Do Canadians Eat a Lot of Meat? Unpacking Consumption Trends

January 12, 2026 •

2 min read

According to Statistics Canada, the average Canadian is eating less red meat than they did decades ago, a trend that may surprise many. The question, 'Do Canadians eat a lot of meat?' has a nuanced answer that goes beyond simple assumptions, revealing shifting dietary patterns influenced by health, environmental concerns, and a growing preference for poultry.

Quick Summary

This article examines Canadian meat consumption patterns, reviewing how national statistics and health trends reveal a decline in red meat intake and a rise in poultry and plant-based alternatives.

Key Points

Declining Red Meat Consumption: Canadian red meat intake decreased from an average of 75.4g per day in 2004 to 61g in 2015, largely due to health and environmental awareness.
Shift to Poultry: The reduction in red meat has been offset by an increased consumption of poultry, viewed by many as a healthier, lower-fat protein option.
Rising Popularity of Plant-Based Alternatives: Mirroring global trends, more Canadians are exploring and incorporating plant-based proteins into their diets, supported by new Canada Food Guide recommendations.
Demographic Variations: Meat consumption varies by gender and age, with men and older generations consuming more meat on average than women and younger Canadians.
Balanced Dietary Approach: Official health bodies like the Canadian Cancer Society advise limiting red and processed meat, while other organizations highlight the importance of meat for essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B12.
Higher than Global, Lower than North American Average: While Canada's per capita meat consumption is above the global level, it is still lower than its North American counterpart, the United States.

Canadian Meat Consumption: A Statistical Overview

To address the question, "Do Canadians eat a lot of meat?" it is essential to look at the data provided by official sources like Statistics Canada and health organizations. While meat remains a staple of the Canadian diet, a clear shift in consumption habits has been observed over the past few decades, particularly away from red meat.

The Decline of Red Meat Consumption

Evidence from recent Canadian Community Health Surveys (CCHS) reveals a significant reduction in red meat intake, falling from 75.4 grams to 61 grams between 2004 and 2015. Per capita beef consumption also saw a substantial decrease of 38% between 1980 and 2021, influenced by growing health awareness. On average, Canadians now consume red and processed meats within the recommended amounts by Canada's Food Guide.

The Rise of Poultry and Plant-Based Alternatives

Poultry has become a popular alternative, often seen as a healthier option. This shift aligns with Canada's Food Guide, which promotes choosing plant-based protein sources more often. The plant-based sector in Canada has also grown significantly, driven by consumers considering health, cost, and environmental factors.

Regional and Demographic Variations in Meat Consumption

Meat consumption varies across Canada and among different groups. Men generally consume more meat than women, with women more likely to adopt plant-based alternatives. Older adults tend to eat more meat, while younger generations are more open to alternatives. Regional dishes also influence local consumption patterns.

Environmental and Health Considerations

Environmental concerns are a factor in changing consumption, as the livestock sector impacts greenhouse gas emissions. However, the Canadian industry notes efficiency improvements. Health recommendations from the Canadian Cancer Society suggest limiting red and processed meat. The Canadian Meat Council highlights meat's nutritional value, particularly for iron, zinc, and B12.

Comparison of Meat Consumption: Canada vs. Global Averages

Canada's per capita meat consumption is higher than the global average but lower than the North American average. Canada's decline in beef consumption has been more pronounced than in the United States.


Feature	Canada	United States	Global Average (approx.)
Per capita beef decline (1980-2021)	38% decrease	Slight decline forecasted	Varies widely by region
Overall per capita meat consumption	Higher than global average	Highest in North America	~16.7 kg/capita (2018)
Primary protein shift	Towards poultry, plant-based	Towards poultry	Driven by developing countries

Conclusion

The perception that Canadians eat an exceptionally high amount of meat is not fully supported by current data. While consumption is considerable, there's a clear trend of decreasing red meat intake, influenced by health and environmental factors, and an increasing preference for poultry and plant-based proteins. The Canadian diet is evolving, showing a broader range of protein sources. For more information on sustainable food, resources like the Vancouver Humane Society provide additional context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meat consumption in Canada has been decreasing, particularly red meat. Between 2004 and 2015, the average daily consumption of red meat fell from 75.4 grams to 61 grams.

Canada's per capita meat consumption is higher than the global average but lower than the overall North American regional average, which includes the United States.

Canadians are increasingly choosing poultry over red meat, seeing it as a healthier and lower-fat alternative.

Key factors include increased awareness of health concerns, growing interest in plant-based diets, environmental considerations, and changing recommendations from health authorities like the Canada Food Guide.

Health arguments include meat providing essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B12, but also concerns link high red and processed meat intake to increased risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

While meat is still part of the diet, the term 'meat-heavy' is becoming less accurate. With declining red meat intake and increasing consumption of poultry and plant-based foods, the Canadian diet is evolving toward greater variety in protein sources.

Yes, Canada's per capita meat consumption is lower than that of the United States. Canada has seen a more significant long-term decline in beef consumption, for example.