The Pervasiveness of Unhealthy Foods: A Growing Challenge in Canada

Healthy eating is often viewed as a straightforward task--simply increase the intake of fruits and vegetables while steering clear of junk food. However, the reality is far more complicated. A recent comprehensive report has shed light on the widespread availability of unhealthy food options, their aggressive marketing strategies, and the significant barriers faced when trying to access healthier alternatives in everyday environments.

This study, conducted by a team of nutrition and food policy experts across Canada, examined research conducted over the past five years to identify environmental factors that shape dietary choices. The findings underscore the urgent need for reform in Canada's food supply, emphasizing the necessity for healthier food environments in various settings, including homes, schools, and hospitals.

One of the report's key revelations is the omnipresence of unhealthy food options. It was found that a staggering two-thirds of packaged foods available in grocery stores are high in salt, sugar, or saturated fat, while only a mere 12% meet healthier criteria. Furthermore, children are particularly vulnerable to unhealthy food marketing, with studies indicating that young Canadians have access to numerous outlets selling unhealthy food options in close proximity to their schools.

In-store marketing environments also contribute to unhealthy eating habits. Many grocery stores feature 'power walls' stocked with candy and sugary drinks at checkout counters, while only about 20% of stores provide a junk-free checkout experience. Alarmingly, most hospital cafeterias and vending machines in recreation centers are laden with sugary beverage options, making it difficult for individuals to make healthier choices even in institutional settings.

The marketing of unhealthy foods, especially to children, is pervasive. Research suggests that children aged six to 11 are exposed to over 4,000 food advertisements on digital platforms annually, with older children encountering even higher numbers. A significant majority of these ads promote foods that are deemed unhealthy based on their nutritional profiles.

Moreover, the report highlights that the food industry--dominated by a few large multinational corporations--continues to prioritize the production and marketing of unhealthy foods, despite claims of commitment to improvement. This overwhelming presence of unhealthy food options contributes to the difficulties many Canadians face in adhering to dietary guidelines set forth by Canada's Food Guide.

The financial implications of unhealthy eating are staggering, with estimates placing the cost at over $15.8 billion, including $5.9 billion in direct healthcare expenditures. Unhealthy diets are a leading risk factor for illness and mortality in Canada, underscoring the moral and economic necessity for action to enhance food environments.

However, there is hope for change. The report not only serves as a benchmark for current food environments but also outlines a roadmap for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and advocates to work collaboratively toward creating healthier and more equitable food environments across Canada. International examples, such as Chile and Mexico, illustrate effective strategies, including front-of-package warning labels for unhealthy foods and restrictions on marketing to children.

In Canada, upcoming regulations for front-of-package labeling set to be enacted in January 2026 represent a step forward, yet more comprehensive policy changes are needed. Currently, Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province to implement a sugary drink tax, while over 45 countries have adopted similar measures to curb consumption.

As the national school food policy begins to take shape, opportunities arise to shield school food programs from commercial interests, with the potential for similar protections to extend to other food settings such as hospitals and grocery stores. Given the backdrop of potential tariffs from the United States impacting food affordability, there is a growing interest among Canadians for a domestically sourced food supply.

Ultimately, improving food environments and systems necessitates a concerted effort from leaders at all governmental levels. The findings of this report advocate for a nutritional transition that not only supports public health but also bolsters local producers, farmers, and fisheries, paving the way for a healthier future for all Canadians.