Seasonality is a fundamental part of Canadian life, shaping daily routines and the nation’s identity. While winters are a defining feature, Canadians also experience hot summers, especially in more populous regions. These seasonal changes deeply influence food habits, affecting what individuals eat, how meals are prepared and the emotional ties to food throughout the year.
During summer and winter, preferences shift. Food choices, cooking methods and emotional considerations evolve with the seasons. This report examines how Canadians’ eating and cooking habits change across seasons, highlighting spring/summer and fall/winter foods, varying preparation techniques and the psychological and cultural connections tied to seasonal eating.
This report also explores key factors like nature’s influence, impacts on foodservice and regional distinctions, such as those in Quebec. It also considers how generational differences, remote work trends and parental status shape preferences. Additionally, it looks at how newcomers to Canada adapt their eating habits to the country’s seasonal customs.
This report looks at the following areas:
- The influence of seasonality on meal preparation and consumption habits
- How behaviours adapt to warmer versus colder seasons
- Associations consumers are more likely to form with food in different seasons
- Preferred meal preparation methods throughout the year
- Shifts between indulgence and healthy eating during and after holiday periods
- Foodservice demands in warmer and colder seasons
- Category-specific launch activity and seasonal positioning
Seasonality shapes Canada's identity, influencing what Canadians eat, how they cook and their emotional connections to food year-round.
Joel Gregoire, Associate Director of Food & Drink Reports
Market Definitions
This report examines consumer preferences related to foods and beverages, with a focus on seasonality. It looks at the impact of seasonal changes, shifts in consumption and preparation habits between warmer and colder months, as well as different food preferences.
Collapse All
-
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- What you need to know
- Market predictions
- Opportunities
- What consumers want & why
-
THE MARKET
- Market drivers
- Foodservice sales spike in warmer months
- Graph 1: monthly food services and drinking places sales, 2019-25
- Seasonality’s impact may become more pronounced due to US tariffs
- Winter months show greater temperature variance in Canada
- Graph 2: monthly average surface temperature by year, 2005, 2015, 2025 (January-August)
- Will a changing climate alter seasonal food and drink traditions?
- The significance of seasonal holidays continues to evolve
- Graph 3: any participation), newer vs established Canadians, 2024
-
CONSUMER INSIGHTS
- Consumer fast facts
- Seasonal eating and preparation patterns
- Seasonal changes influence the meals Canadians cook and enjoy
- Embrace warmth in the cold and lightness in the heat
- Graph 4: how eating behaviours shift in colder seasons (eg fall/winter), 2025
- Graph 5: how eating behaviours shift in warmer seasons (eg spring/summer), 2025
- Explore differences in eating preferences across seasons
- Leverage existing associations when promoting seasonal foods and dining experiences
- Graph 6: association with season by food or eating experience, 2025
- Refreshment is a need and a mindset
- Comfort foods can connect Canadians as temperatures drop
- How people cook and eat reflects the changing seasons
- Graph 7: views on eating and meal preparation habits and seasonality, 2025
- Choosing seasonal foods has evolved from a necessity to a luxury
- Seasonal changes in meals and eating habits help Canadians mark time
- Food/ingredients and the seasons
- Stove-top dishes allow Canadians to warm up from the inside out
- Graph 8: foods/ingredients most associated with colder seasons (eg fall/winter), 2025
- As the temperature rises, so does the sizzle
- Graph 9: foods/ingredients most associated with warmer seasons (eg spring/summer), 2025
- Seasonal cooking takes Canadians from the kitchen to the backyard
- Graph 10: how meals are typically prepared during colder months (fall/winter), 2025
- Graph 11: how meals are typically prepared during warmer months (spring/summer), 2025
- Slow cooking, big flavour with slow cooking
- Attitudes toward seasonality’s impact on indulgence and healthy eating
