New front-of-package food labels will be mandatory next year

Food packaging will look different in 2026. CTV’s Krista Sharpe explains why.

Food packaging in Canada will look different in 2026.

Health Canada has mandated new front-of-package nutrient food labels as of Jan. 1, 2026.

“It’s a simple black and white magnifying glass icon that’s aiming to actually help consumers make more informed choices and healthier choices,” Zahra Saghafi, University of Guelph PhD candidate in Leadership and Organizational Management, said.

Although sugar, salt and saturated fat will be a major focus of the new labelling system, there will be some foods that do not need to adhere to the rules, including some dairy products, ground beef, honey and baby formula.

Moderation is key

According to Health Canada, “…eight in 10 Canadians say nutrition is important when choosing foods, yet 60% of the foods we buy are prepackaged and processed.”

Health Canada also says one-third of the fat Canadians eat come from snacks and fast foods and two-thirds of prepackaged foods in grocery stores have sugars added to them. It also said three-fourths of the sodium Canadians ingest comes from prepackaged and processed foods.

While these three factors are often considered to contribute to obesity, heart disease and diabetes, experts say it is possible to enjoy these foods in moderation.

“There’s nothing wrong with having chips,” Chelsea Cross, a registered dietitian, said.

“You want a Goldilocks’ amount,” she added.

She hopes the new labels will be educational.

“I’m very much of the opinion that the informed consumer is always going to be a better off consumer.”