The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed Canadian consumers’ food and drinking habits. Some people might have noticed a difference their eating habits as their daily routine changed when they had to spend more time at home. The Government of Canada suggests being mindful of eating habits to help Canadians be more conscious of the food they eat.
Although some food and drink habits were temporary, the pandemic created trends that might be here to stay. Learning about the pandemic-induced food and drinking trends will help you understand how COVID-19 impacted the food industry in Canada.
Eating More at Home
Safety precautions in Canada required people to spend more time at home to socially distance themselves from others in the early stages of the pandemic. The government mandates also enforced restaurant dine-in closers, requiring people to order food for home delivery or pickup. This altered how people eat, as they became more comfortable consuming food inside their homes.
Thanks to catering services that offer a unique menu and range of services, it can be easier for you to continue eating at home if you prefer to stay away from large crowds and enjoy your meal in front of the television. When looking for a catering company in Toronto that offers access to fresh ingredients and healthy ready meals, consider McEwan Catering. The premier hospitality company has a wide selection of grab-and-go items with high nutritional value, allowing you to enjoy a healthy meal at home without compromising on quality. You can also discover ready meals and unique menus when you explore their catering options.
Online Grocery Shopping
Canadians made efforts to stock up their fridges and pantries at the beginning of the pandemic to prepare for the time they needed to spend at home. This led to overcrowding at grocery stores and a shortage of essential items. To combat this issue and improve the safety of consumers, many grocery stores started offering contactless delivery and pickup options.
The convenience of shopping for groceries online formed a habit among some households, increasing the demand for online grocery shopping. Although some people still prefer to purchase groceries online, others may enjoy the comfort of ordering essential items with the tip of their fingers in the comfort of their homes.
Increased Alcohol Consumption
The pandemic significantly influenced people’s daily lives. It changed regular social habits and caused stress and boredom for many people, leading to increased alcohol consumption in Canada. According to research, of those who had previously consumed alcohol, nearly 24 percent said their consumption had increased during the pandemic. The report suggests that alcohol consumption also decreased among some people. However, those who increased their consumption during the pandemic were most likely to report frequent heavy drinking.
Changes in Food Preferences
Many people witnessed a change in their food preferences due to the pandemic. Some people turned to comfort foods that may be unhealthy to cope with the stress. On the other hand, others used the pandemic as an opportunity to alter their lifestyle and consume healthier items.
As COVID revealed consumer behaviour’s social and environmental impact, some Canadians also developed an improved sense of community around food, raising interest in plant-based options, local ingredients, and healthy foods.
The pandemic altered Canada’s food and drinking habits in a few ways. Some habits are temporary, while others are here to stay. Learn more about changes in consumption to make informed decisions about what you eat and drink!