Australians are divided on whether a traditional roast or seasonal seafood makes the perfect Christmas lunch, Canstar research has revealed, with the survey also showing the majority prefer practical gifts over splurging.
The insights are part of Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Awards for Christmas, based on feedback from over 1,500 Australians rating supermarkets on their festive food and sharing their holiday preparation habits.
Who won Canstar’s Christmas Awards?
ALDI has sleighed the competition, taking out four of the top honours as Australians’ favourite for leg ham, turkey, fruit mince pies and Christmas pudding. The supermarket earned five-star ratings across all categories, including overall satisfaction, value for money, taste, freshness, and packaging.
However, Coles whipped up a win for the favourite pavlova base, with a top rating across every category, too.
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| Canstar Most Satisfied Customers Christmas Awards | |
|---|---|
| Category | Winner |
| Leg ham | ALDI |
| Turkey | ALDI |
| Fruit mince pies | ALDI |
| Christmas pudding | ALDI |
| Pavlova base | Coles |
Freezing early and shopping last minute: what Australians do to prepare for their Christmas lunch
Australians will spend an average of $261 on their festive food and drinks, with a mostly even split of preferences between a ‘traditional’ menu of turkey or lamb, roast veggies and Christmas pudding, and a seasonal plate of seafood, salads and pavlova. Just under one-fifth (18%) like to cook food that reflects their culture and heritage.
When preparing for the festive feast, Canstar’s data shows there are a few different tactics:
- 28% wait until the last minute to buy their food to ensure it’s as fresh as possible, while 14% buy items before December and freeze them for later use.
- A dedicated 16% of respondents bake or cook all the Christmas foods they serve, while 39% serve a mix of home-baked and supermarket-branded items.
- For 16% of Aussies, the final menu is based on what’s cheapest, while 17% will always buy the same food, every year, regardless of the cost.
Secret, or not-so-secret Santa
When it comes to playing Santa Claus, Australians will spend an average of $620 on gifts, but for 35%, the list of who to buy for should be kept short – they think presents for relatives beyond the immediate family are unnecessary, with Baby Boomers agreeing the most, at 41%.
If you’re thinking of regifting, you may want to reconsider – only 27% of Aussies consider it acceptable. You might be in better luck with a novelty gift, however, with just 28% saying they are a waste of money.
What type of gifts will we find under the Christmas tree?
Australians err on the practical side of gift giving, Canstar’s survey data shows, with:
- Just under half (49%) prefer to give something that they know the other person needs or wants.
- 35% opting for gift cards because they know the other person can use them however they want.
- 25% prefer the most direct route for their Santa sleigh – asking exactly what the person wants and buying it for them.
Gifts all about fun and enjoyment are what 39% of respondents like to give, while 13% will splurge on something special or expensive that they know the other person would never buy for themselves.
The festive habits that may bring out the Grinch
Canstar’s survey also revealed the habits that bring out the Grinch in some Aussies, with the data showing:
- One in ten (10%) find it rude when someone spends more money on gifts than was agreed upon by family or friends.
- 15% don’t like playing Secret Santa/Santa Steal because they think they’ll just end up with a bad gift.
- 11% think a well-wrapped gift should be appreciated, and are offended when their gift recipient doesn’t acknowledge the time and effort they spent on it.
Canstar spokesperson, Eden Radford, says, “Christmas lunch or dinner is a special time for many, celebrating with family and friends around the table and enjoying delicious food.”
“When it comes to plating up the festive feast, Australians have rated ALDI and Coles as the top supermarket picks for Christmas foods, with ALDI winning four Canstar Most Satisfied Customers Awards for its leg of ham, turkey, Christmas pudding, and fruit mince pies, while Coles is the place to go for pavlova base.
“While the final menu might look different for every household, finding ways to save on your family’s favourites is something everyone can do to ensure they still get the best quality ingredients – whether it’s an award-winning ham, turkey or dessert – without blowing the budget.
“Before hitting the stores, take the time to compare food choices and prices, so you know which one will give you the best value. Simple strategies like comparing unit prices or swapping to supermarket brand alternatives can help families enjoy top-quality festive food without overspending.
“When it comes to gift giving, Santa also shouldn’t be the only one checking a list twice. Take the time to compare prices on the gifts you’re looking to buy to make sure you’re getting the best price for the best product.”
Canstar’s tips for a stress-free Christmas:
- Compare your Christmas food prices: Take a few minutes before you hit the shops to compare prices on your list and see which stores could help you save more.
- Swap what you can: Consider swapping items on your shopping list for lower-cost supermarket brand items.
- Set a gift spending limit: Set a budget for gift-giving with those you will be sharing Christmas with – this will help manage your own budget and keep expectations aligned on Christmas Day.
- Smarten up your Secret Santa: Use online tools or a shared document to share lists among family and friends.
- If you’re hosting, ask guests to contribute: Canstar’s data shows 8% of Australians resent having to host Christmas at their house. If you’re hosting this Christmas, find ways to lighten the load by asking guests to bring a plate or drinks.
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