Are you wondering how much chicken costs in Canada these days? Maybe you’ve seen some shocking TikTok videos comparing Canadian prices to those in the US, or you’re just trying to budget your weekly grocery trip. Either way, I’ve got the complete breakdown for you!
As a Canadian home cook who shops for chicken regularly, I’ve watched prices fluctuate over the years. Let me tell you – it’s been a wild ride lately! So let’s dive into what chicken actually costs in Canada right now, why the prices are what they are, and how you can save some serious cash on your poultry purchases.
The Current Price of Chicken in Canada (2024)
Let’s cut right to the chase with the current prices:
- Whole chicken: $5.58 to $6.09 per kilogram (as of September 2024)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: $7.00 to $15.00 per kilogram
- Chicken thighs (boneless): Around $13.65 for a package of four pieces
The average retail price for whole chicken reached $6.09 Canadian dollars per kilogram in September 2024, according to Statista data. This price has fluctuated between $5 and $7 per kilogram over the past few years.
Interestingly, chicken prices hit their highest point in March 2024, when they reached $6.57 per kilogram. So we’re actually seeing a slight decrease as of the most recent data!
Why is Chicken So Expensive in Canada Compared to the US?
If you’ve seen that viral TikTok video comparing Canadian and US chicken prices, you’re probably wondering why there’s such a huge difference. In the video, a TikTok user showed organic boneless, skinless chicken thighs from Loblaws priced at $13.65, while a similar pack from Target in the US was just $3.55 (about $4.50 CAD).
The answer is actually pretty straightforward supply management
Nicholas Li an economics professor at Toronto Metropolitan University explains that Canada’s poultry industry operates under a supply management system that
- Limits how much chicken can be produced in Canada
- Severely restricts how much chicken can be imported
- Protects Canadian farmers by allowing them to charge higher prices
The Canadian government even imposes a whopping 270% tariff on chicken imports exceeding the allowed limits! This is deliberately designed to prevent wholesale importing that would equalize prices with the US.
While Americans subsidize their farmers directly, Canadians do it by protecting them from competition and allowing higher prices. It’s a different approach to the same goal.
What Affects Chicken Prices in Canada?
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for chicken at your local grocery store:
1. The Cut You Choose
Not all chicken is created equal when it comes to pricing:
- Whole chickens are the most economical option ($5.58-$6.09/kg)
- Bone-in cuts like thighs and drumsticks fall in the middle
- Boneless, skinless breasts are typically the most expensive ($7-$15/kg)
- Pre-marinated or pre-cooked products come with an additional premium
2. Regional Variations
Where you live in Canada significantly impacts what you’ll pay
- Northern communities face much higher food prices due to transportation costs
- Provinces with limited local production tend to have higher prices
- Urban vs rural pricing can differ based on competition and overhead costs
3. Grade and Quality
- Grade A chicken is the highest quality and typically costs more
- Organic chicken can cost double or triple the price of conventional chicken
- Free-range and specialty breeds command premium prices
4. Seasonal Factors
Chicken prices aren’t static throughout the year:
- Holiday periods like Thanksgiving and Christmas can drive prices up
- Sales and promotions typically follow predictable patterns
- End-of-month specials are common at many retailers
Price Trends: How Have Chicken Prices Changed?
Looking at Statista’s data from January 2017 through September 2024, we can see some interesting trends:
- Prices have generally remained between $5-$7 per kilogram for whole chicken
- There was a noticeable increase starting in 2021
- March 2024 saw the highest recorded price at $6.57/kg
- September 2024 showed prices at $6.09/kg
This suggests that while prices have increased over the past few years, they’re not rising as dramatically as some other food items during this inflationary period.
How to Save Money on Chicken in Canada
Don’t wanna pay full price? Me neither! Here are some strategies I personally use to keep my chicken budget under control:
Buy Whole Chickens
This is my favorite hack! Whole chickens are consistently the cheapest option per kilogram. I buy them when they’re on sale, break them down myself, and freeze the parts I’m not using right away. You also get the bones for making stock – bonus!
