Did you know the Canadian nutrition label change is slated to go into effect January 1, 2026? What does this mean for your grocery store?
This label change means that most packaged foods will need to be updated to meet the new requirements for front-of-package (FOP) symbols. For grocers, the transition won’t come without challenges as accuracy becomes key and real-time inventory becomes essential. Luckily, with its challenges, the nutrition label change also brings real advantages to boosting trust and transparency with shoppers.
The regulation requires a clear symbol on the front of packaged foods that exceed specific nutrient limits. These symbols will alert consumers when a product is high in sugars, sodium, or saturated fat.
Different product categories have different thresholds. Items with 30 grams or milliliters or more per serving follow one set of limits, while smaller portions have another. Prepared or main meal products are evaluated separately. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed foods are exempt from these rules.
The transition period runs until January 1, 2026, giving stores and suppliers time to update packaging and shelf information. Grocers should:
Grocers can clearly identify which products need relabeling, which to sell through quickly, and which to pull from shelves. Without strong inventory controls and updated product data, retailers risk compliance issues, shrink, or customer confusion during the transition. Starting early helps avoid last-minute challenges and keeps product displays consistent as the new labels appear across the market.
Front-of-package symbols will influence how customers shop. Items labeled as high in certain nutrients may experience slower sales as buyers choose alternatives.
Stores can respond by adjusting shelf layouts to feature reformulated or lower-sugar items. Using electronic shelf labels (ESLs) or point of sale (POS) tools can simplify updates to product data and track compliance. Additionally, this provides a chance to educate shoppers and highlight healthier options without limiting selection. Creating a higher level of transparency for shoppers, building trust and confidence in the brands and retailers they buy from.
Before the deadline, many stores will need a plan for managing products that do not meet the new label requirements. Some strategies include offering promotions or markdowns, donating items through food programs, or arranging supplier returns. Making it crucial to know exactly what’s on the shelves and in the back room.
Having the right inventory systems in place can help track which products, send alerts as deadlines approach, and manage accurate shelf data. These steps support compliance while minimizing waste and protecting margins.
Clear communication from grocers will help shoppers understand what the new symbols mean and how they can make informed buying decisions.
In-store signage, social media posts, and website content can clarify that a “high in” symbol does not mean a food is unhealthy; it simply provides information for comparison. When staff provide clear answers, customers perceive the store as transparent and dependable.
As 2026 approaches, grocers need to stay ahead of this front-of-package change. By auditing inventory and supplier timelines, you can identify products needing new packaging while getting a full picture of your current inventory needs. Updating signage and training staff on the new labels will help shoppers see you and a dependable and knowledgeable business. Stores that use this change to modernize their inventory management will be better positioned for smoother operations and stronger customer loyalty. Canadian nutrition label change is not just about compliance; it is an opportunity to show commitment to consumer health and clear communication.
