With Christmas just around the corner, Australians are busy planning out every inch of their perfect festive feast. From the delicious menu to table settings and everything in between, there’s only less than a week to make the finishing touches perfect.
Hot on the mind is the rising cost of groceries at the checkout and new research from meal kit brand, HelloFresh is revealing just how much we will be spending on our festive feasts.
The HelloFresh Aussie Christmas Day Food Spending Report 2024 reveals that whilst inflation and the rising cost of living is making Aussies more mindful of their holiday spending, food remains at the heart of the Christmas celebration.
So, how are Aussies balancing their budgets without skimping on the holiday spread?
Who’s Splurging and Who’s Saving This Christmas?
This year, younger Australians (aged 18–34) are leading the way when it comes to higher food budgets. Over 38% of this group plan to spend more on their Christmas meals compared to last year, typically allocating between $100 and $300 for food.
In contrast, older Aussies (aged 55–75) are opting for a more cautious approach. Around 30% of older Australians are planning to spend under $100, tightening their belts due to financial pressures.
When it comes to spending patterns, Queenslanders are the biggest planners, with 43% intending to allocate $100–$300 for their Christmas meals. Meanwhile, the Northern Territory is a standout, with more than 50% of respondents planning to spend over $500 on their festive meals.
While some states are going big with their celebrations, Western Australia and New South Wales are keeping things more low-key with their budgets.
What’s On the Menu for Christmas 2024?
Despite tighter budgets, Aussies are still prioritising their Christmas meals. Ham remains the star of the show, with 39% of respondents saying it’s the most important part of their Christmas feast. Seafood and side dishes come in as close runners-up, with plenty of Aussies indulging in a variety of options for their festive spread.
Regionally, the Northern Territory and ACT love a balanced meal of seafood, ham, and drinks, while in New South Wales and Victoria, the focus is on variety with an extra emphasis on side dishes, seafood, and beverages. New South Wales also leads the way when it comes to dessert spending, while Tasmania indulges in sweet treats, making sure their festive spread is as sweet as can be.
How Aussies Are Adjusting Their Christmas Plans
Nearly half of Australian households are adjusting their budgets to accommodate higher grocery prices this year. To make the most of their budgets, 26% of Aussies are scaling back the size of their celebrations, and 17% are opting for simpler menus. Additionally, 23% of respondents are turning to more affordable brands to keep their meals delicious without breaking the bank.
Hannah Gilbert, Senior Director of Product Development at HelloFresh Group ANZ, spoke to the research findings and what it meant for Aussie families.
She said, “This Christmas, Aussies are finding smart ways to enjoy the season without overdoing it. With the rising cost of living, we’re all feeling the need to be a bit savvier about our spending, and it’s great to see that food is still a top priority for many.”
So, how will you be spending your Christmas Day lunch?
About The HelloFresh Aussie Christmas Day Food Spending Report
The HelloFresh Aussie Christmas Day Food Spending Report offers a fascinating glimpse into how Aussies are navigating the balance between tradition and budgeting this holiday season.
For more information and insights about Christmas Day food spending in 2024, download the full report.
