Canadian parents are feeling increasing pressures from other parents and peers, particularly when feeding their kids, according to a new study from Maple Leaf Foods. The research reveals a third of Canadian parents want others to think they are the “perfect parent” (31%) and feel guilty for feeding their kids foods they enjoy like hot dogs (34%), while an additional one in four said they felt judged by others for doing so (26%).

Canadian parents say they feel increasing pressure from multiple directions. Almost half say information they see in the news makes them feel pressured to make healthier choices for their kids (49%), while more than half feel an influence around healthy foods from social media (54%). Almost one in three say the pressure they feel comes from other parents (29%).

“Last year, we overhauled our entire Maple Leaf product portfolio as part of a ‘good food revolution,’ to provide Canadian parents with real, simple and natural meal solutions for stress and guilt-free meals for the entire family,” says Janet Riley, vice president of communications, Maple Leaf Foods. “With today’s parents balancing more than ever, food shouldn’t make their lives more complicated — and so products like our Natural Top Dogs are a convenient and nutritious choice that will satisfy hungry kids. In fact, many parents are surprised when they read the nutrition labels on our Top Dogs and see their excellent nutrition profile.”

The study also found that although two-thirds of Canadian parents want to provide their children with more healthy food options than they do currently (70%), the majority feel that providing their children with healthy food is expensive (71%) and time consuming (52%). While nearly half serve hot dogs whenever they have a gathering with kids (49%), close to a third don’t recognize that certain brands offer better-for-you options that make hot dogs a healthier choice (30%).

“As a mom of four young kids, I know parent guilt and mom shaming are very real, particularly when it comes to buying and serving food,” says Maureen Dennis, one of Canada’s top parenting experts. “I’m proud to partner with Maple Leaf and to help parents feel better about feeding their kids the foods they love.”

Maple Leaf Natural Top Dogs are available in major retailers nationwide in varieties including Original, BBQ, Chicken and Less Salt.

Source: Maple Leaf Foods, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.