Canadians blend global flavours and health trends into holiday meals amid cost pressures

Canadians are weaving global flavours and healthier options into their holiday menus as they adapt to higher food prices and evolving traditions, according to market researchers and grocery executives.

"In the wintertime, it's more about foods that are hearty and rich and comforting," said Joel Gregoire, associate director of food and drink at research firm Mintel.

Emma Balment, director of the food and beverage group for Ipsos, said special occasions are a time when Canadians are rooted in tradition, but current conditions are acting as a catalyst for faster change.

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"Among the most pressing conditions affecting holiday menu planning is the rising cost of living, including food prices," said Balment.

She cited decreased optimism and financial confidence, leading consumers to adopt a more defensive posture on spending.

"We have noticed customers being more price sensitive and shopping promotions leading into major holidays," said Matthew Reilly, director of deli and HMR merchandising for Metro in Ontario.

Against this backdrop, hosts are becoming more adventurous with flavours, taking inspiration from global cuisines.

"Tradition isn't being replaced, but it's being redefined in terms of how tables are coming together," said Jannine Rane, co-founder and CEO of Toronto-based Zing Pantry Shortcuts.

Rane said her company's products, like a North African-inspired garlic condiment or a chili miso, help consumers put new twists on festive favourites like green bean casserole or turkey.

Ipsos research shows a stark generational divide, with hosts over 50 serving traditional Canadian fare 84% of the time, compared to just 43% among those aged 18 to 34.

"Younger generations have grown up in a more ethnically diverse peer group celebrating a number of different holidays at the end of the calendar year," said Balment.

She said this social environment opens up young consumers to try new things and establish their own traditions.

East Asian cuisine features prominently across all age groups, with South Asian, African, Mexican and Middle Eastern recipes more popular among younger consumers.

Gregoire said appetizers are a particularly low-risk format for experimentation, naming soup dumplings, barbecue buns and spring rolls as examples.

"It's low risk, because if you try something and don't like it, you just don't have another one," he said.

Jenny Longo, vice-president of private brand for Longo's, said the grocery retailer has factored this culinary exploration into its product line.

"We know our guests are food explorers and are increasingly open to globally inspired flavours and culturally blended foods," said Longo.

She said items like mini samosas and naan minis can help customers blend familiar holiday entertaining with unexpected flavours.

Healthier choices gain ground

Alongside global flavours, a move away from overindulgence is another trend shaping holiday tables.

"Holiday entertaining increasingly means catering to a variety of preferences and dietary needs," said Longo. "Our guests are continuing to place greater importance on nutrition alongside value."

She said vegetarian, gluten-free and protein-rich appetizers are becoming more common.

Health considerations are also influencing beverage choices, with more consumers opting for non-alcoholic alternatives to toast the season.

"In some ways, holiday hosts are going back to basics, and in others, they're changing up the status quo," said Balment.

The Ipsos projection notes that consumers are wired to adapt and rebuild meaning and pleasure inside constraint, a dynamic expected to influence holiday traditions for years to come.

With files from Canadian Grocer