As rising prices reshape household budgets and busy lifestyles dominate, nearly half of all Canadians now rely on takeout and delivery as regular parts of their dining routines. But today’s consumers aren’t just eating differently—they’re spending differently, too, cutting back on extras and customizing orders.
At the same time, advances in technology and an appetite for convenience are accelerating the shift toward at-home dining experiences, making foodservice innovation and value more important than ever.
This data-driven report reveals how Canadians are adapting their dining, spending, and ordering habits in 2025, and what that might mean for the food industry’s future.
Key Takeaways from Canadian Dining Trends
- Delivery is booming: Online food delivery revenue is projected to grow 51% by 2030, climbing from $18.99M in 2024 to $28.64M.
- Restaurant spending is rising fast: The average Canadian now spends $63 per restaurant visit, up from $56 in 2023—a 12.5% year-over-year increase.
- Diners are adjusting, not downgrading: 5 in 6 Canadians are not switching to cheaper table-service restaurants. Instead, they’re using strategies like coupons and loyalty apps, and avoiding costly extras.
- Value still leads, but health and sustainability matter: 88% of Canadians say low price or value is key when dining out, but 68% also prioritize healthy and locally sourced ingredients.
Canadian Consumer Dining Habits
Canadians’ dining habits are evolving in response to rising costs, shifting lifestyles, and new technology. Takeout and delivery are now part of many households’ weekly routines, while restaurant spending is becoming more deliberate. Diners are customizing their orders, embracing coupons and loyalty programs, and choosing cost-effective dining times like lunch, while continuing to value health, sustainability, and diverse cuisine. Together, these trends offer a sharper picture of how Canadians are balancing experience, convenience, and budget in 2025.
Dining Out vs. Eating at Home
How much are Canadians spending on food at home (FAH) versus food away from home (FAFH)?
| Year | % of Food Spending on FAH | % Change in FAH Spending Over 2 Years | % of Food Spending on FAFH | % Change in FAFH Spending Over 2 Years | % of FAFH Spending on Restaurant Meals (Rather Than Snacks & Beverages) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 73.09% | N/A | 26.91% | N/A | 88.58% |
| 2021 | 78.26% | 7.07% | 21.74% | -19.22% | 89.68% |
| 2023 | 71.88% | -8.15% | 28.12% | 29.35% | 92.06% |
(Source: “Detailed food spending, Canada, regions and provinces,” Statistics Canada)
In 2019, before the pandemic, Canadians typically spent about three-quarters of their food budget on groceries and meals prepared at home, while just over a quarter of their budget went toward food prepared away from home like restaurants and takeout. By 2021, this balance tilted even further toward home cooking. With many Canadians preparing more meals at home, food-at-home spending rose to 78.3% of food budgets, while spending on food away from home dropped significantly.
By 2023, as restrictions eased and dining options reopened, Canadians swung back toward eating out and ordering takeout. Not only did spending on food prepared away from home increase, but a record 92% of that spending went specifically to restaurant meals. This rebound suggests Canadians are once again embracing dining out and takeout as regular parts of their food routines.
(Source: “Detailed food spending, Canada, regions and provinces,” Statistics Canada)
Food Delivery Service Statistics
Food delivery has become an increasingly important part of Canada’s dining landscape. More Canadians are turning to takeout and delivery for convenience, lifestyle, and economic reasons.
Notably, around one in five Canadians reports ordering more takeout and delivery now compared to 2024 according to the 2025 DoorDash Delivery Trends Report, signaling a significant shift in habits. While the gap between takeout and dining out may seem modest, it is narrower than in previous years, indicating that delivery and takeout are steadily closing in on traditional dining as preferred meal options.
The Popularity of Food Delivery in Canada
Car ownership in Canada has become increasingly expensive, with 55% of Canadians forced to make adjustments to their car-related spending. Food delivery offers a practical solution by eliminating the need to use a car for dining occasions, easing a major hassle for households sharing cars.
According to a DoorDash study, 19% of shoppers say the ease of not having to carry alcoholic beverages home is their top reason for choosing delivery. Others choose takeout because they prefer to browse food options from home, avoid doing the dishes, or for a last-minute meal.
