Canadians Reveal Top Winter Comfort Foods

TORONTO – A new survey conducted by Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium¹ asking Canadians to share their emotional associations with food, cheese and the holidays finds that women are more comfort-driven eaters than men. The Canadian Comfort List, a study of 1,509 Canadians, asked about a series of comfort, holiday andfood associations.

The survey found that melted and creamy cheese dishes — from mac and cheese and poutine to fondue and pizza — are the ultimate winter indulgence. It also found that women associate food strongly with emotional comfort, ritual and indulgence — particularly warm, cozy and cheesy dishes.

Two-thirds of Canadians (65%) think of melted cheese dishes as winter comfort food, with women (71%) considerably ahead of men (60%), according to Parmigiano Reggiano. Other survey highlights include:

• My ideal winter evening includes takeout, Netflix or a quiet night in: Women 79%, Men 66%
• Cheese, especially in poutine, is a quintessentially Canadian comfort food: Women 76%, Men 69%
• Melted or creamy cheese dishes are especially comforting: Women 74%, Men 64%
• I think of pasta or risotto as winter comfort food: Women 58%, Men 42%
• I enjoy trending or viral winter foods (cheesy recipes, pastas, breads, baked treats popular on social media): Women 52%, Men 40%
• My ideal winter evening includes cozying up with cheese and wine: Women 42%, Men 36%

Women were also more likely than men to answer yes to a series of cheese statements, including:

• Cheese makes me feel cozy, happy, nostalgic and indulgent
• Cheese reminds me of home, family and the holidays
• I associate cheese with seasonal traditions or family celebrations
• I consider cheese the ultimate snacking food

“As winter approaches, we wanted to gauge Canadian sentiment on broad topics such as family, holidays, comfort and, naturally, cheese, especially since Parmigiano Reggiano is the ultimate comfort cheese,” said Nicola Bertinelli, president of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium. “What we found in the survey was remarkable: many Canadians, particularly women, feel a strong connection to cheese, associating warm, cozy nights and cheese dishes with comfort, family, ritual and the holidays. We are convinced that the values of our PDO are not only biodiversity, naturalness and versatility of use, but also sharing and celebrating moments with family and friends, such as Christmas, both in Italy and in the world.”

Canada’s Cheese Paradox

Despite their love of cheese, some Canadians experience discomfort. In this regard, women are twice as likely as men (19% vs. 10%) to say they love cheese, but it causes them pain, according to Parmigiano Reggiano. 

Lactose intolerance is quietly reshaping eating habits, particularly among younger Canadians, the company said. Nearly three-in-10 Canadians have someone in their household who avoids cheese due to lactose intolerance or sensitivity, according to Parmigiano Reggiano. Rates are higher among Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X (all above 30%) compared to Boomers (19%). Still, a large majority of Canadians (72%) enjoy cheese without barriers, Parmigiano Reggiano reported. 

Naturally Lactose-Free

Parmigiano Reggiano's King of Cheese is naturally lactose-free just 48 hours after production, as all of its lactose is transformed into lactic acid, said Parmigiano Reggiano.

There is one survey statement both men and women can agree on: While I typically feel skeptical, if a cheese is aged and naturally lactose-free, I am intrigued and would like to learn more. This holds true for 39% of women and 36% of men.

With over 3,500 tons exported in 2024 and a year-over-year increase of 24.5%, Canada is the fifth largest foreign market for Parmigiano Reggiano and one of the markets with the greatest potential, the company said.

¹These findings are from a survey conducted by the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium from November 12th to Nov. 14, 2025, among a representative sample of 1509 online adult Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.