Milk prices up 5.5% across Canada: Field Agent

Milk prices are up 5.5% since June 2024, Field Agent Canada has reported in a new study.  

The research firm conducted audits at 185 retail stores across 20 Canadian cities for its 2026 Canadian Fluid Milk Report.

Field Agent said the cost of a 4-litre of 2% milk has risen across the board since its last study in June 2024. 

The audit was conducted after the Canadian Dairy Commission’s (CDC) increase in farmgate milk prices came into effect on Feb. 1. 

The CDC announced last fall that farmgate prices would rise by 2.3%.

Kelowna, B.C. saw the smallest change in milk prices with an increase of 2.47%, rising from $1.62 per litre to $1.66 per litre. Shoppers in Charlottetown—found to have the most expensive milk in the country in Field Agent’s last report—saw a 10% increase. 

The lowest price for 2% milk in Canada was found at a No Frills in Regina, Sask. for just $2.77.

Field Agent compared Canadian milk prices to Walmart stores in the U.S. The average price per litre (adjusted to Canadian dollars) was 27% cheaper than the average price in Canada, the company said. 

The report also found the price gap between cow’s milk and almond milk has increased from 2.5% in 2024 to 11.4% in 2026.

“The regional disparity in the price for 2% milk continues to be an issue for Canadians struggling with high grocery prices. The large spread in milk prices from one region to the next is driven by the inefficiency of cost-plus pricing policies and the segregation of the milk industry by province,” said Jeff Doucette, general manager of Field Agent Canada, in the study. “Consumers are getting fleeced on milk prices due to small and inefficient industries in Atlantic Canada and a very strong dairy industry lobby in Quebec. Creating one national milk market would allow farmers and producers who are most efficient to grow and further drive down costs, therefore allowing shoppers to have lower prices while actually strengthening our Canadian dairy industry.”