This comes as food inflation continues to outpace wage growth, squeezing household budgets at a time traditionally associated with indulgence, generosity, and gathering.
The rise in cost is largely attributed to increased prices of staples like poultry, potatoes, vegetables, and festive favourites such as mince pies and stuffing. Rising transportation and energy costs, coupled with labour shortages and global supply chain disruptions, are also playing their part.
But a pricier Christmas dinner doesn’t have to mean a poorer celebration. Here’s how savvy shoppers and home cooks can trim costs without trimming joy.
1. Plan Ahead and Budget Smart
Create your Christmas food plan now, yes, in the summer if you can. Note what you’ll actually eat and what typically gets wasted. That forgotten third dessert? Probably not worth the spend.
Write a detailed shopping list and stick to it. Budget by meal or per guest and avoid buying “just in case” extras that end up in the bin.
2. Embrace Seasonal and Local Produce
British-grown carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts are not only cheaper when in season, but also fresher and tastier. Shopping from local farm shops or markets can help you bypass supermarket markups.
Look for veg box schemes or local suppliers offering festive bundles at lower costs than big retailers.
3. Consider Alternative Centrepieces
Turkey prices have surged, so why not opt for chicken, pork shoulder, a meat-free nut roast, or even a pie? A whole chicken can feed a smaller group for less than half the cost of a turkey, and vegetarian options can be both budget-friendly and showstopping.
You could even consider serving a hot buffet of comforting seasonal dishes instead of a formal sit-down meal, reducing both meat quantities and overall costs.
4. Share the Load
Hosting? Don’t be shy, ask guests to contribute. One could bring the pudding, another the wine or crackers. This makes the meal more affordable and inclusive.
Hosting a potluck-style Christmas dinner is growing in popularity and turns meal prep into a shared celebration.
5. Start Stocking Up Now
Take advantage of offers and discounts on non-perishablesm cranberry sauce, gravy granules, stuffing mix, and tinned goods. Spread the cost across the autumn months rather than swallowing a massive December food bill.
Use loyalty points, discount vouchers, and cashback apps to help ease the financial load.
6. Shop Around and Compare Prices
Don’t assume your regular supermarket is the cheapest. Use comparison apps or websites to track prices on key Christmas items, or explore budget retailers like Aldi, Lidl, or local cash-and-carry stores.
Some butchers and smaller retailers offer pre-order discounts or bundle deals, so ask early and book ahead.
7. Reduce Waste and Use Leftovers Creatively
In the UK, we throw away around 7 million tonnes of food annually, much of it around Christmas. Plan meals that use leftovers creatively: turkey curry, bubble and squeak, festive soup, or a hearty sandwich with all the trimmings.
Store leftovers properly and freeze what you can for January “freezer surprise” meals.
8. Make Your Own
Homemade items like stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and even mince pies can be cheaper and tastier than shop-bought. Baking together is a low-cost activity that adds meaning to the meal.
If time is short, enlist help from family members and make it a communal experience.
Final Thoughts
While the BRC’s prediction may cause some festive fret, it’s also an opportunity to rethink our approach to Christmas dinner. Spending less doesn’t mean enjoying less, it means making smarter, more conscious choices.
A well-planned, joyfully cooked meal, shared with loved ones, has always been the real heart of Christmas. And no inflation figure can price that out.
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