Consumer Health in 2025: The big picture
Consumer health experienced robust value growth in 2025 with a notable uptick in performance compared to the previous year. Vitamins and dietary supplements continued to deliver category-leading growth while sports nutrition also saw solid growth as consumers made health and fitness a priority. The healthy ageing trend is a driving force in multiple categories, with consumers choosing to address gut health and seek support for stress and mood. Many consumers faced economic uncertainty in 2025, due to the lingering effects of high costs of living, and the introduction of Trump’s administration tariffs on the Canadian economy.
Key trends in 2025
Multifunctional products are trending in 2025, as brands look to differentiate in a crowded landscape and deliver tangible benefits to consumers through unique products. Multifunctional products also deliver value to consumers by providing multiple benefits for the cost of one product, thus appealing to value-savvy consumers who were looking to spend wisely in a still uncertain Canadian economy.
Competitive landscape
McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, globally owned by Kenvue Inc, was the leading company in 2025. McNeil offers well known and trusted brands in multiple OTC categories, yielding a strong market presence for the company. Leading brands include Tylenol in analgesics, Nicorette in NRT smoking cessation aids, and Benylin in cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies. While cough/cold products continued to see decline in 2025, including Benylin, McNeil benefited from growth in allergy as Benadryl gained share.
Channel developments
Pharmacies is the leading distribution channel for consumer health in Canada on the strength of their national retail networks and the sheer diversity of products offered. In 2025, store-based pharmacies increased sales, but it was not enough to keep pace with retail e-commerce, which is the most dynamic channel. Competitive pricing, better product availability, and loyalty programs, such as Loblaw’s PC Optimum program, are attracting consumers to buy consumer health products online. Added to this, e-commerce retailers are offering "buy online, pick up in-store" (BOPIS), same day delivery options, and online subscriptions which typically offer discounts when signing up. Popular e-commerce players include Shoppers Drug Mart national pharmacy chain, Amazon Canada, Walmart Canada, Well.ca, and supermarkets such as Loblaws and Metro banners. Major grocery retailers and pharmacies have embraced retail e-commerce to capitalise on this transition towards online shopping.
What next for Consumer Health?
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty in Canada, consumer health is expected to witness slow and steady value growth as Canadians prioritise their health and wellbeing. Dietary supplements are set to gain appeal as multifunctional products address consumer needs to support gut health, sleep issues and stress. Demand will continue to normalise in cough and cold remedies following the pandemic spike in demand and during late 2022.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Consumer Health industry in Canada with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Analgesics
- Cough, Cold and Allergy Remedies
- Digestive Remedies
- Dermatologicals
- NRT Smoking Cessation Aids
- Sleep Aids
- Eye Care
- Wound Care
- Vitamins
- Dietary Supplements
- Weight Management
- Sports Nutrition
- Herbal/Traditional Products
- Paediatric Consumer Health
If you're in the Consumer Health industry in Canada, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Consumer Health in Canada report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Consumer Health in Canada?
- Which are the leading brands in Consumer Health in Canada?
- How are products distributed in Consumer Health in Canada?
- How has the regulatory and operating environment for Consumer Health changed in Canada?
- How are considerations such as stress, self-medication and shifting consumer lifestyles shaping demand for Consumer Health
- How significant are wider health concerns and consumer awareness in determining sales?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Consumer Health in Canada
Consumer Health in 2025: The big picture
Key trends in 2025
Competitive landscape
Channel developments
What next for Consumer Health?
