Will Your Christmas Dinner Cost More This Year?

This Christmas, the cost of a traditional festive dinner in the UK, featuring turkey and Brussels sprouts, has seen a notable increase. The average price for a turkey dinner with all the trimmings now stands at approximately £32.45, marking a £1.24 rise from last year—a nearly 4% increase. Factors such as bird flu affecting turkey populations and adverse weather conditions impacting sprout yields have contributed to these price hikes, although some items like potatoes and Christmas pudding have seen price reductions.

Last updated: 06 December 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

This year, as UK consumers prepare for Christmas dinner, rising costs for staple items like turkey and Brussels sprouts are impacting budgets. While the overall price of a typical festive meal has increased, some items have become cheaper, reflecting a mixed bag of economic factors at play. The retail tracking platform Assosia reported these changes based on prices from major supermarkets, providing a snapshot of current trends in food pricing.

Key takeaways

The average cost of a turkey dinner is now £32.45, up by nearly 4% from last year.
A standard frozen turkey now costs £20, a rise of 7.37% from 2024.
Brussels sprouts have increased by over 9%, costing 94p per bag.
Some festive items, like Christmas pudding and mince pies, are cheaper this year due to falling ingredient prices.
Price increases are attributed to bird flu culls and adverse weather affecting crop yields.

Timeline: how we got here

Several key events have shaped the current food pricing landscape for Christmas 2025:

2022: Food prices began to spike after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, impacting global supply chains.
2023: Bird flu outbreaks prompted early culls of turkeys across the UK.
2024: Adverse weather conditions, including a dry spring and summer, affected the harvest of Brussels sprouts and other vegetables.
December 2025: Current prices are reported, reflecting changes from the previous year.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest reports indicate that turkeys and Brussels sprouts have seen significant price increases due to supply chain disruptions and adverse weather conditions. The cost of a standard frozen turkey is now £20, while Brussels sprouts have risen to 94p per bag.

What was already established

Previous price patterns indicated gradual increases in food costs, particularly in the wake of global events affecting agriculture. Consumers have been experiencing a steady rise in food prices for several years, with the most substantial spikes occurring post-2022.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Households across the UK will feel the pinch as they prepare for Christmas, with the overall cost of festive meals rising. While some items like potatoes and parsnips remain stable or have reduced in price, consumers will need to adjust their budgets to accommodate the increased costs of traditional items like turkey and Brussels sprouts.

Businesses and jobs

The food retail sector may see an uptick in consumers opting for local butchers and farmers’ markets, as they seek quality products at potentially lower prices than supermarkets. This shift could support local businesses, although higher production costs for farmers due to feed, energy, and transport may still affect pricing.

Policy and regulation

Government policies surrounding agriculture and food production will be critical in managing future price stability. Ongoing consultations regarding food security and sustainability practices may aim to address the challenges posed by climate change and disease outbreaks affecting livestock.

Numbers that matter

£32.45: Average cost of a turkey dinner with trimmings in 2025.
£20: Price for a 10lb (4.55kg) frozen turkey, up from £18.62 last year.
94p: Cost of Brussels sprouts per bag, an increase of over 9%.
£2.59: Price of pigs in blankets, reflecting a 5.3% rise from last year.
£1.77: Cost of a pack of six iced mince pies, down 2.75% from 2024.

Definitions and jargon buster

Bird flu: A viral infection that affects birds, leading to culls in poultry to prevent outbreaks.
Retail tracking platform: A service that monitors and reports on consumer goods prices across various retailers.
Pigs in blankets: Sausages wrapped in bacon, a popular side dish during Christmas dinners.
Root vegetables: Vegetables that grow underground, such as carrots, potatoes, and parsnips.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Consumers should expect to see ongoing fluctuations in food prices as supermarkets adjust their offers to compete for Christmas shoppers. It may be beneficial to shop early to secure the best deals.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Monitoring food prices will remain important as buying patterns could shift. Seasonal trends may affect prices in early 2026, especially as farmers recover from adverse weather conditions.

Signals to watch

Reports on crop yields and livestock health due to weather and disease.
Changes in global commodity prices for ingredients like sugar and flour.
Government policies on food production and agricultural support.

Practical guidance

Do

Shop early for Christmas items to avoid last-minute price hikes.
Compare prices across supermarkets to find the best deals on festive essentials.
Consider purchasing from local butchers or farmers for higher quality products.

Don’t

Don’t wait until the last minute to buy perishable items.
Avoid impulse purchases; stick to your festive shopping list.
Don’t overlook discounts that may be offered on bulk purchases.

Checklist

Have you set a budget for your Christmas dinner?
Are you comparing prices at different retailers?
Have you checked for any local food markets or butcher shops?
Do you have a plan for leftover food to minimise waste?
Have you accounted for any dietary restrictions among guests?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While current trends in food pricing offer some insight, there are inherent uncertainties in agricultural production. Weather patterns, ongoing supply chain challenges, and potential further outbreaks of bird flu could significantly impact prices. Additionally, consumer behaviour may shift in response to economic pressures, making predictions difficult.

Bottom line

This Christmas, UK consumers are facing a mixture of rising costs and some reductions in food prices, creating a complicated shopping landscape. Understanding these dynamics can help families plan their festive meals more effectively, ensuring they can enjoy traditional fare without overspending.

FAQs

What is driving the rise in turkey prices this Christmas?

The rise in turkey prices is primarily due to bird flu outbreaks leading to culls and increased feed costs as farmers are forced to keep flocks indoors.

Are there any items that have decreased in price for Christmas 2025?

Yes, items like Christmas pudding and mince pies have seen price reductions this year, attributed to falling costs of flour and sugar.

How can I save money on my Christmas dinner?

To save money, consider shopping early, comparing prices across different supermarkets, and exploring local butchers for potentially better deals on quality meat.