- Holidays are a time to indulge, often leading individuals to return to healthy eating habits afterwards
- Graph 12: attitudes toward seasonality’s impact on indulgence and healthy eating, 2025
- Body consciousness grows in warmer seasons
- Foodservice versus the home and seasonal eating habits
- During colder months, Canadians embrace staying home for their meals
- Graph 13: attitudes toward seasonality and foodservice vs at home, 2025
- Inspire creative cooking during colder seasons
- Embracing hygge: global inspiration for seasonal eating in Canada
- Nature’s influence on seasonal eating and drinking
- A warming planet puts hydration in the spotlight
- Graph 14: nature’s influence on seasonality eating and drinking habits, 2025
- Rising global temperatures amplifies hydration’s importance
- Graph 15: global land-ocean temperature index, 1973-2024
- Seasonality and localism are intertwined
- Parental status and seasonal eating trends
- Parents’ eating patterns are more susceptible to seasonality’s impact
- Graph 16: impact of seasonality on meal preparation or consumption, by parental status, 2025
- Age and parental status intersect when it comes to broad views on seasonality
- Parents are more likely to express unexpected eating behaviours in warmer seasons
- Graph 17: how eating behaviours shift in warmer seasons (eg spring/summer), by parental status, 2025
- Parents also show some surprising behaviours during colder seasons
- Graph 18: how eating behaviours shift in colder seasons (eg fall/winter), by parental status, 2025
- Parents associate more foods and drink with the different seasons
- Graph 19: foods/ingredients most associated with warmer seasons (eg spring/summer), by parental status, 2025
- Graph 20: foods/ingredients most associated with colder seasons (eg fall/winter), by parental status, 2025
- Canadians are getting on board with charcuterie
- Parental status affects seasonal meal prep habits
- Graph 21: how meals are typically prepared during warmer months (spring/summer) and colder months (fall/winter), 2025
- Parents align food choices with seasonal shifts
- Graph 22: attitudes towards seasonal changes and eating patterns, parents vs non-parents, 2025
- Mintel Spark concepts: playful ideas that reflect the change in seasons for parents
- Parents rely more on foodservice across seasons
- Graph 23: shifts in foodservice-related habits by season, parents vs non-parents, 2025
- Parents tend to indulge more during holidays, but also adjust their habits afterwards
- Graph 24: attitudes towards the seasonal impact on indulgence and healthy eating, parents vs non-parents, 2025
- Generations and seasonal eating trends
- Seasonality appears to most influence Millennials’ cooking and eating habits…
- Graph 25: impact of seasonality on meal preparation or consumption, by generation, 2025
- …but the story doesn’t end there
- Graph 26: attitudes toward cooking and eating habits across seasons (any agree), by generation, 2025
- Boomers and Gen X: turning seasonal perspectives into action
- Boomers consider foods typically linked to warmer months
- Graph 27: foods/ingredients most associated with warmer seasons (eg spring/summer), 2025
- Quick-service restaurants compete for attention with refreshing summer drinks
- Comfort in the kitchen, or at the grill, helps explain seasonal cooking dynamics
- Graph 28: how meals are typically prepared during colder months (fall/winter), by generation, 2025
- Graph 29: how meals are typically prepared during warmer months (spring/summer), by generation, 2025
- Tap into younger generations cooking aspirations with seasonally-inspired dishes
- Graph 30: “I aspire to be better at cooking” (% agree), by generation, 2023
- Address Millennials’ health priorities year-round
- Graph 31: attitudes towards the seasonal impact on healthy eating, by generation, 2025
- Foodservice operators should adjust promotions based on seasonal dynamics
- Graph 32: shifts in foodservice-related habits by season, by generation, 2025
- Daylight affects dinner timing for Millennials
- Work location and seasonal eating trends
- Seasonal shifts are particularly noticeable for remote workers
- Graph 33: impact of seasonality on meal preparation or consumption, by work location, 2025
- Changes in seasonal food habits occur in practical ways
