Interac summer spending data highlights Canadians’ strong desire to purchase affordable treats from local and Canadian businesses

New survey data from Interac Corp. indicates 78 per cent of Canadians have redirected at least one monthly purchase from a big-box or international retailer to a local Canadian business since tariffs were first announced, and, of note to the food industry, many are indulging, with 64 per cent saying buying affordable treats from local businesses lifts their mood.

A quarter of Canadians have shifted three to five purchases a month and one-fifth of Canadians have shifted six or more purchases a month, Interac said in a news release.

Interac Debit transaction data reflects the purchase pivot: for the first time in recent years, small and medium sized businesses consistently outpaced larger merchants in year-over-year volume growth between April and July 2025. During this period, businesses saw an incremental 15 million Interac Debit transactions compared with the same months in 2024.

“While larger merchants have traditionally led in Interac Debit volume growth, small and medium businesses are now growing their volume at a faster rate,” said Debbie Gamble, group head, chief strategy and marketing officer at Interac, in the release. “Our summer data snapshot shows Canadians are using their spending power with great intention — responding to global pressures through where they shop, what they buy and how they choose to pay.”

The new Interac data indicates five standout ways Canadians are spending this summer:

Small restaurants win big

Following tariff announcements, restaurants saw the most dramatic change. Within the April-July 2025 time period, volume growth for SMB restaurants was twice as large as their chain counterparts. Convenience stores and tourism-related SMBs also saw a boost.

Little treats, big comfort

At a time of heightened global economic uncertainty, many Canadians are turning to small indulgences – especially food – for comfort and connection. Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) say affordable treats help lift their mood, and 59 per cent say it feels even better when those purchases support local businesses. When asked to compare their spending this summer versus last:

• 42 per cent of Canadians are spending more on fresh produce from farmers’ markets
• 30 per cent are spending more on baked goods from local bakeries
• 21 per cent are spending more on premium jams, sauces and honeys

Essential luxuries

Interac also asked Canadians what non-essential purchases they would never cut from their budget – even when feeling financially squeezed.

More than a third of baby boomers and 27 per cent of millennials say purchases toward their health and wellness is the category they are least likely to eliminate from their budgets.
Three in 10 (30 per cent) of gen Z and 23 per cent of gen X report that streaming services are their number one spending priority they would not discontinue.

A quarter of gen Zs would not forgo skin care or personal care products.

Made in Canada — or not made in the U.S.

The preference for Canadian-made goods remains strong, with 70 per cent of Canadians checking product labels for Canadian origin before buying. If a Canadian option isn’t available, 65 per cent say they prioritize goods made outside the U.S.

Tap Canadian

Supporting local isn’t just about where Canadians shop: it’s also about how they pay. Four in 10 Canadians (42 per cent) were unaware that using Interac Debit can help small businesses save on transaction fees and keep more money in Canada, according to Interac, which adds that choosing this 100 per cent Canadian payment method helps dollars stay local, can support small businesses in their growth and hire and reinvest in their communities. Fifty-seven per cent say knowing the benefits makes them more likely to pay with Interac Debit.

About the survey

Interac commissioned Burson to survey 1,500 adult residents across Canada between July 25 and 31, 2025. The sample was randomly drawn from Leger’s web panel of potential respondents and weighted by age, gender and region to reflect Canada’s population distribution according to 2021 Census data.

The national Interac Debit transaction data cited pertains to fiscal year 2024-25, covering the period from November through July. All data is anonymized and aggregated.