The 12 tips of Christmas: saving on festive food

Here’s our list of 12 top tips to make sure your Christmas is merry, and your budget stays on track.
 

1. Take control of your Christmas budget
   Plan your Christmas spending early by setting a realistic budget for gifts, food, and other holiday expenses. Visit our budgeting section for help with managing your finances.
    
2. Create a perfect menu plan
   Start by planning your meals so you know exactly what you’ll need. This avoids last-minute purchases, keeps you on budget and will help with making the all-important shopping list
    
3. Make a list and check it thrice
   Festive treats are tempting but stay focused. Make a shopping list and check it against your meal plan. This will help you avoid impulse buys that can add up quickly and lead to food waste.
    
4. Stock up early
   Stock up on items like canned goods, baking supplies, and sauces before the holiday rush. They’re often cheaper in the weeks leading up to Christmas, so grab those deals and help spread the load.
    
5. Freeze some veggies
   Frozen vegetables are affordable, nutritious, and you only use what you need. Stock up on options like Brussels sprouts, peas, and green beans for easy, budget-friendly sides.
    
6. Prepare ahead
   Make soups, pies, and sauces in advance and freeze them. Preparing ahead can save you time and reduces costs by not buying ready-made dishes closer to Christmas.
    
7. Save energy when Christmas cooking
   Maximise oven space by cooking multiple dishes at once or use energy-efficient appliances like microwaves for vegetables and air fryers for potatoes. The Consumer Council has an Appliance Cost Checker to help you understand how much money your appliances are costing to use. Find out more tips on BBC’s energy-saving Christmas recipes.
    
8. Choose budget-friendly cuts of meat
   Swap pricey cuts for affordable options like a pork shoulder instead of a roast ham. These cuts are great for slow cooking and are packed full of flavour. 
    
9. Buy own brand items
   Choose supermarket own-brands over premium brands for holiday essentials. They are often cheaper and lower in salt and sugar, making them a healthier choice too.
    
10. Use your loyalty points
    Cash-in on those supermarket points or digital coupons for holiday purchases. Many stores offer festive promotions, so check apps and emails for seasonal discounts (but only if they’re on your list anyway!)
     
11. Host a potluck feast
    Inviting guests? Make it a potluck feast! Each person brings a dish which cuts down on cost, not to mention stress, and gives everyone a chance to show off their cooking skills. 
     
12. On the twelfth day of Christmas, get creative with leftovers
    Turn Christmas leftovers into new meals! Try the supercook app where you put in what ingredients you have and it creates recipes for you. This means less waste more savings and bonus meals.
     

These 12 tips of Christmas will help you serve a feast that’s merry and bright—without stretching your budget. For more festive tips and money-saving ideas, keep an eye on the Consumer Council website and social media this season!