Christmas is just around the corner, and for many families, the cost of the festive feast is a major concern. But fear not, budget-conscious shoppers! A recent price comparison study by savings platform Raisin UK has revealed the cheapest supermarket for your Christmas dinner in 2024, offering some much-needed holiday cheer.
The study meticulously compared the prices of essential Christmas dinner ingredients across nine leading UK supermarkets: Aldi, Asda, Lidl, M&S, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Iceland, and Waitrose. The basket included all the traditional favorites: a succulent turkey, fluffy roast potatoes, savory stuffing, rich gravy, crisp Brussels sprouts, vibrant carrots, delightful pigs in blankets, sweet parsnips, tangy cranberry sauce, and golden Yorkshire puddings. The goal? To find the ultimate champion of Christmas affordability.
And the winner is…Aldi! This discount giant has emerged victorious, offering a complete Christmas dinner for a family of four at an unbelievably low price of just £23.15 – that’s a mere £5.79 per person! This significantly undercuts the competition, proving that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a delicious and traditional Christmas meal.
Coming in a close second was Lidl, with a total cost of £24.35 (£6.09 per person), showcasing the competitive pricing within the discount supermarket sector. Morrisons secured third place at £27.53 (£6.88 per person), demonstrating that even mid-range supermarkets can offer relatively affordable options. However, the disparity becomes stark when comparing these prices to the most expensive option: Marks & Spencer, where the same Christmas dinner would set you back a hefty £46.15, or £11.54 per person. That’s more than double the cost of Aldi’s festive offering!
Here’s a quick rundown of how the supermarkets ranked for a family of four:
1. Aldi: £23.15 (£5.79 per person)
2. Lidl: £24.35 (£6.09 per person)
3. Morrisons: £27.53 (£6.88 per person)
4. [Insert other supermarket rankings here – data would need to be obtained from Raisin UK’s study]
9. M&S: £46.15 (£11.54 per person)
Kevin Mountford, savings expert and co-founder of Raisin UK, comments on the findings: “With the ongoing cost of living crisis, families are understandably seeking ways to celebrate the festive season without excessive spending. Supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl offer excellent value and quality, providing a crucial lifeline to households during this often-expensive time of year. It’s also wise to start planning for Christmas 2025 now; setting up savings pots or utilizing Christmas saver accounts can make a huge difference in managing holiday expenses.” He emphasizes the importance of proactive financial planning to ease the burden of future Christmas celebrations.
This year, prioritize your Christmas budget without compromising on the festive spirit. Aldi’s winning price points make a delicious and affordable Christmas dinner a realistic possibility for every family. So, start planning your Christmas shop now and ensure a merry and bright, budget-friendly celebration!
