The growing consumer demand for food choices that support healthy lives and a sustainable planet

As the demand for organic products continues to grow, Healthy Planet has steadily expanded its retail footprint and the range of its organic offerings. supplied

Supporting one’s health through food choices has become a dominant trend over the past several years. Canadian consumers are increasingly drawn to food and beverage products that promise a health benefit, as well as products that boost sustainability and environmental benefit.

The shift toward healthier, more sustainable eating habits has driven an increase in the organic food market in Canada and consumer demand for a widening range of products that are certified organic.

Canadian, family-owned food retailer Healthy Planet has made organic and other natural, clean food a centrepiece of its business and continues to expand its footprint as the marketplace responds favourably. It has evolved into Canada’s largest health and wellness e-commerce website and wellness retail store chain.

Two years ago, Healthy Planet had 35 retail locations across Ontario, and today, the number has grown to 45, with its latest store opening on August 21, 2026, at the corner of Yonge and Eglinton in mid-town Toronto.

“We consider supporting the organic cause to be a core part of our mission,” says Monica Walker, head of food and grocery for Healthy Planet. “That means when we look to source our fresh produce, our first priority is to choose certified organic and, where possible, Canadian-grown.”

Supporting the cause also means informing consumers about the value of organic when they visit  stores looking for guidance on healthy choices.

“We are seeing more customers coming in and asking how organic products can meet their need for healthy, nutritious food for their families,” Ms. Walker says. “We explain that organic certification tells us the food was grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, and that it is more nutritious.”

The other points that resonate with many customers are the environmental benefits, she adds.

“Yes, organic certification is about the food, but it’s also about the soil that the food is grown in. Organic methods replenish soil health in natural ways, and that’s so important for the planet and the future sustainability of food production.”

Customers are attracted to the high quality and chemical-free nature of organic products but also need to consider affordability, as sometimes these products cost more, Ms. Walker says.

While many consumers are fine with paying a premium for organic, Healthy Planet puts a priority on finding ways to keep prices as close as possible to conventionally grown products.

“Our goal is to help people live a healthy life and deliver quality food at a price that people can afford,” says Ms. Walker. “We work with our suppliers to support competitive pricing models, and we’re often able to keep our prices the same as or lower than many conventional equivalents.”

The range of organic products continues to expand in the aisles of Healthy Planet stores. Trends that are having an impact in food sales more generally are also bringing more options to the stores’ customers.

This includes growth in sales of food that has been fortified with another ingredient to provide additional health benefits.

“The crossover of supplementation into the food marketplace has been one of the biggest trends in the past five years. People are looking for products with added protein or fibre, and we’re doing that more and more with organic products as well,” she says. “High-protein and high-fibre products are appearing across breakfast foods, snacks and beverages.”

At a time when people are looking for time-saving options, more Healthy Planet stores (now seven) are enhanced by Healthy Planet Kitchens, where on-the-go meals, fresh smoothies and coffee are available.

“We know that people are often pressed to find time to cook, so we are offering them the chance to dine in-store or pick up prepared meals to take home,” Ms. Walker explains. “As much as possible, these kitchen offerings are certified organic and sourced locally – another opportunity for customers to learn about the variety of organic offerings.”

While fresh organic produce remains a cornerstone of Healthy Planet’s appeal and growing customer base, the stores also sell organic meat, fish and dairy products, as well as vitamins and supplements, and products in the categories of health and beauty and sports nutrition.

“Our core goal is to help our customers live healthy lives and to provide affordable value that serves them and the health of the planet,” Ms. Walker says.

To view this report on The Globe's website, visit globeandmail.com

To view the full report as it appeared in The Globe's print edition Celebrating Organic Month