Looking at ordering frequency, Canadians are embracing takeout and delivery more often than dining out:
How Often Do Canadians Order Takeout vs. Dining Out?
| Takeout/Delivery | Dining Out | |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | 2% | 2% |
| Several Times Per Week | 10% | 8% |
| Once a Week | 17% | 15% |
| Several Times Per Month | 18% | 13% |
| Once a Month | 18% | 23% |
| Every Few Months | 14% | 23% |
| Rarely, if ever/never | 19% | 17% |
(Source: “2025 Report: Top Dining and Food Trends in Canada,” Touch Bistro)
This data shows that takeout and delivery have become an increasingly common part of Canadians’ weekly routines, with 29% ordering takeout at least once a week—surpassing the 25% who dine out with the same frequency.
Revenue Generated from Online Food Delivery
| Year | Revenue From Online Food Delivery (Nationwide) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $18.99 million USD |
| 2030 | Estimated $28.64 million USD |
(Source: “The State of the Food Delivery Industry in Canada in 2025,” Deliverect)
Nationwide revenue from online food delivery is projected to climb from $18.99 million in 2024 to $28.64 million in 2030. That is an increase of roughly 51 percent in six years, or about 7 percent compound annual growth. Such expansion suggests that delivery is moving from a convenience option to a core revenue pillar for Canada’s foodservice sector.
Key Insights
- Frequency and revenue are moving in the same direction. More Canadians are choosing delivery weekly, and that behaviour is translating into substantial long term revenue growth.
- Convenience factors outweigh cost concerns for many households. Rising vehicle expenses and shared car logistics make delivery an attractive alternative.
- Opportunities exist beyond core meals. The popularity of alcohol delivery and last minute ordering shows potential for restaurants to expand add on offerings and late evening menus.
Growth of Third-Party Delivery Apps
Third-party apps are now the dominant platform for ordering takeout and delivery in Canada. A majority of consumers (54%) prefer to place food orders through delivery apps or websites, rather than calling restaurants directly or using in-house systems.
Most Popular Food Delivery Apps in Canada
Top 2 Delivery Apps in Canada
| Delivery App | % Used in Past Year |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | 54% |
| DoorDash | 49% |
(Source:”Online food delivery bookings by brand in Canada as of March 2025,” Statistica)
The data shows that Uber Eats narrowly leads the market, with 54% of Canadians reporting they’ve used the app in the past year. DoorDash follows closely at 49%, indicating both platforms have a strong presence across the country.
This overlap suggests that many consumers use multiple delivery apps, creating an opportunity for restaurants to reach a broader audience through cross-promotion on several platforms. By tailoring marketing efforts and menu features to fit each app’s unique user base, food businesses can maximize visibility, attract repeat customers, and boost overall sales.
Economic Impact of Delivery Services on Restaurants
The rapid expansion of food delivery apps has transformed the restaurant industry in Canada by broadening restaurants’ customer base beyond their immediate physical location. Where previously restaurants relied heavily on in-house dining and local foot traffic, delivery platforms now allow them to reach new customers, extend operating hours, and scale sales without investing in additional physical infrastructure.
This expanded market access has been a major boost for many restaurants, especially small and medium-sized businesses looking to grow or recover from recent economic challenges.
However, this opportunity comes with notable costs. Delivery services typically charge commissions ranging from 11% to 30% per order, representing a significant expense for restaurants. For example, Skip commissions can range from 20% to 30%, while DoorDash and Uber Eats may charge even higher rates during peak demand periods.
These fees can put pressure on restaurant profit margins, which traditionally range between 5% and 15%. For many operators, balancing the increased order volume with these commission costs is a crucial challenge, often requiring strategic pricing, menu optimization, or promotions tailored to delivery customers.
Overall, food delivery apps have reshaped the economics of restaurant sales in Canada—providing growth and reach, but also introducing new financial complexities that restaurants must navigate carefully to maintain profitability.
Why Canadians Dine Out
Despite rising food costs and a growing appetite for takeout and delivery, dining out still holds strong appeal across Canada. But what motivates Canadians to choose a restaurant meal over eating at home? According to recent survey data, the top factors influencing these decisions are not just about food quality, but also value, health, sustainability, and cultural variety.