Watch for Sales
Chicken goes on sale regularly. I check flyers weekly and have price alerts set up on a few apps. When I see a good deal (especially at the end of the month), I stock up.
Compare Prices Across Stores
The price difference between stores can be significant. In my area, I’ve found discount grocery chains often offer chicken for 15-20% less than premium supermarkets.
Consider Frozen Options
Frozen chicken is often cheaper than fresh, and the quality difference is minimal for most recipes. I always keep some in my freezer for emergencies.
Look for “Reduced for Quick Sale” Tags
Many stores discount meat approaching its sell-by date. If you’re planning to cook it that day or freeze it immediately, this can save you 30-50%!
Is It Worth Crossing the Border for Chicken?
With such a stark price difference between Canadian and US chicken, you might wonder if cross-border shopping is worth it.
According to the Canada Border Service Agency, Canadians can bring back goods worth $200 tax and duty-free after being away for 24 hours, or $800 after 48 hours. For same-day trips, there are no personal exemptions.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency allows Canadians to bring back 20 kilograms of chicken from the US, but it must be:
- Retail packaged
- Intended for human consumption
- Clearly labeled as “Product of the USA”
Remember that there are restrictions due to avian flu outbreaks, so check the latest regulations before your trip.
Honestly, unless you live very close to the border or are already planning a trip, the gas and time probably negate any savings for most people.
FAQs About Chicken Prices in Canada
Why does chicken cost more in Canada than the US?
The main reason is Canada’s supply management system, which limits production and imports while protecting Canadian farmers from competition, allowing them to charge higher prices.
What’s the cheapest cut of chicken in Canada?
Whole chickens are typically the most economical, ranging from $5.58 to $6.09 per kilogram.
Are organic chickens worth the extra cost?
That depends on your priorities! Organic chickens can cost 2-3 times more than conventional ones. If environmental practices and certain farming methods are important to you, it might be worth the premium.
Do chicken prices vary by province?
Yes! Provinces with higher transportation costs or limited local production typically have higher prices. Northern communities face significantly higher food prices in general.
When is chicken usually on sale in Canada?
Many grocery stores run chicken specials on a predictable rotation, often at the end of the month. Holiday periods might have special promotions but generally at slightly higher prices due to increased demand.
Final Thoughts
Chicken prices in Canada reflect our unique agricultural policy approach. While we do pay more than our American neighbors, understanding the factors behind the pricing can help us make more informed decisions.
I’ve found that with strategic shopping and a willingness to be flexible about cuts and preparation methods, chicken can still be an economical protein source for Canadian families. Plus, learning to break down a whole chicken is a useful cooking skill that’ll save you money for years to come!
What’s your experience with chicken prices in your part of Canada? Have you found any good deals lately? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Before bringing food into Canada
There may be restrictions on the items you bring into Canada for your own personal use. These restrictions vary depending on the item, the country it originates from and the Canadian province youre bringing it to.
To determine if the product is admissible to Canada, the restrictions that apply to the product and if you need to obtain documents prior to bringing the product into Canada, refer to:
If your food is not listed in these tables, refer to the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).
If you need a document, such as a permit, the item wont be allowed into Canada without it. Use AIRS to find out what documents you need or contact the National Centre of Permissions.
Travellers coming into Canada can carry food with them for their own personal use, provided the food is imported within the specified personal exemption limits of the Safe Food for Canadian Regulations and there are no restrictions in place under other federal legislation, such as the Health of Animals Act or the Plant Protection Act.
When bringing food into Canada, whether as a traveller or through an online purchase, you are eligible for the personal use exemption if:
- the food is solely for personal use, not for commercial use, and
- the quantity of food you are bringing into Canada does not exceed the limits set out in the document Maximum Quantity Limits for Personal Use Exemption prepared by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and listed in table 1 and table 2
Other duties and taxes may apply to imported foods. Find out more about the laws around bringing personal goods into Canada.
Didnt find what youre looking for? Check out the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS)
Didnt find what youre looking for? Check out the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS)