XMAS SPENDING UNWRAPPED: HELLOFRESH REVEALS WHERE AUSSIES ARE SPENDING ... & SAVING!

Dec 17, 2024

With Christmas just around the corner, HelloFresh has unwrapped a unique insight into how Aussies plan their festive feasts this year.

The HelloFresh Aussie Christmas Day Food Spending Report 2024 surveyed over 1,000 Australians to reveal how households balance tradition with rising grocery costs this Christmas.

HelloFresh commissioned the research to understand how Australian households adapted to current economic challenges and the impact on holiday traditions.

The findings highlight interesting shifts in spending and food choices, offering a snapshot of how Aussies prepare for a joyful and deliciously festive Christmas.

According to the research, younger Australians aged 18 to 34 are leading the charge regarding festive food budgets.

Over 38% of this group plan to spend a little bit or significantly more than last year, with budgets ranging between $100 and $300.

In contrast, 30% of older Australians, aged 55 to 75, are budgeting under $100, reflecting a more cautious approach.

Queenslanders our biggest Xmas spending planners

Regionally, Queenslanders are the biggest planners, with 43% allocating $100–$300. In contrast, while they are the most likely to go big, with many splurging over $500, with those in WA and NSW exhibiting more conservative spending trends.

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.

Household size plays a big role in shaping Christmas budgets. Single-person households are more cautious, with 21% planning to spend significantly less this year. Larger households of five or more people are more likely to splurge, with 24% planning to spend a little or significantly more.

The report also shows how rising grocery costs are influencing Christmas plans. Nearly half of households are adjusting their budgets to accommodate higher prices, while 26% of Aussies are scaling back the size of their celebrations.

Around 17% of Aussies opt for simpler menus, and 23% choose affordable brands to ensure their festive meals stay delicious and within budget.

From higher grocery bills to shifting guest lists, these key factors influence Christmas Day catering budgets for Australians celebrating in 2024.

Traditions Remain The Same

Despite these changes, some traditions stay constant – ham remains the star of the Christmas table for 39% of Aussies, with seafood and sides following closely behind.

Across Australia, the Northern Territory and ACT opt for a balanced seafood, ham, and drinks spread. New South Wales and Victoria embrace variety, with strong spending on side dishes, seafood, and drinks, while NSW also leads in moderate dessert spending.

Meanwhile, Tasmania stands out for its indulgence in desserts, showcasing a sweet tooth during the holiday season.

Hannah Gilbert, Senior Director of Product Development, Customer & Product Strategy – HelloFresh Group ANZ, said Australians were getting creative with their holiday spending this year to make sure they can still enjoy the season without overindulging:

“This Christmas, Aussies are finding smart ways to enjoy the season without overdoing it. With the rising cost of living, we’re all feeling the need to be a bit savvier about our spending, and it’s great to see that food is still a top priority for many," she said.

“Younger Aussies and larger families are ready to go the extra mile, with our data showing they value sharing a festive meal as a key part of the holiday experience and are ready to spend a little more to make their Christmas meal stand out. Whilst older generations are keeping spending steady.

“At HelloFresh, we celebrate this variety in holiday meals and are here to help make the Christmas meal experience easy and enjoyable for Australian families.

“Our insights reveal that while traditional favourites like ham and seafood still top the menu, Australians are increasingly considering more cost-effective catering options.

"Meal kits are seen as a valuable way to balance festive enjoyment with budget control, especially among younger people and families.

“Whatever you’re dishing up this Christmas, HelloFresh is committed to making Christmas memorable, tasty, and a little easier for everyone with delicious, balanced options that make your festive feast shine!”

HelloFresh is here to support Australians in making their festive season both convenient and delicious. Offering fresh ingredients, easy-to-follow recipes, and festive meal options, HelloFresh ensures that every celebration is stress-free and delicious.