Top Considerations When Dining Out in Canada
| When Dining Out, Is This Very/Somewhat Important? | % Who Say Yes |
|---|---|
| Value / Low Priced / Promotional | 88% |
| Locally Sourced Ingredients | 68% |
| Healthy / Low Calorie | 68% |
| International / Ethnic Cuisines | 55% |
| Organic Ingredients | 39% |
| Vegetarian or Plant-based / Vegan | 32% (28% Vegetarian, 23% Plant-based / Vegan) |
(Source: “Dining Out Trends,” Leger)
Unsurprisingly, value ranks highest, with 88% of Canadians saying promotions and low-priced menu options are an important part of their decision to dine out. This aligns with broader economic trends, as more consumers look for restaurant experiences that offer affordability without sacrificing quality.
At the same time, nearly 7 in 10 diners value healthy and locally sourced ingredients, reflecting growing awareness around nutrition and food origins. Interest in sustainability is also strong: 59% of diners say eco-friendly packaging matters, suggesting that environmental values are increasingly influencing foodservice choices.
Canadians are also hungry for diversity. More than half prioritize access to international or ethnic cuisines, emphasizing Canada’s multicultural dining landscape and consumer openness to global flavors.
While organic ingredients matter less overall (39%), this still represents a significant niche, particularly for premium brands or restaurants targeting health-conscious markets.
Finally, while dietary restrictions, like plant-based or vegetarian, may not seem to apply to many diners, it’s clear that these options appeal to a wider audience. Nearly a third of Canadians say vegetarian, plant-based, or vegan options are important to them.
How Much Canadians Spend When Dining Out
Dining out remains a popular experience in Canada, but rising menu prices means it’s becoming a more premium occasion. According to recent data, the average Canadian now spends $63 per person at a restaurant, up from $56 the year before. That’s a 12.5% increase year-over-year, suggesting that inflation, menu markups, or shifting habits toward higher-end meals may all be factors.
In contrast, average spending on takeout and delivery has declined slightly, down to $38 per person—a $1 drop compared to 2023. This divergence may indicate that Canadians are cutting back on casual extras or turning to takeout for budget-friendly meals, while treating dining out as more of a special occasion.
Average Spend Per Person When Dining Out vs. Takeout/Delivery in Canada
| Category | 2023 Average Spend | 2024 Average Spend |
|---|---|---|
| Dining Out | $56 | $63 |
| Takeout/Delivery | $39 | $38 |
(Source: “2025 Report: Top Dining and Food Trends in Canada,” Touch Bistro)
The gap between restaurant dining and takeout spending is growing. With Canadians now spending an average of $25 more per person when dining in, restaurants may see stronger margins on in-house meals.
Despite rising prices, many Canadians continue to spend on dining. While the average restaurant bill has gone up, tipping behavior appears to be holding steady, as we’ll explore more closely in the next section.
How Canadians are Responding to Rising Restaurant Costs
Despite rising dining costs, many Canadians continue to visit upscale restaurants but are becoming more strategic with their spending. According to the 2025 Restaurants Canada/Circana report, only one in six Canadians is opting for less expensive table-service restaurants. Instead, diners are adopting cost-conscious tactics such as using coupons and promotions, customizing meals to avoid costly extras, and limiting orders to essentials like water rather than pricier beverages.
Supporting this, Square Canada’s recent report shows that 62 percent of Canadians now reserve dining out for special occasions, with date nights being a key driver. Many diners are also cutting back on appetizers, cocktails, and desserts or opting for more affordable meal times like brunch or lunch to manage expenses.
This deliberate dining approach allows Canadians to continue enjoying the atmosphere and experience of fine dining while keeping their bills in check. It reflects a growing trend of balancing indulgence with budget awareness as consumers seek value without sacrificing quality or ambiance.
