Published in News
Why Meat Could Get Even Pricier in 2026
Canadian researchers warn that food prices may climb again in 2026, with beef and other meats seeing the biggest jump.
1. What the New Forecast Says
Researchers from Dalhousie University expect food prices in Canada to rise 4–6% in 2026.
The biggest driver? Meat, especially beef.
Key Points
Beef prices may increase by around 7%.
Higher beef prices often push up the cost of other meats, like chicken.
The supply of cattle is shrinking, and many ranchers are leaving the industry.
These beef supply problems could last until 2027.
2. Why Meat Is Getting More Expensive
Smaller Cattle Herds
Canada is dealing with fewer cattle, which means less beef available. Lower supply usually means higher prices.
Industry Pressure
Some ranchers are stepping away from the business because it is becoming too costly to maintain herds.
More Chicken Demand
When beef prices rise, many shoppers switch to chicken. This sudden shift increases chicken prices too.
3. Not Just Meat: Other Food Items Could Rise
For years, items in the centre aisles — canned goods, packaged foods, pantry staples — stayed fairly stable in price.
But in 2026, these products may also become more expensive.
People often look to these items to save money, but researchers say that strategy may not work as well next year.
4. What’s Driving Overall Grocery Inflation?
The report points to several factors:
Ongoing trade tensions with the U.S.
Changes in food manufacturing
Economic pressures, including labour costs
Reduced supply of key food products
All these pieces combine to make groceries cost more.
5. Food Banks Feeling the Pressure
Food Banks Canada says about 1 in 4 Canadians now live in a food-insecure household.
In Toronto:
The Daily Bread Food Bank now serves 330,000 people every month.
Before the pandemic, that number was only about 60,000.
Volunteers say demand keeps growing, even though food supply does not.
One charity leader said the number of clients is enough to fill the Rogers Centre eight times every month.
6. How Shoppers Are Coping
Many Canadians say they're already cutting back.
What People Told CBC:
Sabra, from Toronto, is thinking about eating meat only on weekends.
Giacomo says he earns a full-time income but still struggles. He focuses only on sales and buys mostly the basics: milk, eggs, bread.
With prices already rising since 2024, many fear 2026 will be even harder.