OTC registration and classification
Vitamins and dietary supplements registration and classification
Self-medication/self-care and preventive medicine
Switches
DISCLAIMER
DEFINITIONS
Analgesics in Canada
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Analgesics enjoys rebound as sales normalise
Haleon Canada ULC strengthens its lead in analgesics
Pharmacies are prominent in analgesics distribution
Bright outlook for analgesics as population grows
Retail e-commerce grows through investment
Legislative developments to avoid shortages could come to fruition
Sleep Aids in Canada
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Consumers reach for sleep aids as stress and anxiety takes its toll
Competitive landscape led by WN Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Pharmacy stores lose ground to retail e-commerce
Buoyant outlook for sleep aids
Innovation to focus on natural sleep aids
Rising awareness of sleep issues should have positive impact on category performance
Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies in Canada
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Weak cold & flu season dampens demand for cough and cold remedies
McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals leads with one-quarter value share
Pharmacies benefit from nationwide retail network
Flat performance will be lifted by higher incidence of allergies
Local manufacturing development to avoid future shortages
Strong private label competition
Dermatologicals in Canada
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Solid performance for dermatologicals
McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals has strong advantage with broad portfolio
Pharmacies hold a firm lead in dermatologicals
Slower outlook ahead for dermatologicals
Lice outbreaks at schools supporting demand for antiparasitics/lice (head and body) treatments
Warmer weather to drive demand for topical allergy remedies/antihistamines
Digestive Remedies in Canada
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Rising awareness of gut health drives category growth
McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals takes strong lead with familiar brands
Pharmacy sales are outpaced by retail e-commerce
Competitive threats could hamper future growth
Rising demand for affordable multi-functional products
Government focuses on needs of ageing population
Eye Care in Canada
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Strong performance for eye care
McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals also claims lead in eye care
Pharmacy channel is leading distribution channel for eye care
Stable outlook for eye care supported by ageing population
Retail e-commerce sales to gain momentum
Demand for allergy care is expected to rise
NRT Smoking Cessation Aids in Canada
KEY DATA FINDINGS
NRT smoking cessation aids face steady growth
McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals dominates the competitive landscape
Pharmacies offer range of NRT smoking cessation aids
NRT smoking cessation aids enjoys steady increase
Challenging outlook for NRT pouches
Government supports category with promotional efforts
Wound Care in Canada
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Population growth spurs sales of wound care
Major players embrace innovation to stay at the forefront of the wound care category
Pharmacies lead the distribution of wound care
More challenging period lies ahead for wound care
Strong focus on innovation to differentiate and drive sales
Bio-degradable bandages are making inroads
Sports Nutrition in Canada
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Health agenda drives use of sports nutrition products
Top position for Worldwide Sport Nutritional Supplements Inc
Retail e-commerce provides critical channel for sports nutrition
Healthier lifestyles provide grounds for optimism
Flavours and textures can support brand diffferentiation
Fiercely competitive landscape renders innovation essential
Dietary Supplements in Canada
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Strong performance as self-care habits gain traction
Jamieson Laboratories Ltd takes the helm in dietary supplements
Retail e-commerce exerts its strength in dietary supplements
Strong growth ahead for dietary supplements
Multi-functional products will crossover into beauty products
Authorisation of new strains highlights potential for further development of probiotics
Vitamins in Canada
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Strong demand for vitamins supports robust performance
Jamieson Laboratories Ltd extends its leading position
Retail e-commerce extends its lead with double-digit growth
Sales weaken following strong period of growth
Regulations put strong emphasis on sustainable packaging
New players emerge from outside the VDS industry
Weight Management and Wellbeing in Canada
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Weight management and wellbeing registers robust growth
Abbot Laboratories Inc bolsters its leading position
Pharmacies attract shoppers with wide range of products, promotions and loyalty programs
Rising demand for weight management and wellbeing products
Growing role for social media
Weight loss drugs pose competition for the category
Herbal/Traditional Products in Canada
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Topical analgesics drives overall category sales
International player Cadbury Adams Canada Inc takes the lead
Retail e-commerce overtakes the pharmacy channel
Positive outlook for herbal/traditional products
Brands will innovate amid continued focus on adaptogens
Local players to retain a strong position
Paediatric Consumer Health in Canada
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Flat performance as demand for paediatric analgesics declines
Leading position is held by McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals
Pharmacies hold a solid lead as e-commerce gains ground
