Lasy year data from retail analysts at Kantar showed that the price of Christmas dinner for four people shot up by 6.5%. With the cost of living still affecting so many families, we had a look to see if that’s still the case and put together the best ways to cut the cost of your Christmas dinner and still enjoy it on a budget.
With grocery inflation still hovering around 4-5%, many households are feeling the pressure this festive season. While some 2025 reports show the average cost of a Christmas dinner has slightly fallen compared to last year, prices for items like chocolate and certain meats remain elevated, meaning it still pays to shop smart.
The good news? With a little planning and flexibility, you can still enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner without overspending. Here’s how to keep costs down this year.
Plan Your Meal and Write a List
Find out how many people are coming to dinner and write a list of everything you’ll need. It’s common to overbuy at Christmas, but it’s a good idea to actually buy what you’ll use so you don’t overspend or throw out food. You can even check the price of everything online and do an online click-and-collect order or delivery to stop you from impulse buying in-store. The moment you start grabbing extras, like an extra box of mince pies here, or a cheeseboard there, it’ll rack up the bill.
Making a list helps you:
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Avoid impulse buys
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Stop doubling up on ingredients
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Stick to your budget
If possible, spread the cost by buying a few items each week in December rather than doing one expensive food shop.
Consider Cheaper Alternatives
Christmas dinner doesn’t have to mean turkey.
Switching to chicken, pork, gammon or even a meat-free centrepiece can knock several pounds off your food bill.
Other swaps:
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Frozen veg instead of fresh will usually be cheaper and won’t go off as quickly
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“Wonky” veg packs taste the same but don’t look as pretty
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Own-brand sauces, stuffing or desserts
Frozen food is often just as nutritious, and usually much cheaper.
Choose Own-Brand Items
There are so many easy swaps you can make without sacrificing the quality of your dinner. Instead of fresh stuffing, buy the own-brand packet mix. There’s also no need to buy branded gravy when you know how to make it yourself from the turkey juices.
Look for Yellow Stickers
Yellow-sticker reductions still exist, but supermarkets now discount throughout the day and throughout December, not just close to closing time.
Try shopping:
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Early December for frozen items
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Mid-December for deals on veg and trimmings
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22nd–24th for reduced meat or bakery items
If you have freezer space, freeze bargains when you spot them.
Use Supermarket Loyalty Cards, Discounts and Cashback Apps
Most supermarkets you shop at will have a loyalty card you can use to build points that equal money off your shopping, or coupons for specific items you buy. It’s also worth checking if you can get a first-shop discount. Some supermarkets offer £20 off an £80 spend or 25% off your shopping the first time you shop online with them.
To save even more, try:
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Cashback apps like Shopmium, GreenJinn, or TopCashback
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Discounted food apps like Too Good To Go and Olio
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Voucher code extensions online
Even small savings across several items add up quickly at Christmas.
Share the Cost
If you’re hosting this Christmas, don’t feel you need to cover everything alone.
Ask guests to bring:
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A side dish (roasties, veg, stuffing)
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Dessert
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Drinks
Turning dinner into a small potluck can take a big weight off your food budget.
Reduce Waste and Save Money on Leftovers
Plan meals that make use of leftovers to stretch your food further.
Think curry, bubble & squeak, sandwiches, soups, or pies.
If you know certain items always go untouched, buy less; it’s better for your budget and the environment.
Christmas dinner doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With some planning, smart shopping, and a bit of flexibility, you can enjoy the festive feast you love without overspending.
If debt worries are impacting your Christmas, remember, you’re not alone. Our team is here to help you explore your options.
