Meat consumption in Canada

reading time2 min 30 s

In the vast expanses of Canada, where nature is omnipresent and cultures mingle, the consumption of meat is an anchored tradition, a reflection of heritage and part of the country's identity. Canadian meat nourishes with pride and diversity, but a responsible view now guides each plate towards a sustainable future.

Meats consumed in Canada.

In Canada, meat is widely consumed, with a variety of choices ranging from red meats to poultry to seafood. Among the most consumed meats in Canada are:

Beef: a staple in many Canadian dishes. From grilled steaks to comforting stews to juicy burgers, it takes pride of place on tables across the country. Additionally, different cuts of beef offer a variety of culinary possibilities. Dishes like prime rib, sirloin steak and stew cubes remain stars of Canadian cuisines. In 2022, Canada climbed three places from the previous year in the ranking of beef-consuming countries, with an average of 31.2 kg of consumption per capita among the top 10 in this category. The retail price of beef in Canada generally ranges between 10.45 and 22.80 euros per kilogram.

Pork: appreciated by many Canadians for its versatility and flavor, the consumption of this meat is also widespread in Canada. Pork products, such as chops, sausages, bacon and ham are popular in many Canadian dishes, whether hearty breakfasts, summer grills or traditionally cooked dishes. In addition, the pork industry plays an important economic role in Canada, contributing to employment and the vitality of rural regions where pig farming is practiced. In 2021, pork consumption turnover was approximately 20 kg per capita in Canada. Since 2023, pork has sold at an average price of 1.81 euros per kilogram.

Poultry consumption represents a significant part of the diet of Canadians. With traditional dishes like roast chicken, spicy chicken wings, grilled chicken breasts and turkeys for holiday meals, poultry is very popular in the Canadian diet. In addition to its versatility in cooking, it is also appreciated for its nutritional qualities, being an important source of lean protein. The poultry industry in Canada positions itself as robust and provides a variety of high-quality poultry products to consumers.

In 2022, the average per capita consumption of chicken in Canada rose to 35.38 kilograms per person, while that of chicken was 2.54 kilograms and that of turkey 3.34 kilograms. Currently, the price of chicken exceeds 8 dollars per kilo, or more than 5 euros, while the price of turkey varies between 2 and 2.5 euros.

Lamb: Although less consumed than beef and pork, it is still popular in certain regions of Canada for stews and grills.

On average, each person consumes around 1.09 kg of lamb per year. Lamb sold in cuts sells for 34.57 euros per kilogram.

Apart from these popular meats, there are also bison (the price range for live bison in Canada varies between 2.57 and 12.02 euros per kilogram), fish (whose value will increase up to 226.4 euros). 'by 2026 according to estimates from the competent units), etc.

Meat is a staple of the Canadian diet, combining culinary traditions and modern trends. Through its diversity, it offers a tasty and versatile taste, while supporting the Canadian economy through various jobs in the meat industry.