In partnership with Leger, Sodexo Canada’s ground-breaking Sustainable Food Barometer offers an intriguing glimpse into Candians’ eating habits and sustainability aspirations. This survey, encompassing views from over 1,500 individuals, illustrates Canadians’ attitudes towards sustainable food consumption.
The survey results reveal a compelling awareness among Canadians of the need for sustainable eating habits. An overwhelming 87% of Canadians acknowledge the urgency of this issue, a sentiment that spans various demographics.
The data shows that many Canadians have already embraced sustainable practices, with significant numbers reducing food waste, eating seasonal produce, and buying locally.
However, the barometer also illuminates the challenges in fully realizing these sustainable intentions. Financial constraints and long-standing eating habits remain significant hurdles. Interestingly, while environmental impact is a lesser concern, taste and nutritional value are prominent considerations.
When grocery shopping, price is the most critical factor for Canadians: 91 percent selected price as a top 5 most important factor, followed by taste (72 percent) and nutritional value (67 percent). The least essential factor among Canadians was the product’s environmental impact (21 percent).
Three-quarters (74 percent) of Canadians say they don’t have the desire or intention or don’t know if they would give up meat. Two-thirds (67 percent) don’t want to give up fish, and over half (54 percent) say the same about dairy. This is substantially higher than the global average (meat: 42 percent; fish: 45 percent).
“Sodexo Canada is continuously working to improve how and what we serve Canadians, conscious of our role as leaders and our environmental impact,” says Sodexo Canada CSR Senior Sustainability Manager Davide Del Brocco. “The Sustainable Food Barometer helps us better understand how consumers think about making sustainable choices and how we can continue to support progressive change, making tasty, healthy meals that reduce our impact on the planet across the entire food ecosystem.”
