Sodexo Canada’s Second Sustainable Food Barometer

Canada has spoken - click here for the latest tips and trends in Canadian food sustainability. 

Download the report

Sustainable Dining: Better Taste, Lower Cost

Sodexo Canada has released the results of its Second Sustainable Food Barometer, and the research indicates most Canadians are already on the journey to a healthier, more sustainable diet. Over 8700 people were polled worldwide, including over 1500 Canadians, and the results reveal current trends, challenges, and motivations that point to actionable strategies to bridge the gap between aspiration and action, driving Canadians toward changes in consumption patterns.

Download the report 

Sustainable Food Barometer Results

key-figures-grid-large-image

Conducted In 

2024 

Believe Farmers are Helpful in Moving Towards Sustainable Food

55% 

Canadians are Currently Reducing Food Waste in Their Households

69%

key-figures-grid-short-image

Canadians Associate Sustainable Food with Improved Health

50% 

People Polled Worldwide

+ 8500

Canadians intentionally cook leftovers instead of throwing away

50%

“The Sustainable Food Barometer demonstrates that in transitioning to more sustainable diets, we need to focus on adjustments or reductions rather than in-depth transformation. Trying an international recipe in the kitchen once or twice a week for example is one way to add less familiar but delicious and more sustainable ingredients. By taking an intentional approach to sourcing food and preparing meals, we’re helping consumers improve their health, expand their palettes, and reduce their carbon footprint.”

davide-del-brocco
Davide Del BroccoSodexo Canada CSR Senior Sustainability Manager

The Main Concerns: Price and Taste

Over two thirds of Canadians stated that price is the top hurdle to a more sustainable diet. This has been shown to be misinformation, as a plant-based, healthier diet can actually be easier on the wallet. Red meat, in particular, is increasingly costly – but even still, one fifth of Canadians state they are unwilling to reduce their red meat consumption. A reduction of portions, replacing red meat with rice, beans, or mushrooms, could provide significant savings for Canadians in a time where food prices are growing every day.

Sustainable Actions and Behaviours

Reducing waste is seen as a major sustainability benefit in all countries. Over two thirds of Canadians are currently reducing food waste in their households. About half of Canadians intentionally cook their leftovers instead of throwing them away, store food to avoid waste, recycle or compost, and consciously reduce their consumption of processed foods. Those aged 55+ are significantly more likely to perform these actions, setting an example for generations to come.

Download for More Information

Sustainable and Affordable Tips

A few helpful tips have been identified from the Sustainable Food Barometer to help the everyday Canadian on their path to sustainable eating. Using whole-plant ingredients, such as grains, fruits, tubers, beans, legumes, and nuts, are cheaper, and often locally sourced. Canned and frozen options remain a delicious and nutritious way to eliminate food waste, and by embracing seasoning, Canadians can extend their culinary repertoire to international proportions. Conversely, animal meat proteins are the most expensive and have the biggest carbon footprint.

Current Eating Habits and Practices 

Price remains by far the top concern when Canadians go to the grocery store, followed by taste and nutritional value. Half of Canadians associate sustainable food with improved health through a healthier, more balanced diet. Therefore, more Canadians are willing to make compromises when consuming sustainable dishes and products – and half say they would be willing to eat a sustainable dish even if it took longer to prepare.

Obstacles to Sustainable Eating 

While the desire to change may be strong, Canadians still must consider their financial situations and overcome their entrenched eating habits. Misconceptions around cost are the top obstacle preventing more consumption of sustainable products – two-thirds of Canadians wrongly believe sustainable options are too costly.

Overall, the insights provided by Sodexo Canada’s Sustainable Food Barometer indicate Canadians are interested in moving towards a healthier, more sustainable future. Using the information provided in the Sustainable Food Barometer, Canadians can make choices for a healthier planet and more sustainable future. 

  • Redefining Waste Management

    69% Of Canadians are Currently Reducing Food Waste in their Households
    Read More

  • Our Approach to Responsible Sourcing

    55% Believe Farmers are Helpful in Moving us Towards Sustainable Food
    Read More

  • Sodexo’s First Sustainable Food Barometer

    50% Canadians Associate Sustainable Food with Improved Health
    delicious dishes made with sustainable ingredients
    Read More

Get Started with Sodexo

Get in touch with a Sodexo expert