Key Takeaways:
- The cost of a classic Christmas meal in New Zealand has increased by $30-$57 compared to last year
- A roast meat meal for 10 people now costs around $200, up from $178 last year
- A barbecue meal for 10 people can cost around $300 for the core meats, or $380 overall with snacks and dessert
- Meat prices, particularly for classic options like steak and lamb, have increased significantly
- Energy costs, including electricity and gas prices, have also risen, making it more expensive to cook a Christmas meal
- Dessert options, such as eggs and toppings for pavlova, have also become more expensive
Introduction to Christmas Meal Costs
The cost of a traditional Christmas feast is on the rise, with the average cost of a roast meat meal for 10 people increasing to around $200, up from $178 last year. According to Infometrics, a company that tracks the cost of a classic Christmas meal, the increase in costs is largely due to higher energy prices, particularly for electricity and gas. Chief executive and principal economist Brad Olsen notes that electricity price inflation is up 12 percent over the past 12 months, while gas prices have risen by 17 percent. This means that even before you start cooking, the cost of turning on the barbecue is already higher than it was last year.
Menu Options and Costs
Infometrics looked at two different menu options for Christmas: a barbecue-based meal with steak, lamb chops, classic salads, and sausages on bread, and a more traditional option of roast lamb, roast pork, ham, potatoes, kumura, pumpkin, and beans. The cost of a roast meat meal for 10 people is now around $200, while a barbecue meal can cost around $300 for the core meats, or $380 overall with snacks and dessert. Adding dessert and entrees to the roast meat meal can increase the cost to around $275. Olsen notes that while the increase in costs may not seem significant to some, for many households, the extra $30-$57 is a substantial amount.
Meat Prices and Affordability
Meat prices are a significant contributor to the increased cost of a Christmas meal, with classic options like steak and lamb being particularly expensive. Sirloin steak, for example, can cost over $45 per kilogram, while roast lamb can cost around $25 per kilogram. However, there are more affordable options available, such as chicken, which can cost between $7 and $16 per kilogram. Olsen notes that households can consider these alternative options to reduce the cost of their Christmas meal.
Dessert Costs and Toppings
Dessert options, such as pavlova, are also becoming more expensive due to higher egg prices. Egg prices have increased by around 12 percent over the past year, making it more costly to make traditional Christmas desserts. Additionally, toppings for pavlova, such as kiwifruit and sultanas, have also increased in price, with kiwifruit being 44 percent more expensive than last year. Olsen notes that these increased costs can add up quickly, making it more challenging for households to afford a traditional Christmas feast.
Christmas Season and Financial Stress
The Christmas season is already a stressful time for many households, and the increased cost of a Christmas meal can add to the financial burden. Olsen notes that December is the biggest spend-up month of the year, with households purchasing Christmas presents, attending social events, and taking advantage of Boxing Day sales. The added cost of a Christmas meal can be a significant stress test on family finances, making it essential for households to plan and budget carefully to avoid financial strain. By being aware of the increased costs and considering more affordable options, households can enjoy a traditional Christmas feast without breaking the bank.