New research from Maple Leaf lifts the lid on
the pressures Canadian parents face when choosing the right foods
for their kids
TORONTO, Aug. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - Canadian
parents are feeling increasing pressures from other parents and
peers, particularly when feeding their kids, according to a new
study from Maple Leaf Foods. The research reveals a third of
Canadian parents want others to think they are the 'perfect parent'
(31 per cent) and feel guilty for feeding their kids foods they
enjoy like hot dogs (34 per cent), while an additional one in four
said they felt judged by others for doing so (26 per cent).
Canadian parents say they feel increasing pressure from multiple
directions. Almost half say information they see in the news makes
them feel pressured to make healthier choices for their kids (49
per cent), while more than half feel an influence around healthy
foods from social media (54 per cent). Almost one in three say the
pressure they feel comes from other parents (29 per cent).
"Last year, we overhauled our entire Maple Leaf product
portfolio as part of a 'good food revolution,' to provide Canadian
parents with real, simple and natural meal solutions for stress and
guilt-free meals for the entire family," said Janet Riley, Vice President of Communications,
Maple Leaf Foods. "With today's parents balancing more than ever,
food shouldn't make their lives more complicated – and so products
like our Natural Top Dogs are a convenient and nutritious choice
that will satisfy hungry kids. In fact, many parents are
surprised when they read the nutrition labels on our Top Dogs and
see their excellent nutrition profile."
The study also found that although two thirds of Canadian
parents want to provide their children with more healthy food
options than they do currently (70 per cent), the majority feel
that providing their children with healthy food is expensive (71
per cent) and time consuming (52 per cent). And while nearly half
serve hot dogs whenever they have a gathering with kids (49 per
cent), close to a third don't recognize that certain brands offer
better-for-you options that make hot dogs a healthier choice (30
per cent).
"As a mom of four young kids, I know parent guilt and mom
shaming are very real, particularly when it comes to buying and
serving food," said Maureen Dennis,
one of Canada's top parenting
experts. "I'm proud to partner with Maple Leaf and to help parents
feel better about feeding their kids the foods they love."
Maple Leaf Natural Top Dogs are available in major retailers
nationwide in varieties including Original, BBQ, Chicken and Less
Salt.
To learn more about Maple Leaf's Natural Top Dogs, visit
www.topdogsfacts.ca
About the research:
- Research was conducted by Maple Leaf Foods via a research panel
from AskingCanadians between June
27th and July
3rd, 2019.
- 945 interviews were completed with a representative sample of
Canadians balanced for gender, age and region, who met the
following criteria:
-
- Play a role in the decision-making process for grocery shopping
in the household.
- Do not have certain dietary restrictions such as Halal, Vegan,
Vegetarian, no meat (beef, chicken, pork).
- Responsible Parenting including households with children under
the age of 18 years (n=555).
About Maple Leaf Foods:
Maple Leaf Foods is a producer
of food products under leading brands including Maple Leaf®, Maple
Leaf Prime®, Maple Leaf Natural Selections®, Schneiders®,
Schneiders® Country Naturals®, Mina®, Greenfield Natural Meat Co.®,
Lightlife™, Field Roast Grain Meat Co.™ and Swift®. Maple Leaf
employs approximately 12,500 people and does business
in Canada, the U.S. and Asia. The Company is
headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario and its shares
trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MFI).
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SOURCE Maple Leaf Foods Inc.