Brits ditch traditional Turkey dinner at Christmas for alternatives

The new rules of Christmas have been revealed - with turkey and panto out and double puddings in. Good Housekeeping's 2024 consumer survey has found that half of people are thinking of serving or have served an alternative roast on the big day.

Angela Trofymova, head of testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute, said: “We’ve noticed a real change in habits when it comes to the centrepiece meal.

"The traditional turkey is still a firm favourite for many, but there’s now a plethora of alternative meat options, many glazed in spiced treacle, or cheaper cuts slow-cooked until they melt in the mouth. We’ve also seen real innovation in desserts where premium-tasting options like cheesecakes are proving very popular.”

Venison, beef and chicken are becoming more popular, while 64% are looking to ditch Christmas pudding. Three quarters of people are looking to serve two desserts, with Angela saying these have become more innovative in recent years and also include less traditional products such as cheesecakes.

Other festive traditions are on the way out, with 20% saying they have stopped making and decorating their own Christmas cake, 34% have stopped going to the pantomime and 32% no longer go to church.

The traditional, tinsel-strewn office party is losing its lure, too, with 60% saying they’ve decided not to bother. But traditions with staying power include Christmas cards, with 58% of people still sending these, advent calendars which appeal to 52%.

Half of us think watching the telly together is an important part of the festive experience, meanwhile 35% will watch the King's Speech. A third us love donning a festive pullover for Christmas Jumper Day.

The polling also found the way that consumers spend money at Christmas is changing, with 48% cutting their budget because of the cost-of-living crisis. Four in ten will save the rest of the year in a bid to make Christmas special.

The poll also found 60% of people say they are huge fans of the festive season - but 3% are Scrooges who would rather forget about it. Jane Bruton, Good Housekeeping UK editor-in-chief said: “While consumers are tightening their budgets this Christmas, our latest data reveals that the excitement for the holiday season remains as strong as ever."

The full Christmas Survey results can be read in the December issue of Good Housekeeping, on sale now.