- Graph 34: attitudes toward seasonal changes’ impact of food choices and food delivery (any agree), by work location, 2025
- Staying grounded: how seasonal changes can anchor remote workers
- Seasonal positioning can help menu items stand out on delivery apps
- Graph 35: reasons for using restaurant delivery services, 2023
- Seasonal positioning can promote in-app orders
- Quebec and seasonal eating trends
- Quebecers prefer lighter cuisine in warmer seasons
- Graph 36: how eating behaviours shift in warmer seasons (eg spring/summer), Quebec vs overall, 2025
- Leverage “robustness” with Quebecers during colder seasons
- Newer Canadians and seasonal eating trends
- Newer Canadians show some counter-intuitive behaviours on seasonal eating in the colder seasons…
- Graph 37: how eating behaviours shift in colder seasons (eg fall/winter), newer vs established Canadians, 2025
- …and the warmer seasons as well
- Graph 38: how eating behaviours shift in warmer seasons (eg spring/summer), newer vs established Canadians, 2025
- Barbecuing is less likely to symbolize summer for newer Canadians
- Graph 39: foods/ingredients most associated with warmer seasons (eg spring/summer), newer vs established Canadians, 2025
- Established Canadians are more likely to have outdoor space
- Graph 40: home amenities, newer vs established Canadians, 2024
- Familiarity shapes seasonal food preparation habits
- Graph 41: how meals are typically prepared during warmer months (spring/summer), newer vs established Canadians, 2025
- Graph 42: how meals are typically prepared during colder months (fall/winter), newer vs established Canadians, 2025
- Newer Canadians are more affected by seasonal changes in foodservice habits
- Graph 43: attitudes toward seasonality and foodservice, newer vs established Canadians, 2025
-
COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES
- Launch activity and innovation
- Sweets are the clear leader in seasonally positioned launches
- Graph 44: share of food and drink launches with seasonal claims, 2024
- The persistence of pumpkin
- Taking pumpkin too far?
- Springing into changing seasons
- Tis the season: holiday favourites everyday formats
- Seasonal tweaks to spice things up
- Maple: patriotism + seasonality
- Marketing and advertising
- Tourism and seasonality are closely related
- Use events like Ribfest to connect with Canadians in person
- Canadian National Exhibition: end-of-summer showcase of food fun and innovation
- Opportunities
- Help consumers enjoy the affordability, nutrition and taste benefits of seasonal offerings
-
APPENDIX
- Market definition
- Consumer research methodology
- Generations
- Abbreviations and terms
Mintel: Market Intelligence Made Easier
The first Mintel Market Intelligence report was published over 50 years ago. Since then, we have provided our unique insights and understanding of consumers, innovation and global markets to thousands of customers worldwide. Here’s why our customers rely on Mintel:
- Gain a comprehensive, 360-degree view of the market: Mintel reports blend consumer research, market forecasts, product innovation tracking, and competitive analysis, allowing businesses to see every angle of their industry and identify new opportunities quickly.
- Make decisions with confidence, grounded in robust data: Each report draws on up-to-date, reliable information from trusted sources and industry experts, ensuring your strategies are based on solid evidence rather than speculation.
- Benefit from expert analysis and practical recommendations: Mintel’s reports are written by experienced analysts who interpret complex data and provide clear, actionable insights you can trust to guide your next moves.
- Stay ahead with actionable intelligence on market trends and consumer behaviour: By combining fresh research with long-term market monitoring, our reports help businesses anticipate changes and adapt strategically. So you’re prepared to make informed decisions and drive growth.
What goes into a Mintel Market Intelligence Report?
Curious about how a Market Intelligence report comes together? We like to think of it as building a detailed puzzle. We start with individual pieces: data from consumers, market statistics, industry trends, and online conversations. Then our expert analysts add world-class human insight and industry knowledge. The pieces are assembled to reveal a clear, comprehensive picture of a market.
