By Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku | GhanaianNewsCanada | July 22,2026
TORONTO, Canada — Canadians are paying more for chicken thighs as demand for the popular cut continues to outpace supply, putting additional pressure on household grocery budgets.
Industry experts say chicken thighs, once considered one of the most affordable cuts of poultry, have become increasingly expensive as more consumers turn to them as a lower-cost alternative to beef and other meats. The surge in demand has tightened supplies and driven prices higher across supermarkets and grocery stores.
According to industry analysts, changing consumer preferences have played a major role. Chicken thighs are widely valued for their flavour, tenderness and versatility, making them a favourite choice for grilling, roasting, stews and a variety of international cuisines.
The rising prices also reflect broader challenges facing Canada’s poultry industry, including higher production costs. Farmers continue to grapple with increased expenses for animal feed, transportation, fuel and labour, all of which ultimately influence retail prices.
For many Canadian families, the trend comes at a time when food inflation remains a major concern. While overall inflation has eased compared to previous years, grocery bills remain significantly higher than they were just a few years ago.
Food experts advise shoppers looking to stretch their budgets to compare prices across retailers, watch for promotional discounts, purchase larger family packs when available, or consider alternative cuts that may offer better value.
Despite the price increases, demand for chicken thighs shows little sign of slowing, suggesting that the cut will likely remain one of Canada’s most sought-after poultry products.
As Canadians continue searching for affordable protein options, industry observers say balancing strong consumer demand with stable production will be key to easing price pressures in the months ahead.
