The price of some Canadian meats has gone up by over 60% in a year

Meat prices in Canada have changed noticeably over the past year, with the cost of beef climbing as the price of pork drops. But just how much have prices changed?

On May 8, Statistics Canada published its latest report on monthly average prices for selected food products, including items commonly purchased by Canadian consumers. Prices are obtained directly from Canadian retailers.

"Transaction data provides a comprehensive electronic record of the transactions made through a retailer's point-of-sale system and contains relevant pricing information, such as product descriptions and quantities sold," reads the report.

Previously, we compared how egg prices had changed in one year in different countries; this time, we’re focusing on how meat prices in Canada have fluctuated since last year.

Scroll on to see how prices have changed from March 2024 to March 2025.

Beef

Beef stewing cuts

2024: $16.68/kg, 2025: $19.33/kg

Beef striploin cuts

2024: $27.59/kg, 2025: $35/kg

Beef top sirloin cuts

2024: $18.57/kg, 2025: $22.06/kg

Beef rib cuts

2024: $23.80/kg, 2025: $39.01/kg

Ground beef

2024: $11.72/kg, 2025: $13.85/kg

Pork

Pork loin cuts

2024: $9.53/kg, 2025: $8.72/kg

Pork rib cuts

2024: $9.57/kg, 2025: $8.35/kg

Pork shoulder cuts

2024: $9.01/kg, 2025: $7.23/kg

Wieners

2024: $4.13/400 g, 2025: $4.07/400 g

Chicken

Whole chicken

2024: $6.57/kg, 2025: $6.01/kg

Chicken breasts

2024: $13.66/kg, 2025: $13.69/kg

Chicken thighs

2024: $10.88/kg, 2025: $11.03/kg

Chicken drumsticks

 

2024: $6.38/kg, 2025: $6.21/kg

Seafood

Salmon

2024: $25.97/kg, 2025: $27.56/kg

Shrimp

2024: $7.42/300 g, 2025: $7.12/300 g

Canned salmon

2024: $4.09/213 g, 2025: $4.93/213 g

Canned tuna

2024: $1.72/170 g, 2025: $1.51/170 g

The price of chicken breasts and thighs increased moderately by 0.22 per cent and 1.38 per cent, respectively, while drumsticks are now cheaper by 2.6 per cent. Buying a whole chicken is still the most budget-friendly option, with the average price dropping by nine per cent.

Among the seafood items listed, salmon saw the most significant increase. This year, Canadians are paying over six per cent more per kilo of salmon, and canned salmon is now 20 per cent more expensive.

Shoppers buying beef certainly feel the pinch, as the price of meat continues to increase depending on the cut.

Beef rib cuts saw the most drastic increase — nearly 64 per cent — as the price per kilo jumped from $23.80 in March 2024 to $39.01 in March 2025. Beef striploin cuts have also become more expensive. One kilo used to cost $27.59 in 2024, but the price has jumped by nearly 27 per cent to an average of $35.

The price of beef in Canada continues to rise due to various factors. According to a report by the National Beef Strategy, the industry is recovering from drought, post-COVID food price inflation, higher interest rates and high input costs.

In comparison, the price of pork has dropped. For example, pork shoulder cuts that used to cost $9.01/kg have now dropped to $7.23/kg. According to a February 2025 report by Farm Credit Canada, demand for pork in Canada continues to soften, but prices could bounce back due to the weaker Canadian dollar.