The Four Pillars of Our Research
We use a combination of four main research methods when creating our reports, each adding a valuable perspective:
- Consumer Research: Direct surveys with real people, giving us clear, current insights into what people think and do.
- Desk Research: In-depth review of trusted data sources. We use this rich database, plus powerful internal tools that track new products and market sizes, to detect trends and guide forecasts.
- Trade Research: Insights from conversations with industry experts. Their real-world experience helps us understand what’s happening behind the scenes.
- Brand and Social Media Research: Analysis of online opinions and trends. This lets us spot trends, measure brand sentiment, and capture feedback in real time, adding further depth to our research.
For further information about our research and analysis methods, visit our helpdesk.
Bringing It All Together
Each of these four pillars provides a different piece of the puzzle. Consumer research tells us what customers think, desk research provides the factual framework, trade research offers an insider’s view, and social media analysis reveals public sentiment.
Our expert analysts are skilled in weaving these diverse data streams together. They apply a range of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to uncover the deeper story, connecting the dots to deliver clear, actionable insights. This comprehensive, multi-layered process is how we transform raw data into a market intelligence report you can trust to inform your most important business decisions.
For a closer look at a Mintel Market Intelligence Report, take a look at the sample PDF report below:
Please Note: All of the figures, graphs, and tables in this sample report have been redacted.
£ 3,695 (Excl.Tax)
-
Download today with instant access
Pay via credit card or purchase order
-
Multiple formats provided
We send a PDF, Powerpoint and Excel Databook straight to your inbox. An interactive version of the report is also available on our online platform
-
Interactive databook included
Focus on the data that matters most to you with a customisable databook avaliable on our platform
-
Save up to 20% when you purchase multiple reports
Discount is applied directly at checkout
Next Starts Here
Whatever your business needs, we have the solution. From market intelligence reports to customised growth strategies.
Learn moreTrusted by global industry leaders
We’ve found it so useful working more closely with Mintel. They helped support our recent flagship event for our top suppliers by providing a really unique viewpoint on the future of online retailing.
Nick Carroll from their Retail Team was also an excellent panelist, sharing useful and actionable consumer insights. We definitely look forward to working with Mintel again on future projects.
Zac Steele, E-Commerce Trading Development Manager, Waitrose & Partners
When I’m investigating specific sectors I tend to use Mintel reports for their forecasting, which I’ve always found to be very accurate.
They also offer really broad and deep coverage in their reports. They are very, very detailed. For example, we were able to gain insight across a wide range of business areas from just one report, proving that Mintel is excellent value for money.
So overall, it’s the level of detail and the quality of forecasting that really stand out for me.
Rebecca Green, Market Insight Manager, Wincanton
We use Mintel Reports, mostly for financial services and ecommerce markets, plus a few retail and technology ones.
As a leading payments provider, we value additional insights into consumer behaviour, opinions and trends that are shaping the many different markets we operate in. Mintel is a very good and very quick way for us to obtain those insights.
We use Mintel to get a view on where a particular market is going, which can support us in product development and help us identify opportunities or indeed risks, it is a very useful barometer of a market’s potential.
Andrew Neeson, Market Intelligence Manager, VocaLink
At Jackman, we believe that powerful strategies are based on human insight. Mintel’s leading-edge reports and insights into consumer attitudes and behaviors are an important input as we develop and execute strategy.
Alana Gavin, VP Research and Insights, Jackman
One of the biggest challenges we face is the need to get smart on a business or category real quick.
We are talking to clients who live and breathe their category every day and the expectation is that we will be able to get caught up very quickly, and bring the thinking that can help them.
We need to do that often in a matter of days, so it’s not a small ask. Mintel gives us a very articulate view of category conditions and does so at the speed we need it.
Jeff White, Business Development Director, Deutsch
Next Starts Here
Whatever your business needs, we have the solution. From market intelligence reports to customised growth strategies.
Learn more
