For Canadians trying to cut back on dining out due to rising costs, there’s a delightful alternative that won’t break the bank – gourmet pastries. With exquisite taste and craftsmanship, these treats offer a slice of luxury that’s well worth the splurge. This trend is on the rise, with local bakeries experiencing a surge in sales and even expanding their offerings to meet consumer demand.

The Rise of Gourmet Pastries

Strolling down Toronto’s Harbord Street, one is met with a myriad of dining options. However, for those on a budget, the standout choice is the bustling Emmer Bakery. Here, patrons line up patiently in the morning to grab the highly coveted pistachio croissant before it sells out. This pastry delicacy, with its airy, honeycombed texture and decadent pistachio cream, is a testament to the bakery’s commitment to excellence.¹

Canadians are increasingly indulging in such affordable luxuries as the cost of dining out skyrockets. These treats, ranging from pistachio croissants to slices of Basque cheesecake and organic flour scones, offer a more economical way to enjoy gourmet food without the hefty restaurant bill. Federal data indicates that in 2024, retail sales of baked goods expanded by 7.2 per cent to $11.8 billion. Moreover, a recent Interac survey found that 30% of Canadians reported spending more at local bakeries compared to the previous year.²

Emmer Bakery: The Epitome of Success

Philip Haddad, the owner of Emmer Bakery, attests to this trend. “They don’t want to go out and spend $400 on dinner any more,” he says. Emmer has been operating at its highest capacity since opening four years ago, quadrupling its production to keep up with the growing demand. The average spend at Emmer is about $25 per person, a testament to the affordability of these gourmet pastries.³

Despite the price increase of ingredients and labour, Haddad maintains the quality of his offerings. His top-selling pistachio croissant, priced at $10.50, is a labour of love that requires overnight preparation. While the price increase might seem steep, consumers are more than willing to pay for this little piece of luxury.⁴

The Appeal of High-End Pastries

In Halfmoon Bay, B.C., local resident Beth Jay is among those who find high-end pastries worth the occasional splurge. She frequently indulges in caramelized crust canelés and custard-filled danishes from her favourite café, Middlechild. Despite the rising costs of raw ingredients, these pastries offer something unique and luxurious that can’t be replicated at home.⁵

Indeed, the rising cost of dining out, coupled with the pandemic’s economic impact, has led many Canadians to rethink their spending habits. According to a recent report from Restaurants Canada, spending at restaurants has declined by 11 per cent per capita since 2019.⁶

The Future of Gourmet Pastries

In Montreal, the renowned patisserie Rhubarbe is thriving despite the challenging circumstances. Owner and acclaimed pastry chef Stéphanie Labelle reports that her business has seen its most successful years since the onset of the pandemic. She attributes this success not only to the quality of her pastries but also to the joy they bring to her customers. “I love seeing people’s eyes when they see a dessert and they’re like ‘Oh my god, it’s so good,’” says Labelle.⁷

Ultimately, the rise of gourmet pastries amidst challenging economic times reflects Canadians’ desire for affordable luxuries. These delightful treats offer a way to enjoy the finer things in life without breaking the bank, ensuring that they are here to stay.

References:

1. Kogan, S. (2024). “Pastry chef Amelia Becking puts freshly baked pains au chocolat out to cool at Emmer Bakery in Toronto”. The Globe and Mail.

2. Interac (2024). “Interac survey of 1,500 Canadians”.

3. Kogan, S. (2024). “Emmer has quadrupled production since it opened four years ago”. The Globe and Mail.

4. Kogan, S. (2024). “Emmer’s pistachio croissant is always quick to sell out”. The Globe and Mail.

5. Jay, B. (2024). Personal interview.

6. Restaurants Canada (2024). “Restaurant Spending Report”.

7. Labelle, S. (2024). Personal interview.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

See Full Bio