Christmas is a time for seeing the people we love, taking a few days off and having fun. But, sadly, it's usually the most expensive time of the year, and many families will be looking to stretch every penny of their supermarket shopping budget.

A new study by savings platform Raisin UK, has tried to help by comparing the cost of essential Christmas dinner items across the UK’s leading supermarkets.

These included turkey, roast potatoes, stuffing, gravy, Brussel sprouts, carrots, pigs in blankets, parsnips, cranberry sauce, and Yorkshire puddings.

Kevin Mountford, savings expert and co-founder of Raisin UK, says: “As the cost of living continues to rise, families are looking for ways to enjoy the festive season without overspending. Supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl offer excellent value for quality meals, helping households keep costs down during this expensive time of year.

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“It’s also never too early to think about the year ahead and Christmas 2025. Setting up savings pots or using Christmas Saver accounts can help families prepare financially for next year’s celebrations. Small, regular contributions can make a big difference.”

Here’s how the supermarkets ranked for a family of four:

  • Aldi: £23.15 (£5.79 pp)
  • Lidl: £24.35 (£6.09 pp)
  • Morrisons: £27.53 (£6.88 pp)
  • Tesco: £27.79 (£6.95 pp)
  • Sainsbury’s: £28.32 (£7.08 pp)
  • Asda: £28.55 (£7.14 pp)
  • Iceland: £35.24 (£8.81 pp)
  • Waitrose: £42.95 (£10.74 pp)
  • M&S: £46.15 (£11.54 pp)

Aldi emerged as the clear winner for budget-conscious shoppers, offering a festive feast for a family of four at just £23.15—equating to £5.79 per person.

Lidl came in second, with a total meal cost of £24.35 (£6.09 per person), while Morrisons claimed third place at £27.53 (£6.88 per person). At the other end of the spectrum, M&S was the most expensive, costing £46.15, equating to £11.54 per person.

It's important to note that this comparison does not include loyalty card discounts. Prices for Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, Waitrose, Morrisons, and Iceland were compared online, while prices for M&S and Lidl were collected in-store. Price correct on November 26, but can change, so always check for the latest deals.