These are the top comfort foods Canadians crave as temperatures drop

As winter continues to be felt across Canada, Canadians are increasingly turning to Google in search of culinary comfort.

A new report from Chefs Plate unveiled that as temperatures drop, search queries surge  for hearty, warming comfort foods.

Chefs Plate, a prominent meal-kit company, conducted a deep dive into the data to uncover the nation's most sought-after comfort foods and the culinary delights that peak during the colder months. Their findings reveal a tantalizing array of dishes that offer solace and satisfaction in the face of winter's chill.

According to the findings, leading the pack is the quintessential Canadian comfort food, poutine, with an impressive average of 165,000 monthly searches. Originating in Quebec in the late 1950s, this iconic dish of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy has captured the hearts and appetites of Canadians nationwide. Recent weeks have seen searches for "how to make poutine at home" skyrocket by a staggering 5,000%, while queries for "easy poutine recipe" surged by 110%.

Coming in second place was soup, which had over 49,500 searches, followed by Nanaimo bars and perogies with 40,500 searches respectively. 

Chefs Plate said it analyzed Canadian comfort foods and extracted search volumes across the recent winter months (October to December 2023) to crown Canadian’s top comfort foods.

Canadians Top Winter Comfort Foods

1. Poutine

2. Soup

3. Nanaimo Bars

4. Perogies

5. Butter Tart

6. Mashed Potatoes

7. Beaver Tails

8. Bannock

9. Apple Cider

10. Shortbread 

According to a spokesperson from Chefs Plate, "When the temperature drops, our bodies crave hearty, comforting, and warming dishes, which is why it’s no surprise to see poutine, beaver tails, and perogies among the top searches right now. Eating foods like these helps to warm the body from the inside, and can also combat low energy and circulation."

So, the next time you find yourself yearning for a cozy and comforting meal, why not indulge in one of Canada's most beloved dishes?

Whether it's a steaming bowl of soup or a decadent serving of poutine, these winter delights are sure to warm both body and soul. After all, when the temperature drops, there's nothing quite like the comfort of a home-cooked meal to lift our spirits and nourish our hearts.