2025
8
Canada Breakfast Eating Habits, Motivations and Attitudes Consumer Report 2025
2025-03-05T16:01:57+00:00
REPA947810F_A6D9_44A8_8876_300F557D3CDE
3695
180133
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Report
en_GB
Breakfast is often seen as the most dependable, yet predictable meal of the day. For many, mornings are about simplicity – choosing consistent, easy options to get through the rush…
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  8. Canada Breakfast Eating Habits, Motivations and Attitudes Consumer Report 2025

Canada Breakfast Eating Habits, Motivations and Attitudes Consumer Report 2025

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Breakfast is often seen as the most dependable, yet predictable meal of the day. For many, mornings are about simplicity – choosing consistent, easy options to get through the rush of heading to work, school or getting kids out the door. While this routine defines breakfast for many, it doesn’t mean the category is immune to innovation. Products that prioritize convenience, affordability, indulgence or even a touch of adventure have the potential to capture consumer interest.

As the pandemic fades further into the background, its lingering effects continue to shape consumer habits. Remote work, now a lasting reality for many, has shifted morning eating routines. At the same time, while inflation has somewhat eased, higher costs remain a concern, prompting many to cut back on foodservice breakfasts in favour of at-home options. Digital solutions have also transformed ordering habits at foodservice, particularly among younger consumers, who increasingly lean on technology when making choices. Additionally, shifting demographics are introducing new preferences to the breakfast occasion.

Though breakfast remains a steady and reliable meal, a deeper look into consumer behaviours and preferences reveals subtle yet meaningful changes. By addressing these evolving needs, brands can adapt in this part of the day.

This report looks at the following areas:

  • The frequency with which Canadians have breakfast at home vs dining out, along with how consumers perceive their habits to be evolving
  • Insights into how consumers order breakfast when dining out
  • Analysis of which breakfast foods are gaining or losing popularity vs 2021
  • Attributes consumers associate with various breakfast options by location and method of ordering
  • Consumer attitudes toward breakfast preparation, eating out, value for money and overall habits related to morning meals
  • A breakdown of breakfast habits and attitudes by generation, workplace setting, perceived financial status and differences among Quebec consumers
  • An overview of recent product launches addressing diverse needs and demands within the breakfast category

Breakfast is an occasion when ease and routine are central. Many consumers are, however, open to trying different options, as long as they meet core needs.

Joel Gregoire, Associate Director of Food & Drink Reports

Market Definitions

For the purposes of this Report, Mintel asked about the in- and out-of-home breakfast occasions and which foods are commonly consumed during the breakfast meal.

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  1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    • What you need to know
    • Market predictions
    • Opportunities
    • What consumers want and why
  2. THE MARKET

    • Market drivers
    • Inflation has been tamed in Canada
    • Graph 1: annual change in CPI and retail food prices, by month, 2019-24
    • Canadians remain wary of higher food and drink prices
    • Graph 2: affected by food prices over the last two months, 2023-25
    • Canadians are attuned to the policy developments south of the border
    • Graph 3: concerned about interest rates and world affairs over the next six months (any rank), 2022-25
    • The changing political climate in America may dampen Canadians’ economic confidence
    • Graph 4: perceived impact of the election of Donald Trump as US President, 2025
    • Half of Canadians work remotely at least some of the time
    • Graph 5: work location among employed consumers, 2024
    • While growth has moderated, quick-service restaurant sales rise
    • Graph 6: monthly limited-service eating places* dollar sales, 2019-24
    • The percent of younger adults identified as obese has risen sharply
    • Graph 7: percentage of individuals with a self-reported obese body mass index, by age, 2015-22
    • Canada’s egg supply isn’t cracking under the pressure of the avian flu
  3. CONSUMER INSIGHTS

