Inflation has changed how Canadians shop, with food prices still rising about 3.5% in 2025 according to Statistics Canada.
1. They Ignore Unit Pricing Completely
Most grocery stores now highlight price-per-100g or per-litre to help compare value.
But shoppers who don’t use it often miss where the real savings are hiding.
2. They Still Default to Name Brands
A 2025 Canadian retail survey found over half of shoppers are switching more often to store brands to cut costs.
People who don’t adjust tend to spend more without noticing.
3. They Don’t Notice Shrinkflation
Packages quietly getting smaller while prices stay the same is now common across snacks, frozen food, and pantry items.
Many shoppers only notice when they compare old receipts or packaging.
4. They Treat Food Delivery as a Normal Expense
Between service fees, tips, and menu markups, delivery apps now cost significantly more than in-store meals.
Despite this, some people still use them casually without budgeting for the premium.
5. They Stick to the Same Shopping Routine
More Canadians now rotate stores or wait for flyer deals to manage costs.
Shoppers who don’t adjust routines often miss ongoing price differences.
6. They Only React to Prices at Checkout
Grocery inflation has stayed elevated, with food prices continuing to outpace overall inflation in multiple 2025 reporting cycles.
That makes the final bill feel like a surprise for some households.
7. They Still Expect Small Trips to Be Cheap
Even basic “grab a few items” trips now cost noticeably more due to broad category increases.
People anchored to older price expectations feel this shift the most.