What's In The HelloFresh Christmas Day Food Spending Report?
As the holiday season approaches, Australians are finding new ways to celebrate, plan, and adapt their traditions amidst rising costs. The HelloFresh Aussie Christmas Day Food Spending Report 2024 dives into the latest insights on how the nation is budgeting, changing their meal plans, and keeping the festive spirit alive at the dinner table this year..jpg)
What Aussies Are Willing To Spend For Christmas Day Food
Australians are embracing a variety of festive spending habits this Christmas, shaped by generational differences and regional trends. Here is a snapshot of what our survey revealed about what people are looking to spend this year for Christmas Day catering:
- Generational Patterns: Over 38% of younger Australians plan to spend between $100 and $300, while older Australians (55–75) favour more conservative budgets, with 30% spending under $100.
- State Spending Snapshots: Queenslanders are leading the pack, with 43% planning to spend $100–$300 this Christmas. Meanwhile, Tasmanians remain undecided (28%) but show a slight lean towards splurging over $500. NSW and WA households are embracing more cautious spending trends.
The Big Changes In Christmas Food Spending This Year
In 2024, Australians are approaching their Christmas spending with a focus on balancing celebration and practicality. Our survey revealed 48% of all Australians are changing to their food budgets this year with younger Australians (18-34) leading the charge. Many are adapting their budgets and prioritising flexibility to make Christmas special. Older generations, meanwhile, are staying steady, with just over half of those surveyed least likely to change their spending habits.
The Reasons Aussies Are Spending Differently This Christmas
From higher grocery bills to shifting guest lists, these key factors are influencing Christmas Day catering budgets for Australians celebrating in 2024:
- Rising Costs At The Checkout: Ingredient prices have prompted 48% of Australians to adjust their budgets, with larger households and middle-aged groups balancing traditions with practicality.
- Changes To Guests Lists: In order to reshape celebrations, 26% of Aussies are changing guest lists, with younger groups (25-44) leading the trend of scaling gatherings to fit budgets.
- Simpler Menus: Around 17% are choosing easier dishes or alternatives to keep the festive spirit alive without overspending.
- Brand Flexibility: Younger Australians (18-24) are the most adaptable, with 23% switching to more affordable brands to manage costs.
Keeping the Festive Spirit Alive on a Budget
Australia's Festive Favourites This Year
For Australians, a Christmas feast is more than just a meal—it's about celebrating the season with cherished flavours and festive favourites. This treemap highlights how participants prioritise their Christmas meal essentials, from most to least important. The size of each block reflects the prominence of each food category across ranks, showcasing the flavours that make the festive table complete. Here are some highlights::
- Ham: A true Christmas classic, ham remains a must-have for 39% of respondents. It's especially popular in the Northern Territory and ACT, where it’s paired with other food and drinks for a well-rounded spread.
- Seafood: With 21% of Australians prioritising seafood, it’s a highlight among younger age groups and features prominently in New South Wales and Victoria, where it complements diverse dishes like side plates and desserts.
- Side Dishes & Drinks: Younger age groups are also rounding out their meals with side dishes and drinks, with 14% allocating more of their budget to keep celebrations lively. NSW leads in moderate dessert spending, while Victorians focus on seafood and sides to complete their meals.
Make Your Festive Celebrations Go Further With HelloFresh
This Christmas, HelloFresh is here to make your celebrations as smooth and memorable as possible. With our easy-to-follow recipes, fresh ingredients, and festive meal ideas, we’re dedicated to helping you create delicious dishes that make every bite count.
Whether you’re sticking to classic holiday favourites or trying something new, HelloFresh offers the support you need to balance flavour, time, and convenience, so you can focus on what really matters—enjoying the season with your loved ones.