Stable outlook for paediatric consumer health
Innovation will be a priority for players
New legislation may bring in policies to prevent shortages of paediatric analgesics
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Consumer Health
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- Adult Mouth Care
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- Adult Acetaminophen
- Adult Aspirin
- Adult Combination Products - Analgesics
- Adult Diclofenac
- Adult Dipyrone
- Adult Ibuprofen
- Adult Ketoprofen
- Adult Naproxen
- Adult OTC Triptans
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- Paediatric Acetaminophen
- Paediatric Aspirin
- Paediatric Combination Products - Analgesics
- Paediatric Dipyrone
- Paediatric Ibuprofen
- Paediatric Naproxen
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- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- Combination Products - Analgesics
- Diclofenac
- Dipyrone
- Ibuprofen
- Ketoprofen
- Naproxen
- OTC Triptans
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- Topical Analgesics/Anaesthetic
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- Sleep Aids
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- Antihistamines/Allergy Remedies (Systemic)
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- Paediatric Allergy Remedies
- Paediatric Cough/Cold Remedies
- Combination Products - Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies
- Cough Remedies
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- Nasal Sprays
- Oral Decongestants
- Inhalant Decongestants
- Decongestant Rubs
- Nasal Decongestant Drops
- Nasal Decongestant Plasters
- Medicated Confectionery
- Pharyngeal Preparations
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- Medicated Shampoos
- Topical Antifungals
- Vaginal Antifungals
- Hair Loss Treatments
- Nappy (Diaper) Rash Treatments
- Antiparasitics/Lice (Head and Body) Treatments
- Antipruritics
- Cold Sore Treatments
- Haemorrhoid Treatments
- Paediatric Dermatologicals
- Topical Allergy Remedies/Antihistamines
- Topical Germicidals/Antiseptics
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- Paediatric Diarrhoeal Remedies
- Paediatric Indigestion and Heartburn Remedies
- Paediatric Laxatives
- Paediatric Motion Sickness Remedies
- Diarrhoeal Remedies
- IBS Treatments
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- Antacids
- Antiflatulents
- Digestive Enzymes
- H2 Blockers
- Proton Pump Inhibitors
- Laxatives
- Motion Sickness Remedies
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- Emergency Contraception
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- Allergy Eye Care
- Standard Eye Care
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- NRT Gum
- NRT Inhalators
- NRT Lozenges
- NRT Patches
- Other NRT
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- First Aid Kits
- Gauze, Tape and Other Wound Care
- Sticking Plasters/Adhesive Bandages
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- Protein/Energy Bars
- Sports Protein Powder
- Sports Protein RTD
- Sports Non-Protein Products
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- Combination Dietary Supplements
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- Aloe
- Combination Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Cranberry
- Echinacea
- Evening Primrose Oil
- Garlic
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Ginseng
- St John's Wort
- Other Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
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- Co-Enzyme Q10
- Combination Non-Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Eye Health Supplements
- Fish Oils/Omega Fatty Acids
- Glucosamine
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- Calcium Supplements
- Mineral Supplements
- Probiotic Supplements
- Protein Supplements
- Other Non-Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Paediatric Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
- Tonics
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- Multivitamins
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- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Other Single Vitamins
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- Meal Replacement
- OTC Obesity
- Slimming Teas
- Supplement Nutrition Drinks
- Weight Loss Supplements
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- Herbal/Traditional Topical Analgesics
- Herbal/Traditional Sleep Aids
- Herbal/Traditional Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies
- Herbal/Traditional Digestive Remedies
- Herbal/Traditional Dermatologicals
- Herbal/Traditional Paediatric Dietary Supplements
- Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Herbal/Traditional Tonics
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- Allergy Eye Care
- Antihistamines/Allergy Remedies (Systemic)
- Paediatric Allergy Remedies
- Topical Allergy Remedies/Antihistamines
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- Paediatric Acetaminophen
- Paediatric Aspirin
- Paediatric Combination Products - Analgesics
- Paediatric Dipyrone
- Paediatric Ibuprofen
- Paediatric Naproxen
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- Paediatric Allergy Remedies
- Paediatric Cough/Cold Remedies
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- Paediatric Diarrhoeal Remedies
- Paediatric Indigestion and Heartburn Remedies
- Paediatric Laxatives
- Paediatric Motion Sickness Remedies
- Paediatric Dermatologicals
- Nappy (Diaper) Rash Treatments
- Paediatric Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
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Consumer Health
It is the aggregation of OTC, Vitamins and Dietary Supplements (VDS), Sports Nutrition, and Weight Management and Wellbeing
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This report originates from Passport, our Consumer Health research and analysis database.
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