• 15 May, 2025
• Magazica

Nutrition Trends in Canada: From Plant-Based to Personalized Diets

Plant-based eating has become a rapidly growing trend throughout the nation. Danone Canada reports that 40% of Canadians are adding more plant-based foods to their diets while 61% eat less meat and 42% select dairy substitutes. Shifting consumer preferences have led grocery stores and restaurant menus alike to adapt to the expanding plant-based food trend.

The Food Guide from Health Canada has been instrumental in the promotion of plant-based dietary patterns. The guide advises Canadians to frequently select plant-based protein sources such as legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu and fortified soy beverages. According to these guidelines people should boost their fiber intake while reducing saturated fat consumption to support heart health.

The idea of personalized nutrition is becoming increasingly popular beyond typical dietary recommendations. Nutrigenomics and microbiome research breakthroughs now enable dietary guidance that considers both genetic profiles and gut health. Gini Health in Toronto uses DNA analysis to determine personalized nutrition sources that match each customer’s genetic profile. The method understands that health definitions vary among individuals and allows personalized plans to meet specific nutritional requirements and health objectives.

Indigenous communities throughout Canada lead initiatives to restore traditional food systems by participating in the Indigenous food sovereignty movement. The project assures the delivery of nutritious food options that honor cultural values through environmentally friendly and sustainable production methods. Communities which work on restoring Indigenous food systems strive to enhance food security while rebuilding their cultural connections. Through programs and guided foraging walks new generations learn about wild-berry foraging’s cultural and practical importance while preserving these valuable traditions.

Plant-based diets combined with personalized nutrition approaches and Indigenous food sovereignty movements indicate that Canadians are moving toward more mindful and tailored eating practices. The progress of technology together with expanding cultural consciousness enables Canadians to select diets that support their health objectives while respecting their ethical principles and cultural identities.

References

Danone Canada. (2024). The Future of Food is Through Health. Retrieved from: https://danone.ca/newsroom/details.the-future-of-food-is-through-health/

WEDC. (n.d.). Canadian consumers shift to plant-based diets. Retrieved from: https://wedc.org/market-intelligence/posts/canadian-consumers-shift-to-plant-based-diets/

Health Canada. (n.d.). Canada’s Food Guide provides instructions for preparing protein foods from plant sources. Retrieved from: https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/cooking-skills/cooking-plant-based-protein-foods/

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. (n.d.). What is a plant-based diet?. Retrieved from: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/articles/what-is-a-plant-based-diet

Gini Health. (n.d.). Explained: Personalized Nutrition. Retrieved from: https://www.cfin-rcia.ca/blogs/yodl-master-cfin/2023/06/05/explained-personalized-nutrition

UBC Beyond. (n.d.). Supporting Indigenous food sovereignty initiatives can lead to better food security systems. Retrieved from: https://beyond.ubc.ca/how-indigenous-food-sovereignty-can-improve-food-security/

Food & Wine. (2025). Wild-Berry Foraging Creates a Connection Between Canada’s First Nations People and Their Land. Retrieved from: https://www.foodandwine.com/canada-first-nations-berries-8783032