Usman Salis
● A recent post by Tablesalt has drawn attention to a troubling trend in Canadian food costs: beef prices have almost tripled over the past 15 years, climbing at double the rate of general inflation. The tweet, tagged with "🚨BREAKING – 'EAT ZE BUGS,'" captures growing frustration over food affordability.
● The numbers tell a stark story. According to Tablesalt's analysis of Statistics Canada data, "Beef prices have almost 3x'd since 2010 in Canada, running at 2x the rate of inflation." By September 2025, the Consumer Price Index for fresh or frozen beef hit 302.6, compared to just 164.9 for all items combined (with 2002 as the base year at 100).
● This sharp divergence means everyday Canadians are feeling the squeeze at the grocery store. Rising production costs from carbon taxes, expensive feed, and supply chain disruptions are pushing retail prices higher. Meanwhile, smaller beef producers are struggling to survive as their margins get crushed by regulatory pressures and environmental rules.
● The ripple effects go beyond individual wallets. Persistent food inflation hits lower-income families hardest, potentially widening inequality across the country. The government may face increased pressure to boost food subsidies and social support programs, adding strain to public finances.
● Some economists are calling for targeted solutions, including agricultural tax breaks and investments in domestic supply chains to reduce Canada's reliance on imported inputs and stabilize prices.
Usman Salis
