Christmas is an expensive time of year. Between presents, outings and of course, food bills can quickly climb. According to ONS data, food and non-alcoholic drink prices have remained stubbornly high this year, with an annual rate of inflation ranging from a low of 3% in March to a high of 5.1% in August.
That means finding a bargain in the supermarket is something of a Christmas miracle. Luckily, if you’re struggling to make ends meet this festive season, Capital One UK has analysed where shoppers can make some sizable savings.
Ricky Attenborrow, senior manager at Capital One UK, said: “Food prices have risen incredibly quickly in recent years, and many people will be feeling these rising costs even more acutely at this time of year – especially if they’re gearing up to host family and friends during the Christmas period.
“That’s why we’ve researched the cost of festive food staples to see where some of the biggest savings can be made.”
Although turkey is the traditional Christmas roast, they can be extortionately expensive. One of the biggest saves comes by swapping the turkey for chicken.
A two-kilo turkey crown costs around £20.82, while a whole chicken of the same weight costs roughly £6.08 – meaning you take home a saving of £14.74.
Even better, chicken cooks faster than turkey and is easier to prepare, meaning a simpler meal and more time to spend with your guests.
Another way to save is by swapping some of the fresh vegetables for frozen. Although potatoes, carrots and parsnips are cheaper to buy fresh, things like brussel sprouts can be almost £2 cheaper.
Pigs in blankets are also much cheaper to make yourself rather than buy ready-made. Using chipolatas and streaky bacon costs around £2.23, whereas a ready-made pack can be up to £4.
The extra effort is well worth it – not only will it save you cash, but it means you can decide the ratio of sausage to bacon yourself.
Ricky said: “You don’t need to make drastic cutbacks to put the pounds back in your pocket; some simple product swaps and small savings here and there can quickly add up to making a real difference.”
