4 Best Consumer Staples ETFs in Canada (June 2026)
The best consumer staples ETFs in Canada include XST.TO (~0.61% MER), STPL.TO (~0.20%), ZXLP.TO (~0.39%), and ZEAT.TO (~0.61%). These ETFs provide exposure to essential goods companies, offering defensive stability and consistent income, but with lower growth potential compared to broader market ETFs.
Consumer staples ETFs are designed for Canadian investors seeking stable, defensive exposure to companies that produce essential goods like food, beverages, and household products. ETFs like XST.TO, STPL.TO, ZXLP.TO, and ZEAT.TO provide access to companies with consistent demand regardless of economic conditions.
The key advantage of consumer staples ETFs is their resilience during market downturns, as demand for everyday products remains steady. However, they typically offer lower growth potential compared to cyclical sectors like technology.
In this guide, we break down the best consumer staples ETFs in Canada, comparing diversification, fees, and risk so you can decide how they fit into your TFSA, RRSP, or balanced portfolio.
At a Glance: Quick Comparison
Side-by-side snapshot of fees, yield, and returns. Data updates daily.
| ETF | MER | AUM | Yield | YTD | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top XST.TO iShares S&P/TSX Capped Consumer Staples Index ETF | — | $399M | 0.69% | +1.74% | +11.92% |
STPL.TO BMO Global Consumer Staples Hedged | — | $35M | 2.15% | +3.40% | +3.30% |
ZXLP.TO BMO SPDR Consumer Staples Select Sector Index ETF | — | $5M | 0.93% | +10.48% | +9.76% |
ZEAT.TO BMO Global Agriculture ETF | — | $4M | 1.83% | +9.99% | +1.81% |
What Is an ETF?
A consumer staples ETF in Canada is an exchange-traded fund that invests in companies producing essential goods such as food, beverages, personal care items, and household products. These ETFs provide exposure to a defensive sector with stable revenue and consistent demand.
For example, XST.TO (~0.61% MER) tracks Canadian consumer staples companies, while STPL.TO (~0.20% MER) provides exposure to global consumer staples leaders. ZXLP.TO (~0.39% MER) focuses on U.S. consumer staples stocks with strong dividend profiles, and ZEAT.TO (~0.61% MER) offers a more thematic approach tied to global food and agriculture trends.
Consumer staples ETFs are commonly used in TFSAs and RRSPs for stability and income. Investors should consider sector concentration and lower growth potential compared to broader equity ETFs.
The 4 Best ETFs: Ranked & Reviewed
Detailed breakdown of each pick with live data.
iShares S&P/TSX Capped Consumer Staples Index ETF
$64.78
+1.74% YTD
Returns
YTD
+1.74%
1Y
+11.92%
3Y
+18.28%
5Y
+14.57%
BMO Global Consumer Staples Hedged
$24.66
+3.40% YTD
NA
Returns
YTD
+3.40%
1Y
+3.30%
3Y
+4.27%
5Y
+3.86%
BMO SPDR Consumer Staples Select Sector Index ETF
$31.09
+10.48% YTD
Returns
YTD
+10.48%
1Y
+9.76%
3Y
—
5Y
—
BMO Global Agriculture ETF
$27.08
+9.99% YTD
NA
Returns
YTD
+9.99%
1Y
+1.81%
3Y
+2.07%
5Y
—
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Defensive sector with stable demand regardless of economic cycles
- Consistent dividends from established consumer brands
- Lower volatility compared to cyclical sectors like tech or energy
- Useful for portfolio stability during market downturns
Cons
- Lower growth potential compared to high-growth sectors
- Sector concentration increases risk compared to diversified ETFs
- Can underperform during strong bull markets
- Some ETFs may have higher MERs depending on strategy
Compare These ETFs Head-to-Head
Drill into a side-by-side breakdown of performance, AUM, and yield.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best consumer staples ETF in Canada?
XST.TO is a popular consumer staples ETF in Canada due to its focused exposure to domestic companies. For global diversification, STPL.TO and ZXLP.TO provide access to international consumer staples leaders.
Are consumer staples ETFs a good investment?
Consumer staples ETFs are considered a good defensive investment because they provide stable income and lower volatility. However, they typically offer slower growth compared to more cyclical sectors.
Should I include consumer staples ETFs in my portfolio?
Consumer staples ETFs can help stabilize a portfolio, especially during market downturns. They are often used as a defensive satellite position alongside growth-oriented and broad-market ETFs.