Q.
Bannock, Nanaimo bars, smoked salmon, poutine, maple syrup, Montreal bagels, butter tarts, Nova Scotia lobster roll, Saskatoon Berry Pie… These are but some of the foods that you’ll find highlighted across Canada.

What about the bigger picture for Canadian dining? What types of diets are most common?

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A.

Dalhousie University monitors Canadian food habits, insights, and spending (ouch to rising prices) through their bi-annual ‘Canadian Food Sentiment Index.’ Every six months, the Dalhousie team gathers input from ~ 3,000 Canadians.  What did they discover about our food choices for 2026?

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Canada. Popularity of Different Diets. 2026
i. Omnivorous – 55%
No specific restrictions

ii. Flexitarian – 9.4%
Mostly plant-based with occasional meat or fish

iii. Paleo – 7.6%
Centred on meats, fish, fruits, vegetables. No dairy or grains

iv. Vegetarian – 5.2%
No meat, but yes to dairy and eggs

v. Keto – 3.8%
High fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate

vi. Vegan – 2.6%
No animal products

vii. Pescatarian – 2.2%
Fish, but no other meat

viii. Other – 14.1%

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www.justcurious.ca

Photos: Anita Austvika