Canadian grocery shoppers are facing a period of price volatility for common proteins, as a surge in demand for chicken thighs has outpaced supply. While Statistics Canada reported that overall inflation cooled to 2.8 per cent in June, the cost of chicken thighs jumped 8.2 per cent month-over-month, leaving consumers to navigate shifting prices at the meat counter.
Why Chicken Thigh Prices are Surging
The recent price spike for chicken thighs is primarily driven by a shift in consumer behavior, according to Michael von Massow, a food agriculture professor at the University of Guelph. As beef prices remain elevated, shoppers are increasingly “trading down” to more affordable protein alternatives, placing immense pressure on the poultry supply chain.
Because there are only two thighs per bird, supply cannot be adjusted quickly to meet this sudden increase in demand. This supply-demand imbalance has caused the cost of thighs to rise much faster than other grocery staples. Data from Statistics Canada reflects this trend, showing a 13.6 per cent increase in thigh prices year-over-year.
Did you know?
While chicken thighs saw an 8.2 per cent price hike from May to June, prices for other grocery items like cucumbers, tomatoes, and grapes actually decreased during the same period.
Comparative Costs of Proteins
Sylvain Charlebois, director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, notes that the poultry industry is under “tremendous pressure” due to the high cost of beef. While consumers are moving toward chicken, price sensitivity varies by cut. According to Statistics Canada retail data from May, chicken breasts remain the most expensive part of the bird, averaging $14.58 per kilogram, followed closely by thighs at $13.72 per kilogram.
In contrast, beef prices remain significantly higher, ranging from $16.07 per kilogram for ground beef to $35.30 per kilogram for premium striploin cuts. Despite the high cost, consumer data suggests that many shoppers remain loyal to beef, with overall consumption levels staying steady even as prices climb.
Future Outlook for Protein Affordability
Relief for Canadian meat shoppers may be years away. According to experts, the rising costs of fuel and animal feed are limiting the ability of ranchers to expand their herds, which keeps beef prices high.
While plant-based proteins like beans and lentils offer a cheaper alternative, von Massow suggests that a decline in home-cooking skills and strong consumer preferences for meat make it difficult for many households to switch their diets entirely. As global fuel costs fluctuate—partly due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East—the grocery bill remains sensitive to transportation and production expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are chicken thighs getting more expensive?
Demand has spiked because shoppers are choosing them as a cheaper alternative to beef, and the supply of chicken is limited by the number of birds available. - Are all chicken parts increasing in price?
No. While thighs and drumsticks saw price increases recently, the cost of chicken breasts actually dropped by 0.7 per cent between May and June. - When will beef prices go down?
Experts warn that relief from high beef prices is likely years away due to the high cost of production and the time required for ranchers to increase cattle herds.
Pro Tip:
If you are looking to save on your grocery bill, consider incorporating more plant-based proteins like lentils or dried beans, which often provide a lower cost per serving compared to fresh meat products.
How has your household adjusted to changing grocery prices? Share your strategies for managing the weekly food budget in the comments below.