    • Consumer fast facts
    • Breakfast behaviours – at home and foodservice
    • Breakfast behaviours – top takeaways
    • Home remains where Canadians are most likely to have breakfast
    • Graph 8: consumers’ breakfast frequency, 2024
    • Breakfast eating habits are shifting to the home
    • Graph 9: change in where consumers eat/get breakfast compared to last year, 2024
    • On-site ordering leads, but mobile ordering options are critical at breakfast
    • Graph 10: how consumers typically order breakfast when eating out, 2024
    • Foods typically eaten for breakfast
    • Bread and eggs are breakfast staples; yogurt now equals cereal in reported usage
    • Graph 11: foods typically eaten for breakfast, 2024
    • Canadians’ breakfast choices are experiencing change
    • Graph 12: foods typically eaten for breakfast, 2021 vs 2024
    • Dairy’s role in breakfast is shifting
    • Attributes associated with breakfast
    • Correspondence map
    • Associations made with breakfast at home vs foodservice
    • Ease at breakfast resonates across all occasions, while affordability and health bolster at-home occasions
    • Graph 13: attributes associated with breakfast, by location or method of ordering, 2024
    • Simple and convenient breakfast solutions take centre stage at foodservice
    • Graph 14: attributes associated with breakfast – NET, any foodservice breakfast, 2024
    • Attitudes towards breakfast habits
    • Takeaways on breakfast habits
    • Habit vs exploration: capitalize on routine when tackling the morning occasion
    • Graph 15: attitudes towards breakfast habits, 2024
    • The competition at breakfast is ‘heating up’
    • From routine to adventure: capturing consumer curiosity in breakfast innovation
    • Saving without sacrifice
    • Attitudes towards at-home breakfast preparation
    • Consumers are split on whether it’s worth paying more for added convenience at breakfast
    • Graph 16: attitudes towards at-home breakfast preparation, 2024
    • Balancing ease and experimentation: the future of breakfast
    • Add convenience in subtle and creative ways
    • Family dynamics at breakfast can be complicated
    • Attitudes towards eating out for breakfast
    • The idea of breakfast being a treat is key to foodservice
    • Graph 17: attitudes towards eating out for breakfast, 2024
    • After water, coffee is the most popular beverage among Canadians
    • Graph 18: beverages typically drunk at home or at restaurants, 2024
    • New and iconic indulgent breakfast menu items from foodservice
    • Breakfast habits by generation
    • Top takeaways about breakfast and generations
    • Catering to the demands of younger generations is essential for foodservice’s success at breakfast
    • Graph 19: how often consumers typically get breakfast from restaurants, by generation, 2024
    • Graph 20: how often consumers typically eat breakfast prepared at home, by generation, 2024
    • Foodservice usage for breakfast drops across all generations, but Gen Z offers the most growth potential
    • Graph 21: change in consumers’ frequency of getting breakfast from restaurants vs last year, by generation, 2024
    • Mobile ordering is key for restaurants looking to connect with younger generations
    • Graph 22: how breakfast is typically ordered when dining out, by generation, 2024
    • Breakfast preferences shift as younger generations embrace different foods
    • Graph 23: foods typically eaten for breakfast, by generation, 2024
    • Balance between adventurous flavours and addressing rising costs when connecting with Millennials at breakfast
    • Graph 24: attitudes toward breakfast habits (any agree), by generation, 2024
    • Contrasting views on dining out at breakfast: older vs younger generations
    • Graph 25: attitudes towards eating out for breakfast (any agree), by generation, 2024
    • Breakfast habits by work location
    • Hybrid workers represent opportunity for foodservice
    • Graph 26: how often consumers typically get breakfast from restaurants, by work location, 2024
    • Graph 27: how often consumers typically eat breakfast prepared at home, by work location, 2024
    • Regardless of where one works, breakfast occasions are shifting homeward
    • Graph 28: change in how often consumers get breakfast from restaurants vs last year, by work location, 2024
    • Graph 29: change in how often consumers eat breakfast prepared at home vs last year, by work location, 2024
    • Those who work remotely are more dependent on apps when getting breakfast from foodservice
    • Graph 30: how consumers typically order breakfast when eating out, by work location, 2024
