends continue to evolve as the overall retail landscape shifts. As we approach 2023, we're looking at three top consumer trends that grocery retailers and manufacturers are watching: affordable nutrition, plant-based lifestyles and functional foods. Read on to learn more about these consumer trends.

Between gifts, parties and food, budgeting during the holidays can be challenging. With rising grocery prices still a concern for Canadians, consumers continue to cut costs, especially with their holiday grocery shopping. Recipes that include affordable and common household ingredients are more helpful and important than ever this season.

Food prices and the cost of other necessities in Canada continued to rise throughout the first half of 2022, which led to an increase in food insecurity, with seven million Canadians experiencing it. Rising food insecurity can lead to a lack of proper nutrition, increasing the risk of serious long-term health complications like diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Recently, Food Allergy Canada released an updated resource that reflects the most recent recommendations from the Canadian Paediatric Society and the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and addresses topics such as pre-emptive testing, cow’s milk-based formulas, and the continuity of feeding.

This fall, after getting back-to-routine after the busy summer months, consumers will be searching for nourishing foods to fuel their focus. How can food contribute to increased focus? A recent article from the University of Alberta suggests adding more protein-rich foods to meals and snacks.  

Olive oil is about to get a lot pricier for Canadian consumers – by about 25%. And, because olive oil is a staple in Canadian kitchens, grocery retailers will likely be getting questions from consumers about a more cost-effective, but nutritionally comparable swap for olive oil. Enter: peanut oil.

A recent report from Deloitte Canada found that increasingly, Canadian consumers are calling on food producers to introduce more sustainable practices. To affect climate change, some consumers are adopting plant-based or conservationist diets.

Canadians are fortunate to live with an abundance of freshwater resources, yet we still need to make good food choices to protect this incredibly precious global resource. Our agriculture sector can account for nearly 80% of water consumption. Fortunately, consumers can choose foods like peanuts, which are the most water-efficient of all nuts.

In September 2021, a University of Toronto study determined that even though they’re full-fat snacks, moderate nut consumption isn’t associated with weight gain. The research provides evidence that long-standing concerns about nuts and weight gain are unwarranted.

Food prices and the cost of other necessities in Canada are predicted to continue to rise through 2022. This will further impact already high grocery bills, which could lead to increased growth in food insecurity, suggests Canada’s Food Price Report 2022.

Food Allergy Canada recently launched a new campaign called Know it. Treat it. to raise awareness and encourage action around taking the fear and unknown out of anaphylaxis. The campaign uses real-life stories and personal experiences from Canadians across the country to connect with audiences.

Canadians have spoken – their love of peanuts and peanut butter continues on! The Peanut Bureau of Canada has conducted its annual market research study, and the love for peanuts and peanut butter continues to grow in Canadian households.