Ontario is the king of street meat and other delicious insights into Canada’s love for hot dogs
From surprising toppings to unexpected dinner guests, we’re serving up a fresh perspective on this classic comfort food. We’re excited to share some delicious insights that highlight just how unique—and uniquely Canadian—our love for hot dogs really is!
Hot Dog Habits
- A staggering 78% of Canadians surveyed view hot dogs as comfort food, evoking feelings of nostalgia and easygoing summer memories.
- Hot Dogs are a household staple with 62% of respondents eating them monthly
- Most Canadians hot dog lovers eat at least two in one sitting, with 25 percent eating three
Who would have guessed: Hot Dog edition
- Respondents chose Keanu Reeves as the Canadiancelebrity they’d most like to enjoy a hot dog with. The beloved star received three times as many votes as Catherine O’Hara and Sidney Crosby who tied for second place
- No, it’s not a sandwich! Although most of us eat it with our hands, almost three-quarters (74%) of Canadian hot dog lovers agree they belong in a league of their own.
“There is something so wholesome and nostalgic about this simple dish that just sparks joy,” says Chef Samantha Lazuric, Head of Culinary, Maple Leaf Foods. “We love how each province takes such different approaches to enjoying hot dogs. They’re fun, full of flavour and so versatile.”
Serving Up Regional Pride—One Hot Dog at a Time
While many of the traditional favourites are the same across the country, there are several unique preferences that stand out among the regions.
- Quebec’s hot dog culture is both famous and unique, with 61% favouring steamed dogs aka “Steamé” – over triple the national average. Quebecers are also most likely of all regions to add coleslaw (48%), shredded lettuce, and use yellow mustard as a go-to condiment. They are also more likely than any other region in Canada to eat hot dogs at diners or restaurants.
- British Columbia is all international fusion, with a higher appetite for Japanese-inspired and South Asian and hot dog styles. Compared to the rest of the country, favourite toppings and condiments include caramelized onions, mayonnaise and hot sauce.
- Atlantic Canada stands out for its love of BBQ sauce, bacon, and buying Canadian — with 93% of respondents prioritizing purchases of local brands.
- The Prairies took the top spot for enjoying hot dogs at the cottage or while camping (74%), and chose ketchup chips as the most Canadian topping
- Ontario is the king of street meat — 57% prefer hot dogs from food trucks or street vendors, and are more likely than any other province to top them with pickles, tomatoes, and crispy onions. They’d also be most interested in trying them with kimchi!
Across the country, Canadians have their own unique way of enjoying a classic hot dog—shaped by local tastes, cultural influences, and regional traditions. This diversity is something to be celebrated. Whether it’s the way it’s prepared, the toppings that are chosen, or where it’s enjoyed, hot dogs reflect the local flavour of communities from coast to coast.
Vote for Canada’s Next Top Dog
Starting July 1, Canadians will have the chance to vote for Canada’s Next Top Dog by visiting https://www.mapleleaf.ca/promotions. Not only will voters help crown a regional fan favourite, but one lucky consumer will also win an unforgettable grand prize: a trip to any destination in Canada.
Maple Leaf Foods selected this prize with purpose—not only to offer something exciting and memorable, but to celebrate the incredible beauty of our country and show our support for Canadian destinations and tourism. It’s a meaningful way to connect with Canadians from coast to coast and share in the pride we all feel for the place we call home.
The Canada’s Next Top Dog campaign taps into that rich sense of regional identity and pride, using a beloved meal to bring Canadians together. It’s not just about naming a favourite—it’s about sharing stories, celebrating what makes each part of Canada distinct, and creating a sense of unity around something fun, nostalgic, and delicious.
About the Study
These are the findings of a survey conducted by Maple Leaf® Natural Top Dogs™ from April 23 to April 29, 2025, with a sample of N=1,514 Canadians 18 years and older who consumed a hot dog in the past 3 months or expect to consume hot dogs during the upcoming summer. The sample was balanced on age, gender and region and conducted in English and French. All respondents were members of the online Angus Reid Forum.
Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca
