Tesco anticipates Christmas celebrations will take on a more traditional approach this year as meat is to be a dinner staple for almost 80% of households.
In its sixth annual Christmas report, the leading retailer found that turkey will be the most popular centrepiece, followed by chicken for 11% of UK adults, roast beef for 6%, lamb for 4% and steak for 2%.
However, Tesco is also expecting 14% to serve vegetarian dishes and 6% to offer vegan meals as it has launched more alternative options this year with over 100 Plant Chef and Free From products.
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It found that prawn cocktail, smoked salmon, and trifle, alongside classics including mince pies and pigs in blankets will be on the table this year, while party food is on the rise with Tesco predicting an increase in sales of 44%.
Cheeseboards are also likely to become one of the most popular dessert options, while beer is expected to be one of the most common pairings with Christmas dinner.
The supermarket found that 31% want a bigget celebration than last year and earlier this month, it announced that Delivery Saver Christmas slots would be opening a week earlier than last year to manage the high demand for festive food.
While celebrations are likely to be bigger for many, Tesco also said that there is an increase in shoppers planning to use supermarket loyalty schemes to save money.
Tesco group customer director, Emma Botton, said: “After an unpredictable summer filled with heatwaves and downpours, it’s no surprise that as a nation we’re looking forward to Christmas more than ever.
“Tesco has created a Christmas range of over a thousand products so customers will be able to enjoy nostalgic influences, brought to life through innovative flavours and reimagined classics.”
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Watch out for the choleeterol though ….