Midnight munchies: Nearly one-third of Canadians snack late at night
Canadian eating habits are becoming more casual, screen-driven and snack-focused—trends that could create opportunities for convenience retailers.
A new global cooking and eating study from IKEA found that nearly one in three Canadians snack late at night, significantly higher than the global average. The report, based on responses from more than 31,000 people across 31 markets, suggests modern lifestyles and smaller living spaces are reshaping how—and where—Canadians eat.
According to the research, 32% of Canadians say they snack at night, compared with a global average of 20%.
For convenience operators, the finding underscores the continued importance of snacks, ready-to-eat foods and grab-and-go items during evening and late-night hours.
The study also found that Canadians are among the least likely consumers globally to eat at a kitchen table. Only 38% regularly eat at the table, while 27% eat on the sofa and 5% in bed, reflecting a shift toward more informal eating routines.
“Busy schedules, compact living and competing priorities make it harder for people to come together,” said Lorena Lourido Gomez, global food manager at IKEA Retail.
Screens are also increasingly part of the dining experience. The report found that 45% of Canadians watch television while eating with others, and only 6% report keeping the kitchen table as a device-free zone.
At the same time, Canadians appear open to experimenting with food. The study found 35% say they enjoy trying new cuisines, while just 11% describe themselves as picky eaters. Half say they have a sweet tooth, while about one-third enjoy spicy foods.
The report also highlights the pressures Canadians face when cooking at home. Nearly one-third cited limited counter space (31%) and lack of storage (29%) as key frustrations in the kitchen. As kitchens increasingly double as work and living spaces, preparing meals at home can be more challenging.
Those constraints, combined with busy schedules, may help explain why quick meals, snacks and prepared foods continue to play a growing role in how Canadians eat.
The IKEA Cooking & Eating Report 2026 was conducted by YouGov between August and September 2025 and surveyed nearly 32,000 consumers across 31 markets.
