The Great Christmas Budget Crunch: 25% of Brits are cutting carbs
Today’s research shows that a whole quarter of UK adults are scaling back their Christmas feasts. That’s one in four holiday diners opting for a lighter spread, and among the younger crowd (25‑34) the figure jumps as high as 19%.
What’s on the menu?
- Less lavish plates – 25% are trimming what they bring to the table.
- Half‑portioned portions – Around 9% (and a surprising 22% of 18‑24‑year‑olds) choose smaller servings.
- Guest contributions – 14% now expect visitors to chip in with their own food. Five percent are starting this habit this year because bills are high.
Why the shift?
With the cost of living ticking up, the research from Researchbods (a division of STRAT7) surveyed 2,000 UK adults. They’re echoing the question: “Does it even matter if my dish is a taste‑test?” Many are deciding to keep the spirit alive while keeping the wallet from overdraft.
Some light‑hearted survival hacks
- Send out a “soup club” invitation. Everybody brings a pot, everyone shares.
- Swap the roast for a big, hearty stew. Less fancy, but still filling.
- Ask guests about their favorite mis‑named dish; it’s a conversation starter and may save you the hungarian hoevel.
So, this holiday season, keep the cheer without the bank balance scare—order smart, share wisely, and let the Good Old Dip & Ploughshare tradition (yes, even in the 2025 sense) roof the growth of the festive table.
Xmas day gets less traditional
A Whopping 18% of Brits Spice Up Their Xmas Feasts
Turns out a sizable slice of the UK population—one in five—isn’t sticking to the standard roast turkey, stuffing, and cranberry cologne. Instead, they’re sneaking in dishes from faraway kitchens.
- 12% of folks serve just a couple of non‑traditional items alongside the classic fare.
- 6% go all in and redesign the whole dinner menu to taste like a global buffet.
Think about it: while you’re ordering gravy, someone’s feasting on vindaloo or dumplings. The number crunch isn’t just statistics—it’s a cultural mashup that’s redefining seasonal menus one plate at a time.
Christmas Feasts, the New Trend in the Kitchen
We’re living in an age where your friends may be vegan, vegetarian, or gluten‑free and yet still want to enjoy a festive spread. According to recent surveys:
- 18 % of people who have dietary preferences bring their own dishes to the Christmas table.
- 25 % of those aged 18‑24 are ready to whip up something on their own.
- 28 % of the 25‑34 crowd do the same.
<li Younger generations are even more enthusiastic:
Is that a sign of rebellion or just a convenient way to keep the kitchen extra cosy? Either way, it shows the old tradition of home‑cooked meals is still king.
Out‑of‑Home Dining – A Rare Occurrence
Only a small slice of the adult population treats a restaurant or take‑away as the main Christmas meal:
- Just 3 % of all adults choose to eat out during the holiday.
- A mere 2 % order takeaway.
The result? The comforting clatter of dinner plates in your own kitchen remains the heart of the season in the UK. Who needs a fancy dining room when you can have your own oven humming and your family laughing over a pot of pumpkin soup?
Sobering thoughts
Why More Adults Want Fewer Drinks This Christmas
A surprising 18 % of adults feel that the holiday flicker would shine brighter if folks drank a touch less alcohol. The trend is strongest among those in their 20s and 30s, where 28 % of 18‑24‑year‑olds and 26 % of 25‑34‑year‑olds echo that sentiment.
Practicalities Beating Party Spirits
Nearly a fifth (19 %) of people are planning to sip less because the cost of living is tightening their wallets. That number jumps to almost a quarter among the 18‑24 and 35‑44 groups (both at 26 %).
What’s Still Making the Holiday Table
- Wine takes the lead with 39 % of all adults raising a glass on Christmas Day.
<li Beer follows at 21 %.
<li Champagne & sparkling wine hold the third spot with 20 %.
<li Bailey’s Irish Cream is the classic crowd‑pleaser for 16 % of people, climbing to 20 % among those in their 45‑54 age bracket. Interestingly, 20 % of women plan to enjoy Bailey’s, whereas only 11 % of men will.
That 18‑24 Cocktail Craze
One in five (20 %) of the under‑25 crowd say that Instagram‑ and TikTok‑friendly cocktails are their go‑to Christmas drink—second only to wine in that age group.
So while the big spirit of Christmas is still pouring, many will keep the ale bottle to a friendly, “just enough” level. Merry sipping—and staying mindful!
Roasties and wine remain Christmas mainstays
2024 UK Christmas Feast Countdown
Once again, the heroes of the holiday spread are back on the plate: roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and a dash of broccoli. Saturday night parties, afternoon tea, and the usual Hogmanay gossip—all converging around a table that’s more potato‑centric than we’d like to admit.
Roast Potatoes: The Crown Jewel
- 81% of UK tables proudly feature roasted spuds—mailed soldiers of the festive banquet.
- They outshine the usual suspects: stuffing (69%), turkey (67%), Brussels sprouts (67%), carrots (67%) and pigs in blankets (65%).
- Good thing the potatoes are forgiving—no one expects a perfect golden crust on the first try.
Other Starters – Mix‑and‑Match
- Yorkshire puddings make a semi‑weekly pop—half (51%) of the families bring them to the table.
- Broccoli (39%) and peas (38%) earn a place on the sidelines; they’re the quiet sidekicks of the dinner.
- Cauliflower cheese gets a begrudging nod from 23% of kitchens—perfect for the “lets‑eat‑something‑green” crowd.
Sweet Endings: When Tradition Goes M.O.W.
- Traditional desserts are less “stop‑the‑clock” than expected: only 40% of households serve the classic Christmas pudding.
- Mince pies, ever‑depreciated by toddlers, are seen in just 34% of family pies.
- It appears even dessert loves to break the mould—maybe it’s time we jazzed things up.
Bottom line: the UK’s Christmas menu is less about letting the classics dominate and more about letting the family’s personal flavor steer the pot life. If you’re planning your own foodie fantasy, remember that a crisp, buttery potato is the real star that keeps everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds.
Insights from STRAT7 Researchbods
A Shiny New Christmas Menu
Frances Revel‑Cooper, the mastermind behind custom insights at STRAT7 Research, just dropped some hot tea on the holiday culinary scene.
She says: “The classic mistletoe‑kissed roast is getting a makeover. We’re talking about Indian curries, Chinese dumplings, plant‑based feasts, and a pantry full of surprises.”
Key take‑aways from her latest findings?
Why the Shift Matters
- Consumer taste buds are evolving — the “tonight’s the last pizza” mindset no longer applies.
- Vegan and world‑food options are on the rise, turning the kitchen into an international bazaar.
- Cost‑of‑living storm may loom, but the bar‑blazing tradition of Christmas dinner remains unbroken.
- Retailers, make sure your shelves can handle the spice wave – we’re talking in bulk.
What the Numbers Say
In a quick survey, about a third of respondents see Christmas dinner as the most taxing meal of the year. Yet, despite the desire to outsource that hefty menu, the holiday dinner remains a cornerstone for the grocery sector.
Looking Ahead
Even as the UK’s cultural, social, and economic fabric shifts, Frances is confident the tradition will not vanish. It will adapt, evolve, and get a sprinkle of global flair.
So, whether you’re a seasoned chef, a first‑time cook, or a food fanatic, get ready for a Christmas feast that will keep you rolling out of the kitchen – or at least keep the table full of eclectic delights.
