New data from retail analysts at Kantar has shown that the price of Christmas dinner for four people has shot up by 6.5% this year. With the cost of living still affecting so many families, we’ve put together the best ways to cut the cost of your Christmas dinner and still enjoy it on a budget.
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.
Go for Frozen Veg & Meat
Not only will it mean the food won’t go off, but frozen is usually cheaper. Add a few things to your regular weekly shop in the run-up to Christmas and you won’t notice the cost as much. Take a look at the freezer section at your regular supermarket as they sometimes run offers like 3 for 2 on party food and veg. If you’re happy to have a frozen turkey, it can cost you £15 less.
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. It’s also worth buying wonky veg, it tastes the same but is a lot cheaper.
Look for Yellow Stickers
Do your research on when supermarkets mark down items. You can grab bargains in Christmas week, but you may have to shop late just before a supermarket closes and you run the risk of them not having exactly what you want. But shopping for yellow sticker items will help keep costs down.
Check Supermarket Loyalty Cards
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. Use cashback sites like Quidco and TopCashback to earn extra money back on your festive shopping, which you can use to swap for supermarket vouchers to use on the Christmas dinner big shop.
