Turkey could soon lose its crown as centrepiece of Christmas, according to Herts charity
Research shows more families are opting for chicken, beef, and other alternatives
Turkey’s reign as the centrepiece of Christmas dinner is being challenged, with increasing numbers of families across the UK choosing to serve different meats and alternatives this year, according to a Hertfordshire charity.
Data from the Institute of Grocery Distribution grocery (IGD), based in Watford, reveals that only 52% of shoppers nationwide are expected to include turkey in their festive feast this Christmas, a significant drop from 60% in 2019.
In the South East, that figure is even lower, with turkey appearing on just 48% of Christmas dinner plates.
IDG say chicken and beef have become increasingly popular, with predictions suggesting that one in four families (25%) across the UK will opt for chicken over turkey this year.
Non-traditional choices like seafood and pork are growing in popularity too, and vegetarian and vegan meals now account for 13% of Christmas dinners across the country.
What’s behind changing Christmas food trends?
Turkey has been a festive fixture for over three-quarters of a century, gaining prominence in part due to cultural moments such as its memorable appearance in Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol.
However, IGD’s insights point to financial pressures and modern dietary habits as factors contributing to its waning dominance today.
These financial pressures extend beyond grocery choices. Forty-six percent of households anticipate dining out less frequently at restaurants, pubs, and cafés this Christmas - with only 8% suggesting they might do so more.
Turkey’s festive future
While traditional turkey farmers experience the impact of declining demand, chicken farmers could become the main beneficiaries of shifting food preferences.
James Walton, Chief Economist at IGD, emphasized the gradual evolution of Christmas dinner trends.
He said: “Turkey has been the centrepiece of the nation’s Christmas table for longer than most of us can remember. But other meats such as chicken and beef are starting to muscle in on turkey’s dominance, which shows that people are open to trying other alternatives beyond the traditional choice. These shifts take time, but turkey’s long-held supremacy as the go-to for Christmas dinners could be starting to slip.”