Is Your Favorite Snack Sabotaging Family Meals? Shocking Stats Reveal the Alarming Truth!

As Canadians increasingly turn to quick, convenient meals, a new trend known as “snackification” is reshaping their eating habits. After a long workday, many find the thought of cooking a sit-down meal overwhelming. Instead, they are opting for a variety of snacks, such as cheese, fruits, roasted nuts, popcorn, and jerky, to satisfy their hunger while lounging on the couch.

A report from Restaurants Canada in 2025 indicates that about 65 percent of Canadians have replaced a traditional meal with a snack at least once a month. This shift is particularly pronounced among younger demographics like millennials and Gen Z, who are more likely to embrace snacking as a legitimate meal alternative.

The surge in snacking can be attributed to changing lifestyles, particularly in the post-pandemic era. Sally Lyons Wyatt, global executive vice-president and chief adviser for consumer goods and food service insights at Circana, explains that the hybrid work model makes it easier for individuals to grab a snack while working from home, rather than spending time preparing a full meal. Furthermore, snacking tends to be more budget-friendly than purchasing an entire meal, especially for those working in office settings.

“The accessibility of snacks allows consumers to get whatever they want, whenever they want, for whatever occasion they want,” Wyatt said. This flexibility has led to a redefinition of what qualifies as a snack. According to Jenny Thompson, vice-president of market strategy and understanding at Ipsos Canada, consumers are increasingly moving away from traditional snacks like pretzels and cookies, gravitating instead towards healthier options and more substantial fare.

“There’s an evolution towards incorporating what we would consider non-traditional snacks into the repertoire,” Thompson noted. For some, a bowl of cereal or a slice of pizza is now considered a snack, while others may opt for a protein shake in place of a meal.

The rising demand for healthier snack options is also notable. A preliminary 2026 Ipsos report indicates that healthy snacks are becoming a sweet spot for those seeking to satisfy cravings while maintaining wellness goals. According to Thompson, snacks need to meet various criteria, including being convenient, tasty, and made from simple ingredients. “It doesn’t quite hit the mark if it’s only convenient or tastes good,” she emphasized.

This shift towards smaller, healthier portions can be partially credited to the increasing popularity of weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic, which helps users curb appetite and feel fuller. As a result, many individuals are adjusting their eating habits, favoring smaller portions with higher nutritional value. McArthur points out that for many users of these weight-loss drugs, meals have effectively transformed into snacks.

In response to these evolving consumer preferences, traditional snack manufacturers are adapting their strategies. For instance, Maple Leaf Foods Inc. has introduced on-the-go meat sticks called Mighty Protein, catering to the health-conscious trend. Meanwhile, Campbell's Co., known for its Goldfish crackers and Cape Cod chips, reported a slowdown in its snacks category, prompting the company to explore new flavors and healthier options to attract wellness-minded consumers.

Furthermore, PepsiCo Inc., the owner of Frito-Lay, has emerged as a leader in the wellness snack market by acquiring smaller brands and creating healthier versions of its iconic products like Doritos and Cheetos. The company has also responded to consumer demands for smaller, single-serve options, which are not merely a reaction to shrinkflation but a reflection of what customers want: variety and portion control.

A report from Statistics Canada indicates that the resurgence of on-the-go snacks post-pandemic is driving manufacturers to create smaller portion sizes, with projections estimating that the snack industry will grow by 6.4 percent between 2023 and 2028. Wyatt asserts that the trend towards snacking will not fade away anytime soon, as consumers enjoy the diversity, variety, and choices available to them.

As snacking continues to evolve, it’s clear that Canadians are redefining meal structures in favor of convenience and health. This transformation reflects broader societal shifts that prioritize quick, fulfilling options over traditional dining experiences, ultimately changing how we think about meals in the modern world.