As the consumption of ultra-processed foods increases alongside rising obesity rates in Canada, experts emphasize that resisting these easily available and appealing foods requires more than just willpower. According to science writer Julia Belluz and nutritionist Kevin Hall in their book “Food Intelligence,” an individual’s food environment greatly influences their eating habits, encompassing home, restaurants, and grocery stores.
Changes in the food environment can promote healthier eating habits and better self-care, as highlighted by Hall. The shift in the food supply towards higher calorie and lower quality options, along with the abundance of certain products, contributes significantly to the obesity epidemic.
Experts note that grocery stores are strategically designed to influence consumer behavior, with efforts to encourage customers to purchase more items. The layout typically places fresh produce prominently to convey quality, while essential items like bread, eggs, and dairy are on the store’s perimeter.
Although efforts are made to promote healthier choices through tactics like nutrition labels, research indicates that influencing customers to opt for healthier options can be challenging. Despite this, a significant portion of Canadians express an intention to eat healthily.
Implementing clear and easy-to-understand nutrition labels, such as the French Nutri-Score system, can help consumers make informed decisions about their food choices. The Nutri-Score, which assigns color-coded grades based on nutritional quality, has shown positive effects on consumer behavior in France.
Front-of-package labels not only empower consumers but also incentivize food manufacturers to reformulate products for better health outcomes. Some Canadian products already feature nutrition warning labels, with a broader rollout mandated by January 2026.
Industry support for informed consumer choices is evident, with initiatives like Metro’s “My Health My Choices” program aimed at assisting customers in making values-aligned food decisions. Grocery chains like Loblaw’s and Sobey’s are also recognizing the importance of promoting healthier food choices.
