The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has made its festive food predictions, anticipating “timeless traditions” blended with “modern convenience” during Christmas 2025.

Christmas gatherings are expected to be bigger and better than ever, AHDB said, as 80% of consumers plan on their celebrations being the same size, if not larger, than Christmas 2024, and almost two-fifths of get-togethers are likely to feature six or more people (AHDB/YouGov Pulse, November 2025).

With a fifth of consumers reportedly finding Christmas cooking stressful, and those aged 18-34 “especially keen” on preprepared proteins, AHDB anticipates a rise in demand for ready-to-cook and sous vide options that save time without sacrificing taste and quality, despite the associated higher price tag.

AHDB also found that side dishes such as roast potatoes, pigs in blankets and classic vegetables will remain staples as consumers seek nostalgia and comfort. It said eight out of ten consumers plan to eat the same or more cheese over the festive period than they normally would (AHDB/YouGov, November 2025). Cheeseboards dominated by Cheddar, brie and Stilton will be “essential” for more than one-third of households (Sparkminds, November 2025), said AHDB, and cheese selection packs will therefore likely see a boost in sales, offering a “convenient way to indulge”.

Festive meals will continue to be a central focus for Christmas budgets, as Charlotte Forkes-Rees, retail and consumer insight analyst at AHDB, said: “Despite nearly half of consumers planning to cut back on overall Christmas spending, food remains a ‘protected spend’ in the eyes of consumers, similar to children’s gifts and Christmas trees.”

Turkey is likely going to remain the protein of choice for those looking to celebrate, which AHDB said was unsurprising. However, it said Christmas day “isn’t the only occasion important to consumers” over the festive period and 75% of consumers plan to have at least one additional celebratory meal.

AHDB predicted turkey will likely take less of a “starring role” at these occasions, with beef, lamb, pork and gammon expected to increase their share on plates (AHDB/YouGov Pulse, November 2025).