    • For the most part, where one works has little impact on what one eats for breakfast
    • Graph 31: foods typically eaten for breakfast, by work location, 2024
    • Think small at breakfast for those working from home
    • Graph 32: consumers who prefer to eat a few smaller items than having one large breakfast (any agree), by work location, 2024
    • Concepts: smaller bundles of nourishment for throughout the morning
    • Breakfast habits by financial situation
    • Financial wellbeing impacts shifts in breakfast habits
    • Graph 33: change in how often consumers get breakfast from restaurants vs last year, by financial situation, 2024
    • Graph 34: change in how often consumers eat breakfast prepared at home vs last year, by financial situation, 2024
    • Surprisingly, individuals with less financial stability are more likely to opt for breakfast delivery
    • Graph 35: how consumers typically order breakfast when eating out, by financial situation, 2024
    • People facing financial challenges are more likely to adjust their breakfast purchases to save money
    • Graph 36: attitudes towards savings and willingness to pay for ease at breakfast (any agree), by financial situation, 2024
    • Breakfast habits – differences in Quebec
    • Quebec consumers are less dependent on foodservice for breakfast
    • Graph 37: how often consumers typically eat breakfast at home, Quebec vs overall, 2024
    • Graph 38: how often consumers typically get breakfast from restaurant, Quebec vs overall, 2024
    • Compared to overall Canadians, Quebec consumers are more likely to dine in for breakfast and less likely to order online
    • Graph 39: how consumers typically order breakfast when eating out, Quebec vs overall, 2024
    • Quebec consumers are more likely to gravitate towards more-traditional breakfast options
    • Graph 40: foods typically eaten at breakfast, Quebec vs overall, 2024
    • Those in Quebec are habit-oriented, but they are also more likely to distinguish between weekday and weekend breakfast occasions
    • Graph 41: attitudes toward breakfast eating habits (any agree), Quebec vs overall, 2024
    • Quebec consumers place more importance on the quality of coffee when choosing where to frequent
    • Graph 42: attitudes towards foodservice (any agree), Quebec vs overall, 2024
    • Breakfast habits – newer vs established Canadians
    • Newer Canadians are more reliant on foodservice for breakfast
    • Graph 43: change in how often consumers get breakfast from restaurants versus last year, newer vs established Canadians, 2024
    • Graph 44: how often consumers typically get breakfasts from restaurants, newer vs established Canadians, 2024
    • Investments in mobile ordering cater to newer Canadians’ demands
    • Graph 45: how consumers typically order breakfast when eating out, newer vs established Canadians, 2024
    • Newer Canadians are evolving broader breakfast preferences
    • Graph 46: foods typically eaten at breakfast, newer vs established Canadians, 2024
    • Operators that blend ease with elements of adventure are better equipped to connect with newer Canadians
    • Graph 47: attitudes towards eating out and openness to adventurous flavours at breakfast (any agree), newer vs established Canadians, 2024
    • Breakfast brands can capitalize on newer Canadians’ willingness to pay for ease
    • Graph 48: willingness to pay more for ease and the challenge of satisfying multiple preferences (any agree), newer vs established Canadians, 2024
  4. COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES

    • Launch activity and innovation
    • Are these snacks, or breakfast options?
    • Honey, I shrunk the breakfast
    • The power of protein
    • Power to the plants
    • Leading with benefits can help differentiate brands
    • Overnight options – for those who plan breakfast ahead
    • Hot, easy and quick solutions
    • Playful indulgence: breakfast foods can bring fun to mornings
    • Going global at breakfast
    • Traditional breakfast foods in new formats
    • Marketing and advertising
    • Breakfast brands can focus on access
    • Opportunities
    • Breakfast doesn’t always have to be traditionally North American
    • It’s all about ‘the base’
  5. APPENDIX

    • Market definition
    • Consumer research methodology
    • Correspondence analysis
    • Generations

Why Choose Mintel?

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  • Interactive Databook: Mintel’s bespoke consumer data is presented as an interactive website, so you can deep dive into your chosen topic, explore demographics and download specific statistics.
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