Grocery prices are on the rise across Canada, with New Brunswick leading the way on a list no one wants to top.
An analysis by Dollarwise looked at data from Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index reports for May 2025 and compared year-over-year price changes from May 2024 to May 2025 for food products in all provinces.
In that period, food prices increased 3.4 per cent nationally.
But the news is worse in New Brunswick, where prices went up 3.7 per cent.
Ontario followed close behind, with a 3.6-per-cent increase.
Some of the increases were below the national rate, though.
Nova Scotia showed the smallest increase over that period, just 2.7 per cent.
“Many Canadian families already struggle to make ends meet and these food price hikes make things worse,” said Dollarwise CEO Jack Prenter in a release.
The report also looks at price increases and decreases on particular foods.
Fresh or frozen beef led nationwide increases at 12.7 per cent (up $2.12 per kilogram for ground beef) in a year. Oranges cost 15.8 per cent (up 88 cents) more.
“Beef prices have risen so dramatically it’s truly alarming,” Prenter said. “Depending on which province you live in, you’re paying six per cent and 24 per cent more for this protein source than you did a year ago.”
One bright spot was for some fruits and vegetables. Tomato prices dropped 9.7 per cent (down 17 cents per kilogram and cucumber prices were down 10.1 per cent (five cents) during the period studied.
A closer look at monthly data showed some significant price fluctuations for certain foods.
For example, grape prices went up 21.4 per cent ($2.19) from April to May 2025, while berry prices dropped 8.6 per cent.
The worst category increases affected anyone who enjoys a hot cup of coffee in the morning. Prices for roasted or ground coffee were up 20 per cent (72 cents) across the country.
“Not all food categories face the same increases,” Prenter said. “Families should look at shifting their shopping habits toward items with more stable prices to better manage their food budgets.”
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