2023-12-24 09:47:38
The end-of-year celebrations are an unparalleled opportunity to organize large family tables!
While we often try to bring together all generations, and even invite distant relatives, the food budget is appropriate. There is no question of neglecting these culinary celebrations at the heart of the conviviality of Christmas!
But how much should you budget for and are there any tips for limiting the bill without compromising on taste? We took out the calculator.
Prices still high
The Christmas meal costs a little more than €120 on average, according to annual opinion surveys carried out by the CSA institute for Cofidis (€127 in 2022, €117 in 2021 and €124 in 2020).
It must be said that we favor choice dishes, the prices of which have experienced strong inflation due to the increase in the cost of raw materials, energy or even the avian flu of 2021-2022.
In December 2022, the “Christmas basket” established for a meal for six people per France BlueFranceInfo andNielsenIQ Institutethus reached €117 on average, up €10 compared to 2021, while that prepared by RTL for eight people amounted to €217 (compared to €189 the previous year).
The price spikes notably concerned turkey (+17% or +24% depending on the basket), frozen log (+11.8% for France Bleu and +18% for RTL) or even smoked salmon (+10.4% or +15.84%).
A year later, the average prices recorded at the Rungis wholesale market by the Market News Network (in charge of national quotes) are rather stable.
For example, premium quality French duck foie gras is priced at €41 excluding VAT per kg in October 2023, compared to €42 in October 2022, where smoked salmon ranges between €35 and €38 excluding VAT per kg ( Scotland, Norway or organic), slightly increasing (between €33 and €37 in 2022).
As for the price of the essential Christmas log, more difficult to estimate, it should also remain high taking into account the inflation of dairy products and especially sugar, but also the cost of energy which is reflected in desserts frozen.
Delicious and economical alternatives
While food prices increased by 9.6% between September 2022 and September 2023 according to INSEE, the French are reducing their purchases (-10% compared to 2021).
However, the Christmas meal is traditionally preserved by families who prefer to tighten their belts in advance and multiply the good deals to enjoy this celebration.
Start by establishing a maximum budget per guest and making a list of necessary purchases. Then take advantage of promotions and private sales to purchase non-perishable products in advance at the best price, such as wine, delicatessens or foie gras, the price of which skyrockets in December.
Likewise, nothing stops you from buying your fresh shellfish early enough and freezing them.
Another tip: limit the quantities of the most expensive dishes by taking care of the accompaniments. A fig compote and an apple salad will enhance the foie gras as a starter, while allowing you to reduce the number of slices. Alternatively, you can replace it with a succulent fish or game terrine, which is not only more economical but also helps avoid force-feeding.
Likewise, if poultry is less expensive than fish or red meat, capon, chicken and turkey remain expensive (€30 per kilo for a capon), where guinea fowl capon (for 6 to 8 people) and guinea fowl (4 to 5 people) are appreciated for their tender flesh which can also be stuffed.
Even more original, why not offer a quail per person? A tasty and inexpensive alternative!
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