Inflation’s Impact on Christmas: How Rising Costs Are Changing Aussie Spending Habits
As inflation continues to bite, HelloFresh has delved into how Aussies are adjusting their Christmas spending habits. The HelloFresh Aussie Christmas Day Spending Report 2024 surveyed over 1,000 Australians, uncovering the evolving priorities and trade-offs households are making to keep the holiday spirit alive despite rising costs.
HelloFresh’s research reveals that inflation is prompting many Australians to rethink their Christmas budgets, but the joy of sharing festive meals remains non-negotiable for most. The findings offer a fresh perspective on how Aussies are navigating economic pressures this season, from adapting menus to embracing alternative traditions.
Despite financial pressures, younger Australians (18–34) continue to prioritise holiday celebrations, with 36% planning to spend more than last year. Budgets in this group typically range from $100 to $300, showcasing their commitment to creating a memorable Christmas despite rising costs.
In contrast, older Australians (55–75) are more cautious. With 27% spending less than last year and nearly one-third sticking to budgets under $100, this demographic is embracing a more frugal festive approach.
Regional differences paint an interesting picture. Queenslanders lead in moderate spending, with 46% allocating $100–$300, while Western Australians and Victorians are more likely to cut back or seek cost-effective solutions.
Inflation is reshaping the Aussie Christmas table, with 48% of households adjusting their festive budgets to account for rising prices. Many are reducing guest lists, with 25% opting for smaller gatherings to keep costs manageable. Others are simplifying menus, as 21% focus on creating standout dishes with fewer ingredients. Additionally, 29% are choosing affordable grocery brands to maintain quality and flavour without overspending.
The size of a household also influences spending habits. Larger families with five or more members are the most likely to increase their budgets, with 22% planning to splurge more this year. Single-person households, however, are scaling back, with 19% spending significantly less.
Despite these changes, some traditions remain the same, as ham continues to be the centrepiece of the Christmas table for 39% of Australians, closely followed by seafood and side dishes. Across the country, preferences vary, with the Northern Territory and ACT favouring a balanced spread of ham, seafood, and drinks.
New South Wales and Victoria showcase diverse menus, with strong focus on sides, seafood, and beverages, while NSW takes the lead in moderate dessert spending. Tasmania, however, steals the spotlight for its love of desserts, reflecting a distinct sweet tooth during the festive season.
Hannah Gilbert, Senior Director Product Development, Customer & Product Strategy – HelloFresh Group ANZ explains Australians are 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.”
“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!”
The Aussie Christmas Food Spending Report
The HelloFresh Aussie Christmas Food Spending Report provides valuable insights into how Australians are navigating the festive season’s food costs. The report reflects a nation committed to preserving holiday traditions while adapting to the financial challenges of 2024. For more information and insights about Christmas Day food spending in 2024, download the full report.
About HelloFresh
HelloFresh SE is a global food solutions group and the world's leading meal kit company. The HelloFresh Group consists of eight brands that provide customers with high-quality food and recipes for different meal occasions. The Company was founded in Berlin in November 2011 and operates in the USA, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Australia, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, France, Denmark, Norway, Italy, Ireland and Spain. In Q3 2023 HelloFresh delivered over 236 million meals and reached 7.1 million active customers. HelloFresh SE went public on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in November 2017 and is currently traded on the MDAX (Mid-Cap German Stock Market Index). The HelloFresh Group has offices in Berlin, Saarbrücken, New York, Chicago, Boulder, London, Amsterdam, Sydney, Toronto, Auckland, Paris, Copenhagen, Milan, Dublin and Barcelona.
