What’s it like to feed a teenage boy? For Zohreh Gervais, it often feels like an arduous challenge. After believing she had bought a two-pound bag of baby carrots and hummus, she found the fridge empty when it came time to pack lunches. A quick inquiry with her sons revealed the truth: her older son, Théo, had devoured the snacks meant for the whole week.

According to researchers, teenage boys aged 14 to 18 are the most expensive demographic to feed in Canada. The Food Price Report estimates that by 2025, it will cost nearly $4,810 to keep an average boy in this age range well-fed, compared to around $3,997 for their female counterparts. What fuels this hunger?

The Science Behind the Hunger

Teens experience significant growth spurts, requiring increased caloric intake. Their energy needs are heightened by intense physical activity and the explosion of social gatherings where food is often central. Many young boys also find themselves influenced by social media where fitness trends and images of perfectly sculpted bodies dominate their feeds.

Living With a Bottomless Pit

Gervais recounted that family dinners often resemble scenes from a competitive eating contest; a meal meant to serve eight can vanish in minutes, leaving her incredulous. Grocery runs that used to last a week now require multiple trips. Breakfasts are quickly consumed during the chaotic mornings, but weekends see Théo indulging in massive meals that sometimes include remnants of clam chowder or six eggs.

To limit her grocery bill, Gervais now resorts to labeling foods as off-limits or hiding her favorite snacks. On special occasions, she watches in disbelief as Théo devours three steaks or a quiche made from a staggering eight eggs.

The Growth Phenomenon

At the heart of this hunger is a period dubbed 'peak height velocity,' when boys grow the fastest—averaging about 9.5 centimeters per year. By age 16, Théo stood at a towering six feet three inches, outgrowing his mother who now barely reaches his chest.

Balancing Nutrition and Cravings

In an era where protein is king, Théo focuses heavily on his intake, often opting for gym workouts that cultivate his growing physique. While Gervais encourages plant-based proteins, Théo continuously requests meat.

Dining Adventures and Late-Night Cravings

Weeks stretch on as Théo dreams of late-night snacks, envisioning his ultimate grocery haul filled with pepperoni sticks and ramen. Not far from his house, Peter Napier, an 18-year-old with an insatiable appetite, finds himself busy between high school and preparing for a prestigious engineering program. His day revolves around meals, often scaling mountains of food—like an overstuffed burrito after basketball practice.

Napier’s friends regularly gather at fast food spots, not just for nourishment but for the teenage ritual of bonding over food and shared laughter. The numbers on his banking app tell the story of a young man whose life centers around food spends, capturing the spirit of daily adolescent life.

One Hungry Teen’s Journey

Dondre Sim, 18, has taken on the responsibility of self-feeding, moving out early and mastering the art of efficient grocery shopping. Regular Costco trips see Sim stocking up on essentials while learning to cook a variety of dishes—he shuns fast food in favor of homemade meals.

While many young adults in his situation face food insecurity, Sim has managed to balance a part-time job with his culinary ambitions, striving to ensure that nutrient-rich meals fuel his body. He emphasizes the importance of quality food—eating healthy is non-negotiable.

The lives of these boys reflect a blend of growth, hunger, and social bonds tied intricately to food, teaching us about the unique challenges and joys presiding in feeding the insatiable appetites of teenage boys.