Cost-Saving Tactics Among Canadian Diners
| Tactic | % of Canadians |
|---|---|
| Eating out less often overall | 66% |
| Using coupons or discounts more often | 29% |
| Avoiding add-ons (drinks, desserts, sides) | 28% |
| Ordering less expensive menu items | 27% |
| Using rewards apps or loyalty programs | 24% |
| Swapping dinner for brunch or lunch | 18% (Square) |
| Choosing less expensive table-service restaurants | ~17% (1 in 6) |
(Sources: “Hot 10 Restaurant Trends,” Restaurants Canada, “Square Canada’s Winter Restaurant Report: How Canadian Eateries Are Adapting to Shifting Consumer Spending,” Square)
These behaviors signal a shift toward intentional dining. Canadians still want to treat themselves, but they are doing so more thoughtfully by embracing experiences while using tools like discounts, loyalty apps, and flexible meal times to stretch their budgets. For restaurants, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: the chance to meet diners where they are by offering elevated experiences with built-in value.
Technology and the Canadian Dining Experience
From digital menus to AI-powered ordering systems, technology is becoming a regular part of the Canadian dining experience. And while some diners are still adjusting, comfort with these innovations is steadily rising.
According to recent data, nearly half of Canadians (48%) say they feel comfortable with AI playing a greater role in restaurants. Among younger diners aged 18 to 34, that number climbs to 59%, but even among those 55 and older, a sizable 40% report feeling comfortable with AI at the table—whether that means digital menus accessed by QR codes, self-serve payment options, smart kiosks recommending pairings, or other technologies.
Canadian Comfort Levels with AI in Restaurants
| Age Group | % Comfort with AI in Restaurants |
|---|---|
| 18–34 | 59% |
| Ages 55+ | 40% |
| National Average | 48% |
(Source: “Givex’s Annual Survey: Impact of Rising Menu Prices and AI on Canadian Dining Behaviours and Attitudes,” Cision)
Rather than a stark divide, these figures suggest a growing openness across generations. As AI and automation become more common, many Canadians are warming to the idea, especially when the technology enhances convenience without replacing the human element.
For restaurants, this points to a balancing act: lean into tech to streamline operations, but preserve personal touches—like physical menus, in-person ordering, and knowledgeable servers—that keep the experience welcoming. Customization, speed, and digital tools can complement traditional hospitality rather than replace it.
Tipping Habits in Canada
Tipping remains a key part of the dining experience in Canada, especially in sit-down restaurants where it’s deeply woven into both service expectations and staff compensation. However, recent data shows that Canadians are becoming more selective in how they tip depending on the service type. While restaurant servers still receive the most consistent gratuities, fast food staff and delivery app workers typically receive much less.
How Much Do Canadians Tip for Different Types of Food Service?
| Type of Service | Average Tip | Most Common Tip Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurants | 15.14% | 15% |
| Fast food/cafés without table service | 2.14% | 0% |
| Meal delivery apps | 10.26% | 10% |
(Source: “Survey: Find Out How Much Canadians Tip and What Irritates Them,” Hardbacon)
Though 15 percent remains the norm for full-service dining, tipping practices in other settings are far more variable. Fast food and cafés see minimal tips, often because consumers view these experiences as transactional or automated. Delivery apps land in the middle, with many users defaulting to preset tip prompts around 10 percent.
These patterns reflect a broader shift in how Canadians evaluate tipping—one shaped by digital payment systems, rising food prices, and lingering pandemic-era norms. While tipping is still customary and culturally expected at restaurants, consumers are increasingly weighing convenience, service quality, and affordability before reaching for their wallets.
What Canadian Dining Trends Signal for the Future
As rising costs and changing routines reshape dining behavior, Canadians are seeking smarter, more flexible ways to enjoy food, whether that means skipping cocktails, ordering in, or embracing digital convenience. These habits reflect a growing desire to balance quality and value without sacrificing experience.
At the same time, Canada’s economic outlook is becoming more uncertain. With rising unemployment and new trade pressures affecting consumer confidence, dining trends may continue to shift as households respond to evolving financial realities. Monitoring these changes in the months ahead will be critical for food professionals, restaurant owners, and policymakers alike.
For culinary entrepreneurs, the takeaway is clear: consumers are still spending, but they’re doing so thoughtfully. Restaurants and food businesses that offer adaptability, transparency, and smart pricing will be best positioned to weather economic shifts and meet Canadians where they are.
