A new study shows the Revised Canada Food Guide released in January is actually cheaper than the old one, but the savings aren't expected to last.

The research conducted by Dalhousie University and the University of Guelph has found following the new guide will save families 6.8 per cent of their annual food costs.

However, this new food guide has a strong emphasis on plant-based proteins.

"In our model, it clearly shows vegetable proteins will increase in price," says food researcher with Dalhousie and Lead Author, Dr. Sylvain Charlebois.

Charlebois says there's been reported tofu shortages across Canada because of increased demand.

Even though more tofu has been made available, prices have still gone up 15 per cent since January, he says.

Charlebois was speaking at the Alberta Beef Industry Conference in Red Deer this week, where he told the crowd these findings are good news for the beef sector.

"You can see that already there is some momentum which could actually make a product like beef more affordable if price differences actually narrow, eventually you have a better chance for beef to make a case for itself."

The study also shows friends and family are the most popular source for Canadians seeking nutrition information with Canada's Food Guide trailing in sixth.

"The Food Guide is not humanized, it's really an ideal," says Charlebois. "It's a picture and aspirations that are seen as out of reach for many Canadians."

He says connecting consumers with where their food comes from will allow the agriculture industry to bring food to life through culture, history and traditions which are not included in the food guide.

 

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