Canada is home to a rich culinary culture, and the food trends in the country are constantly evolving. From innovative plant-based recipes to locally sourced ingredients, there's something new to try every day.

In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the most popular food trends in Canada and explore why they're so popular. We'll also discuss how you can incorporate them into your own cooking. So, read on to learn more about the top 5 food trends in Canada!

1) Farm-to-table

Farm-to-table is a current food trend that is gaining popularity in Canada. This concept involves sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers, and using them to create restaurant-quality meals.

Many chefs have embraced this trend, as it allows them to provide their customers with the freshest and most locally sourced ingredients.

It also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting ingredients from elsewhere, which can help reduce overall pollution. Farm-to-table restaurants are becoming more popular, as they provide customers with a unique dining experience that focuses on quality and freshness.

Additionally, they support local farmers and producers, helping to keep the local economy alive. Whether you’re looking for a casual or upscale experience, farm-to-table restaurants provide a great option for those who want to enjoy fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

2) Street food

Street food is one of the most popular and current food trends in Canada. Street food typically refers to food that is sold from a vendor, cart, or stand, usually in a public area such as a park, market, or event.

Popular items include hot dogs, burgers, tacos, falafel, ice cream, and more. Street food has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its convenience, affordability, and delicious taste.

The street food scene has also seen an increase in variety due to a rise in global cuisine. As more people travel and explore different countries and cultures, they are bringing back the flavors they’ve discovered to their home country.

This means that customers have a greater selection of dishes to choose from, including Italian-style wood-fired pizzas, Thai-style chicken skewers, and Spanish-style paella. 

Street food vendors have also been integrating sustainability into their business models. Many now use compostable containers and utensils instead of plastic and styrofoam.

They are also using locally-sourced ingredients as much as possible in order to reduce their carbon footprint and support local farmers.

Overall, street food has become an integral part of the Canadian culinary landscape, offering convenient and affordable access to a variety of delicious global cuisines.

3) Sustainability

As people become more conscious of the environment, sustainability has become an important factor when it comes to food.

In Canada, more and more restaurants are turning to local and organic ingredients to ensure their food is sustainably sourced and ethically produced. Sustainable food can come in many forms, including plant-based diets, zero-waste kitchens, and urban agriculture. 

Restaurants are also implementing sustainable practices such as composting, recycling, and reducing food waste. Consumers are increasingly drawn to establishments that prioritize sustainability, making it one of the hottest food trends in Canada.

4) Global cuisine

The rise in global cuisine has been a welcomed trend in Canada. With the influx of immigrants from around the world, Canadians have embraced dishes from various countries including India, Thailand, China, and Japan.

Popular global dishes include Korean BBQ, sushi, tandoori chicken, pad thai, and bibimbap. Not only are these dishes delicious, but they also offer a unique opportunity to explore different cultures through food. 

Restaurants that specialize in global cuisine have been popping up all over the country, allowing more people to explore new flavors and ingredients. Global cuisine is not only a great way to learn about different cultures, but it’s also a great way to bring people together and celebrate cultural diversity.

5) Local ingredients

In recent years, Canadians have increasingly been seeking out locally sourced ingredients to cook with. With the rise in popularity of farm-to-table dining, and an overall increased awareness of where our food comes from, using local ingredients has become a trend that is here to stay. 

What exactly does ‘local’ mean when it comes to ingredients? Generally, local ingredients are those that have been produced or grown within 100 miles of where they are being used. This includes anything from fruits, vegetables and meats to dairy products, eggs and even honey! 

Shopping locally is not only great for supporting local farmers and businesses, but it can also help reduce your environmental footprint.

By buying ingredients that are grown close to you, you can reduce your food’s carbon footprint since it doesn’t need to travel long distances to get to your plate. 

Another benefit of using local ingredients is that you can be sure that you’re getting the freshest food possible since it hasn’t been travelling around the world before it reaches your kitchen. 

Plus, local foods often contain more nutrients than those that have travelled long distances to get to your plate. 

If you’re looking to start using more local ingredients in your cooking, consider joining a local CSA or Community Supported Agriculture program. This allows you to purchase a “share” of produce directly from the farm, meaning you’ll receive fresh ingredients straight from the source. 

You can also look for local farmers markets or specialty stores that offer local ingredients. With some research and dedication, you can find the perfect ingredients for any recipe and make sure you’re helping support local farmers and businesses. 

So, whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, consider using local ingredients in your recipes and make a positive impact on the environment while creating delicious dishes.

FAQS

Q: What is farm-to-table?

A: Farm-to-table is a food trend that emphasizes local, fresh ingredients. It involves sourcing ingredients from local farmers and producers and preparing the food from scratch in the kitchen. This approach to cooking allows for better quality and control of ingredients, as well as more flavor and nutrition. 

Q: What is street food?

A: Street food is a type of cuisine that is prepared and sold on the streets or in other public locations. It typically consists of quick, affordable dishes that are cooked over an open flame or on a hot plate. Common street foods include tacos, souvlaki, falafel, and samosas.

Q: What is sustainability in the food industry?

A: Sustainability in the food industry is the practice of producing food in an environmentally friendly manner. 

Q: What are some popular global cuisines in Canada?

A: Canadian cuisine is heavily influenced by its many immigrants and reflects a diverse range of cultures. Popular global cuisines in Canada include Indian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, and Italian.

Q: What are local ingredients?

A: Local ingredients are ingredients grown and produced in the same region.