Food inflation Canada recorded in January was 7.3%, and yes, the GST holiday makes that number look worse than it is. So Dr. Charlebois did the math without it. Remove the holiday effect entirely and you land at 6.2 to 6.3 percent, which is still enough to put Canada at the top of the G7. You were hoping the holiday was the whole story. It wasn't.

Skimflation is harder to spot than shrinkflation because the package doesn't change. The grandson of the man who invented Reese's Peanut Butter Cups says Hershey swapped ingredients for cheaper alternatives, and the taste changed. Cocoa fell from $12,000 US per metric ton to $3,800 in 2025, so why haven't prices followed? Your Easter chocolate was already manufactured before the drop. Halloween candy is a different calculation.

Loblaw runs grocery margins between 22 and 32 percent gross, with net profit across all divisions at 2.5 to 4 percent. That number includes banking and real estate. The grocery store profit debate has an actual answer, and it's more complicated than the headlines suggest.

Topics: food inflation Canada, skimflation Reese's peanut butter cups, cocoa prices 2025, grocery store margins, G7 food inflation

GUEST: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois | @‌foodprofessor

Originally aired on 2026-02-19

Food inflation Canada recorded in January was 7.3%, and yes, the GST holiday makes that number look worse than it is. So Dr. Charlebois did the math without it. Remove the holiday effect entirely and you land at 6.2 to 6.3 percent, which is still enough to put Canada at the top of the G7. You were hoping the holiday was the whole story. It wasn't.
Skimflation is harder to spot than shrinkflation because the package doesn't change. The grandson of the man who invented Reese's Peanut Butter Cups says Hershey swapped ingredients for cheaper alternatives, and the taste changed. Cocoa fell from $12,000 US per metric ton to $3,800 in 2025, so why haven't prices followed? Your Easter chocolate was already manufactured before the drop. Halloween candy is a different calculation.
Loblaw runs grocery margins between 22 and 32 percent gross, with net profit across all divisions at 2.5 to 4 percent. That number includes banking and real estate. The grocery store profit debate has an actual answer, and it's more complicated than the headlines suggest.
Topics: food inflation Canada, skimflation Reese's peanut butter cups, cocoa prices 2025, grocery store margins, G7 food inflation
GUEST: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois | @&zwnj;foodprofessor
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-19

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.